MUZZLE LOADER
The shooting of muzzle loaders in gun clubs has gained in popularity since the 1997 handgun ban. This is due to the fact that muzzle loaders are now the only true pistol we are allowed to shoot. Single shot (usually percussion) muzzle loaders are common but, at least amongst pistol shooters that used chambered rounds prior to the ban, revolvers rule. Of the many replica muzzle loading revolvers available the 1868 Remmington is a popular selection. They are inexpensively priced at around £230 (with used prices as low as £50): This can be a very cheap sport to get involved in.
By tradition, the propellant used by muzzle loaders is black powder. Most shooters use this propellant, even though the storage and carriage of black powder is covered by strict legislation. Other less strictly controlled propellants such as Pyrodex are also available, though they are considered even more corrosive than black powder. Therefore the weapon needs to be thoroughly cleaned after use. As an alternative, revolver cylinders are available that use clean burning nitro-cellulose propellant, but at around £250 these cylinders incur greater expense, and this type of cylinder needs to be added to the firearms certificate.
As far as single shot pistols are concerned, to load the gun a measured charge of powder is poured down the muzzle; this is followed by the projectile, usually wrapped in a cotton patch that grips the riffling in riffled barrels. The projectile fired by Muzzle loaded pistols usually takes the form of a ball; the tightest groups are (arguably) produced using traditional ball, though conventional bullet forms can be used. The muzzle loader projectile is fed into the weapon through the same hole from which it exits, hence the term 'muzzle loader'. The patch wrapping the projectile is usually lubricated to stop fouling. In percussion guns, a cap is then placed over the nipple. When the gun is fired the hammer strikes this cap and this initiates combustion of the main charge. The charge can be ignited by other methods (flintlock, wheel lock or matchlock), but this type of system is much rarer than percussion.
Revolvers are loaded in much the same way, but revolvers are more dangerous to fire unless special precautions are taken. The cylinder contains several (usually 5 or 6) separate charges, and these charges are in close proximity to one another. The small holes at the rear of the cylinder are covered by the caps but, provided these caps are seated correctly, the charges are isolated from one another at the rear. At the business end of the cylinder, especially if ill fitting or chipped balls are used, sparks can set off all cylinders simultaneously, causing what is known as a 'chain fire'. Chain fire is something not to be experienced! Traditionally shooters used to seal the front of the cylinder with tallow or grease; indeed the 'Muzzle Loaders Association of Great Britain' (MLAGB) and some other clubs still do this. Some indoor ranges (including Ross-on-Wye) does not sanction the use of muzzle loaders at the range using this method; When the revolver is fired, the tallow or grease is spread about the range inconveniencing other shooters. Therefore a different method is employed: The powder in the cylinder is followed by a thick (4-5mm) lubricated wad made of felt. When the ball is rammed home, this wad is compressed, thus sealing the charge. These wads are available commercially, but they can also be made by the shooter.
Muzzle loaders must be handled competently, with the safety of the shooter and anyone else in proximity is paramount. Therefore the shooter must comply with strict safety procedures. However, far from being detrimental, this all adds to the challenge of shooting the weapon competently and competitively.
At Ross-on-Wye, the Precision Pistol or Revolver, Bow Street Runner and Cavalry Officer competition is open to muzzle loaders and it is run by Phoenix. Shooters of this competition are allowed a little more leeway, unlike some competitions which are shot in the 'spirit of the original'. In 'spirit of the original', shooters are only allowed to use antique weapons (or faithful reproductions of them) that have not been altered in any way. Since Precision Percussion Pistol or Revolver is not shot in the spirit of the original, shooters are allowed to modify their weapons, provided Iron sights are used. Indeed, these competitions can be shot using more modern weapons such as the Ruger 'new model army'. The shooter must be standing unsupported for all these competitions.
Precision Percussion Pistol or Revolver
This competition is shot at 20 yards range, using iron sights. The shooter must stand unsupported and fire 12 shots. The best 10 of these shots are counted, with the remaining 2 being ignored. The shooter is allowed a generous 30 minutes in which to complete this discipline.
This competition is similar to the Gallery Riffle Precision and Timed competition. The competitor shoots at 3 different distances, commencing with the revolver at a 45 degree angle to the ground. Distance 1 is 25 metres; the shooter must place 12 shots on the target in 2 minutes (time includes reloading of weapon). Distance 2 is 15 metres. This is shot on turning targets, in 2 strings of 6. The target faces up for 2 seconds, with intervals of 5 seconds. A single shot is placed on the target at each appearance. The final distance is 10 metres, and this time 6 shots are fired which require 'double tapping'. The target makes 3 appearances of 3 seconds with a 5 second 'away' interval. 2 shots must be placed on the target at each appearance. This ends the sequence.
This competition runs along similar lines to the Gallery Riffle Multiple Target competition. There are 4 strings of six shots, with each string shot at a different range. The competitor begins with his revolver at a 45 degree angle to the ground. Practice 1 requires 6 shots to be placed on the left hand target within 30 seconds, at a range of 25 metres. 3 shots must be placed on each target inside 20 seconds for practice 2; this is done at 20 metres. For practice 3, which is shot at 15 metres, the target exposes itself 3 times for 3 to 4 seconds. 2 shots are placed on the right hand target for each appearance. Finally 3 shots must be placed on each target, at a 10 metre distance, within 15 seconds.