Just shot in my first ML competition!

[noahmercy]

Due to the extreme generosity of a friend from Montana, I was able to attend a BP pie shoot today here in Sheridan. He loaned me a 54 GPR (like the one I'll have when I finish assembling my kit ) and helped keep me on top of the goings on so I didn't hold anyone up. I got to see some great shooters doing their thing and was able to handle some truly fine rifles (traditional ONLY allowed at this club). It's really incredible to me how individual rifles are. I've gotten that impression from this forum and reading articles in the gun rags, but it's really driven home when you see thirty shooters on the line and not a one of them has a rifle identical to another!

I'm not sure if this match was indicative of all ML shoots, but it was very laid back and the shooting pace wasn't hurried or in any way frantic. If a competitor had a misfire, hangfire, etc., everyone just kicked back and took the oportunity to swab their bores or shoot the breeze. They were also very accomodating and helpful to a fat, hairy, four-eyed newbie! Even the weather cooperated...mid 50's (yes, I typed that correctly), overcast, almost no breeze, and high humidity.

The targets were paper, but they were creative and challenging. I got a feel for what I want to do with my GPR's sights (I think I want a thinner blade than what comes on it). Just knocking around between relays, I was able to ring an 18" long scale buffalo target at 125 yards the first go 'round.

Do I need to tell you I'm hooked? Before this, I only thought I might like to get involved...now I'm POSITIVE!

Oh, and despite the fact that I hadn't fired a muzzleloader in years, I didn't embarrass myself too badly. In point of fact, I'm having apple pie for dessert tonight ::.

:thumbsup:

 

[roundball]

I know you're flyin' high tonight...congratulations...it's a great hobby!!
:redthumb:

 

congats as the guy who got me started says damn son this is more addictive to crack and its legal. ::

 

[Trina]

I'm not sure if this match was indicative of all ML shoots, but it was very laid back and the shooting pace wasn't hurried or in any way frantic. If a competitor had a misfire, hangfire, etc., everyone just kicked back and took the oportunity to swab their bores or shoot the breeze.

This has been my experience with going to shoots as you describe above... and if something happens to a shooters gun, you have no shortages of hands to help, or thoughts about fixing it.. advice given in the kindest way, from fellas that have been around, to folks that are new to the sport...wont be long before you will be helpin out a pilgrim that is as full of as excitement as you are right now, maybe even loaning your gun so they can shoot. The excitement in their eyes, and the knowledge that you have just passed on your addiction, is thanks enough,lol :haha:

With my DH is was a ham shoot that hooked him... he won two pounds of bacon, I think it was about 3 1/2 years ago :haha: :haha:

Glad to hear you had a good time and a good shoot... enjoy your pie... eace:

 

[Bob J]

Way to go, Noah Mercy :thumbsup: Sounds like you had a lot of fun! And that kind of enthusiasm is what its all about

 

[RJR]

The bug has bit! :hatsoff:

 

[walruskid1]

1st of many shoots i hope. the club i belong to has very laid back competetions. we shoot at a mark, a picture of a candle(shot closest to the flame), clays and other challenges. we did a rapid fire but had a few ramrods down range. :crackup: sure do enjoy them even more now that my son competes with me

 

[noahmercy]

I know whatcha' mean about helpful folks. Why, when I shot a really good relay (woulda' been perfect if my group was 3/4" higher), several fellas offered to adjust my sights for me. (As an example of what good sports they were, it was only guys I had outshot who made the offer... :hmm I question how slight an adjustment could be performed with 8 pound sledges, tomahawks, and mauls, but they assured me they were "precision tools" and they had "fixed lots of pilgrims' guns" with them. Well, I had to decline since the gun wasn't mine, and to their credit, most of them seemed genuinely disappointed they couldn't help change my POI. :crackup:

Seriously, thanks to all who have replied. I figgered I'd enjoy ML competition, I just was surprised at how much I liked it.

:thumbsup:

 

[roundball]

And if you're a hunter, the rush will continue...you start taking deer with a Flintlock and your .30-06's will just start collecting dust
:front:

 

[Cruzatte]

Well Noah, hang on. 'Cause the muzzleloading disease only gets worse! :crackup:

Cruzatte

 

[OTHERN]

I assume you met Misfire, Ed green and Bret Smith and others. Real helpful, esp Misfire, except he doesn't know anything. Listen to whatever Ed Green says, he's won more stuff than most anyone I know. I've shot with these guys for years and they are great. I haven't been to their pie shoot for sometime, got to go again. You picked a great place to start shooting.

Othern

 

[Trina]

Why, when I shot a really good relay (woulda' been perfect if my group was 3/4" higher), several fellas offered to adjust my sights for me. (As an example of what good sports they were, it was only guys I had outshot who

Well heck, I told ya they would help ya.. didnt say they were gonna help ya win... :haha: :haha: :crackup:

 

[MikeChapin]

Too bad I missed you. I was going to go to that shoot but wound up with family coming in from Oregon this weekend so had to pass.

Misfire and Ed were down for our primative shoot a couple of weeks ago. I was supposed to go up and stay with Verlin Dannar and come to the pie shoot. Oh well...maybe next year. I may try to hit some of the monthly shoots up there.

Most of the shoots here in Wyoming are rather laid back. It has been that way since I started 25 or so years back. They are a great bunch of people. Coming back after 15 years or so I find they are the same great bunch they always were.

Get your gun finished and hit some more shoots. It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

 

[noahmercy]

Othern, Mike, you guys aren't the only ones to pass along the sentiment that I have a great club here. And now that I've been there and met the members and seen them do their thing, I know exactly what y'all mean. I am humbled by having access to the vast knowledge and BS of these experienced shooters. :crackup: :master:

 

[montanadan]

Hey Noah-you need to come down to casper for Winter Challenge,glad your having fun.Your Pard..Montanadan

 

[noahmercy]

Montanadan, do you have the dates yet? I'd love to attend this year. I'll have my gear lined out and might even be able to offer some competition to any blind shooters who might show up. (No promises on that count tho...)

:thumbsup:

 

[montanadan]

Noah-the dates are not set as yet,but generally the third week end in Feb.I will E-mail you when they are set.Noah if you shoot muzzleloaders as well as you shoot CAS,you will do just fine...Respectfully Montanadan..P.S. winter challenge is a club and team shoot,a lot of fun.