I am new to muzzleloading and figured I would like to find out a little more about the pastime. I looked on the internet and found out from the Washington State Muzzleloaders Association that there was a shoot to be held this morning down at the Capitol City Gun Club. They meet monthly on the first Saturday at 10 am for the shoot.
I drove down and ended up having a great time. The fellows I met (the names of most of whom I have completely forgotten--sorry!) were all enthusiastic and very friendly. I got to see a wide variety of muzzleloading firearms, ranging from Thompson Centers and Lymans to hand-built flintlocks. Two of the gentlemen even allowed me to fire their rifles.
One was a custom flintlock made in the style of the Lancaster rifle. .45 caliber with a swamped barrel and a beautifully finished stock. Jim, its owner and maker, showed me how to prime and load his rifle and gave me a quick tutorial on its double set trigger. I took aim at the silhouette target and BANG!! I surprised myself by actually hitting the target. Jim said it is a tack driver. I would have to agree.
The second fellow, and I am afraid I have forgotten his name, had a beautiful .45 caliber half-stocked percussion rifle. I remember that it had a nice rust brown finish on the barrel and buckhorn sights. He showed me how to install a cap from a slick little brass holder and then let me fire his rifle. Once again, I was able not to embarass myself and hit the silhouette.
This was my first experience firing black powder rifles. I was impressed with the gentle recoil; more of a push than a slam. Kind of like a rocket taking off down the barrel. As I said above, I had a great time and plan to be back for the next shoot with this group of guys.
I think I am hooked.
I drove down and ended up having a great time. The fellows I met (the names of most of whom I have completely forgotten--sorry!) were all enthusiastic and very friendly. I got to see a wide variety of muzzleloading firearms, ranging from Thompson Centers and Lymans to hand-built flintlocks. Two of the gentlemen even allowed me to fire their rifles.
One was a custom flintlock made in the style of the Lancaster rifle. .45 caliber with a swamped barrel and a beautifully finished stock. Jim, its owner and maker, showed me how to prime and load his rifle and gave me a quick tutorial on its double set trigger. I took aim at the silhouette target and BANG!! I surprised myself by actually hitting the target. Jim said it is a tack driver. I would have to agree.
The second fellow, and I am afraid I have forgotten his name, had a beautiful .45 caliber half-stocked percussion rifle. I remember that it had a nice rust brown finish on the barrel and buckhorn sights. He showed me how to install a cap from a slick little brass holder and then let me fire his rifle. Once again, I was able not to embarass myself and hit the silhouette.
This was my first experience firing black powder rifles. I was impressed with the gentle recoil; more of a push than a slam. Kind of like a rocket taking off down the barrel. As I said above, I had a great time and plan to be back for the next shoot with this group of guys.
I think I am hooked.
