Abstract: A method of making a ceramic setter comprises forming a mixture of ceramic particulates and a binder to a shape of a green ceramic setter. The green ceramic setter then is placed on a metallic support member such that air ingress is provided therebetween for allowing access of air to the surface of the setter adjacent the support member. The green setter on the support member is placed in a burn-out hood. A volatile constituent of the biinder is ignited to burn off excess volatile constituent. The air ingress allows ambient air to reach the bottom surface of the green setter adjacent to the support member as well as the top surface of the green setter such that the volatile constituent of the binder is ignited and burned at both the top and bottom surfaces of the green setter. Use of the support member in this manner results in a significant reduction in green setter contour distortion during the burn-out operation.

Abstract: A scope mount base enables a scope to be mounted upon a black powder rifle with no need that additional mounting holes be drilled and tapped in the rifle barrel. The base includes a bar adapted to be secured to factory-formed holes in the rifle barrel and is particularly well-suited for use in conjunction with scope mounting rings which provide the user with the option of sighting the rifle through the iron sights of the rifle or the scope.