Will be here Friday, I'm looking forward to getting it. Anyone here got one and if so what are your thoughts. Where does it fit in competition shooting ?
I almost bought one of these but I bought something else instead. Not that this is a bad gun. I just happened on to a deal with another gun. I still like the idea of this model and the Flintlock model to go with it.
As to "where does it fit in competitive shooting".. well two options come to mind. There's American shooting - so NMLRA (National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association) or NRA (National Rifle Association) sanctioned matches. Then there's International shooting - MLAIC (Muzzle Loading Association International Committee) events.
The NMLRA holds regional shooting events called Territorials throughout the year. You could shoot in one near you. You could also shoot at their National Championship Matches. The NRA's National Championship match is in June and the NMLRA's National Championship match is in September. Both take place at the NMLRA's shooting range/complex/headquarters in Friendship Indiana.
At the NMLRA/NRA National Championship matches there are "traditional", and "international" type matches. These matches require the use of an original or reproduction of an original gun. Your gun fits this. The main event or national championship match is a little more relaxed in it's rules and custom/target enhanced type guns are permitted. They have modern adjustable sights, special grips, the works. Your gun can be used there too but you'll be going against guns that are using every modern advantage permitted.
MLAIC or international type shooting is a bit different. The United States has a team and they shoot at the Worlds Championship events. I think it's every two years and take turns with different countries hosting the event. International events are original guns or reproductions of original guns only. The target's scoring rings are smaller, and you only shoot one target and at 25 meters. NMLRA/NRA events shoot aggregate matches (multiple targets) and at distances of 25 and 50 yards.
So this may seem like a lot but it's just a little food for thought as to what kind of matches you might find your self working to shoot in. Be confident in knowing that your gun was built for target and competitive shooting and where it's not the most expensive gun out there, it's totally capable of shooting the groups needed to win. What will matter most is how you load and shoot it.