Hello from Cape Town South Africa

[Aran]

Hi guys, I'm sure it's pretty unusual to find anyone on this forum from outside the US let alone someone from South Africa. Well, I happen to be from Cape Town and have a great interest in all kinds of muzzleloading firearms, particularly 18th century flintlocks.
I don't know how I really found my way into this hobby as it REALLY isn't a prevalent thing around here. However, my interest in old, more traditional ways of doing things, led me to learn about blackpowder and how to make it and so on until I discovered the old guns and how they work and so on.
I was very excited to build one of these guns and so I ordered my first flinter from Dixie's about 6 months ago. It was a bottom of the line Traditions Frontier Rifle kit. I realised it was cheap for a reason and have spent a lot of time since building it to modify it. This led me to create an account on the muzzleloadingforum.
Sorry if this introduction is a bit long winded xD

Hello.
:haha:

 

[PA.1740]

WELCOME :hatsoff: !!!!!!!!!!!!
Have Fun
Phil

 

[Spikebuck]

Welcome! Glad you found the MLF.

Not that unusual to have people from outside North America on the forum. I love hearing about traditional muzzleloading in other countries.

One of my dream hunts would be to get to your neck of the woods someday. Look forward to you sharing information about shooting and hunting there.

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

Welcome :hatsoff:

Dixie Gun Works has been around for a very long time. I think it would be safe to say Dixie has provided a lot of inspiration for the black powder fans.

This is a good place to be. Lots of interesting people and information. :thumbsup:

 

[Aran]

Quite strict laws here on shooting and hunting, so might not be doing much as far as hunting goes. As much as I'd love to, the cost and availlability of hunting here is very inhibiting. However, I do plan on changing this and possibly working with others to reintroduce wildlife into nearby areas, similar to what's been done in the US.

This is something I feel needs to change and we need more freedom to live off the land the way our ancestors did.
:thumbsup:

 

[gunmaker43]

Isn't there a muzzleloading publication down there called WhiteSmoke or close to that. My understanding from talking with a man from there is quite a few clubs shoot in that neck of the woods. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Aran]

Hi Tom. Thanks for sharing the info on white smoke, didnt know about it. Just add .co.za to the end of whitesmoke for the website. They've got a small forum of shooters and list some clubs around south africa. The trouble is I live in Cape Town and all of the clubs and ranges are really far away from here. Most of them are in the Gauteng province which is about a two days drive from here.
There is one range/shooting club I know of which is about a 5 hour drive away, which still isnt ideal at all. So far I've been shooting some targets at an open "range" about an hour and a half away. It isn't a proper rifle range and is meant for clay pigeon shooting competitions in the nearby town. I havn't yet had the chance to have a proper shooting table with a bench rest for shooting groups.

Why there aren't more people interested in muzzleloading around here I don't understand.
:shake: :idunno:

As far as hunting goes, I may be wrong, but it seems as if hunting is only allowed on private property. The places I've searched nearby me cost a lot and include hiring guns and guides and things, which really isn't what I'm looking for.

But like I said before I'd like to see some change and plan on doing something to change the current restriction on hunting and shooting.

:v

 

[nit wit]

Aran:
My friend Dort Bigg introduced me to a big time taxidermist Rodney Kirchmeyer(I think). I believe he is near you. He was really into bp.Nice guy.
Welcome to the forum.
Nit Wit