October 23, 2016 Fall muzzleloader shoot

Post date: Oct 06, 2016 11:59:18 PM

MORGANTOWN ROD & GUN CLUB

MUZZLE LOADER GET TOGETHER

The Muzzle Loader Committee has decided that we should get together to do some more black powder shootin’.    So we are gonna’ have a fall shoot October 23, 2016.  The following will outline the particulars of the Shoot.

Fees/Prizes:

The entry fee will be $10.00 per shooter for the use of the Club Facilities, snacks and refreshments.  In addition, this will be a Money Shoot with the Target fees split between the Club and the winner(s).  The target fee is $1.00 per target.  Depending on the number of participants, it will be a per target winner or an accumulative winner.  So, if we have 6 or more shooters, each winner per target will split the pot for that target.  If we have 5 or less shooters, the overall point winner will split the pot with the Club.

Registration will be from noon ‘til one and the shoot will begin at 1 PM with a brief orientation.  The Club will provide all targets along with black powder solvent and patches for routine cleaning.  Each shooter will be responsible for powder, patches,and balls for their individual guns. Cold sodas, water and snacks will be available throughout the afternoon. 

Guns and Ammo:

The targets will be designed to accommodate both pistols and rifles. Both flintlock and percussion guns are acceptable and there are no caliber restrictions.  However, only patched round balls are allowed for rifles and no conical pistol bullets.  Black powder or “fake” black powder (Pyrodex) is allowed but each shooter is responsible for the proper granulation and load for their weapon.  Only loose powder loads and patched round balls, no cartridge or in-line guns can be used.  Also, only iron or aperture/peep sights will be allowed.  No tubular, telescopic or “aim point” type sights are permitted.

Safety:

First and foremost, we are concerned about Safety!  Since we don’t have contained cartridges and have loose powder, we must be on our toes!  Black Powder can ignite from a spark or a lingering ember in the barrel, but also from compression.  (I didn’t think so, but I shot a left over ½ pound can of black powder with my .30-06 at 100 yards a few years back and the explosion was impressive.)  For Safety, each participant will be teamed with one or two others so we have a safe shoot.  Plus it makes loading and pouring powder easier.  

Loading and Priming:  Loading a gun may be performed behind the firing line at anytime.  However, you cannot prime or cap a gun until it is your turn to shoot and you are ready on the firing line.  Only one primed/caped gun at a time will be allowed on the line.  And as always, you should minimize the time your face, hands and fingers are in front of or near the muzzle during loading.

Snapped Cap/Flash in the Pan/Hang Fires/Etc.:   While on the firing line, if you pull the trigger and the gun fails to fire you must maintain aim of the gun at the backstop.  Black powder guns are well known for misfires and hang fires, especially flintlocks.  We will review our procedures for such events at the Orientation.

One final and most important note:  The loading of a gun CANNOT be done directly from a flask, powder horn or powder can!  Loading MUST be from a powder measure that can hold no more than 200 grains.

The Shoot:

This is still up in the air, but the Black Powder Committee had agreed on several targets and we will have a fun shoot. Initially, we will have the following:

* - “Foul the Bore” shot, off hand at 50 yards (NMLRA Target)

* - One Foot shot at 10 yards (snake)

* - Split the Ball shot from the bench at 25 yards (two rounds)

* - The Girl, sitting at 10 yards

* - Shoot the spoon, bench at 25 yards

* - Last round will be the “Dueling Shot” (I‘ll provide the revolver.)

I have thoughts about a few more and my Imagination can run wild!  LOL!  So figure on $20 to cover the fees.  The Club has steel targets we can use and I have some thoughts on that too.

Scoring, Judging and the Winner:

Since this is likely to be a small affair, and in the Mountain Man tradition, all of the participants will have an equal say in judging the scores.  I reckon 90%-95% of the shots will be a no brainer and the other 5% to 10% should be resolved by Majority Rule.  For all paper targets, if your ball touches a line, even in the smallest way, the score will be for the higher value.  If your ball just puts the slightest nick in the paper target edge, you will get credit for the minimum value.  The split the ball targets must show physical damage (lead smear, chip, etc.) from a hit.  If there is not a consensus amongst the participants on a particular shot, the Shoot Organizer will be the final arbiter of any scoring resolutions.  

Any tied scores will be resolved with one shot by each the tied competitor, off hand at 50 yards using the NMLRA Target until the tie is resolved with highest score winning or until the tied Competitors agree to a resolution, or hell freezes over.

The Winner will be the shooter with the highest point score per target or cumulative, depending on the number of participants.  A Second Place winner will be awarded Morgantown Rod and Gun Club Sportswear apparel.