First Organized ML shoot

[biliff]

Going to my first "organized" muzzleloader shoot on Saturday. Just a little local monthly competition on the other side of town. I've done the registered skeet thing, the IPSIC thing and the CAS thing so I'm not new to competitive shooting but thought I'd ask for any thoughts, inputs or advice from the forum since the front stuffer community seems to be a tad bit more :hmm: :hmm: eccentric :hmm: compared to some of the others I've been involved with.

 

[David Teague]

It really depends on the club that's hosting the shoot.

I seen club matches where most people tried to dress in historical clothing, where there was a mix, or it's just a group shooters in normal streetwear.

I've seen clubs where people are friendly and will chat right up to the firing line, or even rib each other while shooting, I seen clubs where no one speaks on the range and winning the match is what it is all about.

Just go with your kit and have a good time.

Best of luck (and skill :winking: ),

David

 

[David Teague]

Hey Bakeoven, I just saw where you are from (sorta),
what part of the State are you in?

I grew up In John Day, and started shooting BP there in the early 70's, before moving to Alaska in 1980.

DT

 

[charcloth]

Bill,

Try not to bust a gut at the first sight of chrome tanned leather or outfits that appear to be made from a herd of naughas. I swear I saw a "Capital One Raider" at the last event I attended. Have fun.

Charcloth

 

[biliff]

Hey Bakeoven, I just saw where you are from (sorta),
what part of the State are you in?

I grew up In John Day, and started shooting BP there in the early 70's, before moving to Alaska in 1980.

DT

I'm on the wet side (Portland). Do a lot of bird/deer hunting around the Arlington area.
Spent some time in Alaska (Adak) myself, courtesy of the United States Navy.

 

[Norskie]

Find the range officer and tell him you're new to muzzleloading but experienced with shooting competitively. Follow his lead. Those fellows appreciate knowing if there's somebody on the line that might need a pointer or two.
And what do you mean, eccentric? Every sootburner I know is... well. Okay, you got a point.

 

[RiverRat]

Hi Bill, from your shooting in that team competition a while back, you will be turning some heads. I found that the people in the ml community are a friendly bunch.....have fun :thumbsup:

 

[sneakon]

It does depend on the folks shooting doesn't it? The club I shoot with has two shoots per month. One is a fun shoot with most wearing their mountain man garb and not caring much about where they hit the target. The other shoot is much more organized with the tackle box shooters developing handicaps. Only traditional guns are used, however.

 

[CARBABY]

Courtesy Hint: One courtesy when shooting A FLINTLOCK competitively at the line. As you prepare to raise your rifle and shoot - call out “Flintlock” so the shooters to your Left (for a right hand lock) is/are aware that a commotion is going to happen. (of course if shooters are spaced out 20 feet from each other there’s usually no problem.) And avoid pulling up and screaming that for a moment if the shooter next to you is holding and sighted. {Keeps the hostility to a minimum.}

 

[bwhoffman]

Howdy,
where and when are you going?
I'm in Newberg and am going out for the first time this weekend....same scenario!
Myself and my son and another gent and his boy will be going out to yamhill. Talked with some people there and it seems real laid back.

Post where you are going and when, perhaps our trails will cross!

Brett

 

[Deadeye]

Deathwind, it's the shooters on your right that you yell flintlock for (for a right handed lock)
so they can get out of the way of the blast coming out of your touch hole. Yep, I've been hit in the head or neck a few times by shooters that didn't yell, stings like the devil :cursing:

 

[CARBABY]

My MISTAKE. Yep it's the shooter to one's Right
who has to duck the flash for a right hand flint lock. HAD A DISCONNECT IN THE THINKING PROCESS...AGE THING. I really screw the line up because I shoot a left-handed flint lock and I had some guys walk up on the left when all hell broke out. Only to say .... I see your shooting a Left-hand flint lock.

 

[biliff]

Howdy,
where and when are you going?
I'm in Newberg and am going out for the first time this weekend....same scenario!
Myself and my son and another gent and his boy will be going out to yamhill. Talked with some people there and it seems real laid back.

Post where you are going and when, perhaps our trails will cross!

Brett

If you're going out to shoot with The Forest Hills BP Brigade out by the Flyin' M then I guess we'll probably run into each other on Saturday. I contacted 'em via e-mail back in December and they seemed real friendly. My home club is Tri-County, but all their muzzleloader shoots are on Sundays and that's a work day for me.
I'll be the guy shooting the muzzleloader :rotf: .
Seriously, I'm not going to be in costume or anything but I will be carrying an Isaac Haines style rock lock with a really nice piece of wood on it (most people don't remember diddly about me but they remember the gun).
Gotta love any place that gives you GPS coordinates in order to find 'em.

 

[Stumpkiller]

I swear I saw a "Capital One Raider" at the last event I attended.

"Sure, we had a merry time pillaging."

:rotf: I love those. My wife says the guy in the taxi with the crossbow reminds her of me. :rotf:

Be aware of your powder and other's flashes. If you're shooting from benches be sure to keep everything covered. Getting snarled at by the safety officer has the effect of putting you on edge and spoiling your concentration all day.

Don't forget to pick the vent and wipe the frizzen between shots. You're representing the Forum now. :rotf:

 

Oh! and be sure you bring a blow tube or swab in between each shot. :grin:
Good luck,
Don

 

[bwhoffman]

Sounds like a date!
I called Larry Mead on the phone a few months back and talked with him for about an hour....real nice guy.
they start at 9:30ish, shoot til around noon, do lunch and do some more with pistols, hawk, knife ect.
I'm looking forward to it.
we will be the newbie looking guys with the teenagers in tow that you cant tell diddly squat to!
although we have shot lots of stuff and some BP.

Brett sr

 

[biliff]

Don't forget to pick the vent and wipe the frizzen between shots. You're representing the Forum now. :rotf:

Oh great, just what I need some more PRESSURE. :shocked2:

 

[Big John]

Just do what many first timers do ..win the event!