idonthaveamusketyet:|
.50 caliber
opinions on muzzleloaders as in people who load from the muzzle who are new at the hobby?
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Thoughts on new muzzleloaders
- Thread starter idonthaveamusketyet:|
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user 48679
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My opinion is they are as thirsty to learn as we are to educate them - and I'm glad to see new enthusiasm for our sport/interests.
There is a new crop every year. As such, they know relatively nothing about the sport. For me personally, I have to realize that I started muzzleloading 45+ years ago. People entering muzzleloading have a 45 year newer idea of what it is all about. The advancements have been fantastic. I have to be patient during all the talk about inline, 777, 209 primers, pellet powders, hi viz sight, etc., and just hand them a flintlock and tell them to shoot it. After the inevitable chuckle, and "Wow!" we can start talking where they want to make their entry into the wonderful world of muzzleloading. Open minded patience is the ticket; two things I am not necessarily good at.
Overall, I think we traditional muzzleloaders are rare birds. For the most part, I think we are in the game for the history, the challenge, tradition, and maybe nostalgia.
I think that most people who get into muzzleloading today are in it mainly for the additional hunting opportunities and so they choose one of those modern muzzleloading abominations.
I think many, if not most people today are lazy. When they experience the necessary cleaning of a muzzleloader, they put the gun away and forget it.
Several years ago a friend brought his grandson to me. The teenager had received a Traditions St. Louis Hawken from somewhere and I was asked to show him how to use it. We began with checking to see if the rifle was loaded. Then I explained gun safety, the loading process, all of that sort of thing. Going outside, I watched as the boy loaded a light charge of 50 grains in his .50 caliber rifle. He fired one shot. One, and he was finished. He did not want to shoot it again. I explained how he needed to clean it. Grandfather and grandson then departed. I don't know if the boy ever did clean the rifle.
I think that most people who get into muzzleloading today are in it mainly for the additional hunting opportunities and so they choose one of those modern muzzleloading abominations.
I think many, if not most people today are lazy. When they experience the necessary cleaning of a muzzleloader, they put the gun away and forget it.
Several years ago a friend brought his grandson to me. The teenager had received a Traditions St. Louis Hawken from somewhere and I was asked to show him how to use it. We began with checking to see if the rifle was loaded. Then I explained gun safety, the loading process, all of that sort of thing. Going outside, I watched as the boy loaded a light charge of 50 grains in his .50 caliber rifle. He fired one shot. One, and he was finished. He did not want to shoot it again. I explained how he needed to clean it. Grandfather and grandson then departed. I don't know if the boy ever did clean the rifle.
Not sure I'm understanding what you're asking?
If someone wanted to get into muzzleloading today, I'd probably recommend looking for a flintlock rifle or pistol.
Yes, there is a bit of a learning curve involved but not that much different from percussion lock guns.
Lead and black powder are available along with gun flints.
#10 and # 11 caps are in short supply. Without caps your SOL.
That's why I would suggest a flintlock for a newbie.
If someone wanted to get into muzzleloading today, I'd probably recommend looking for a flintlock rifle or pistol.
Yes, there is a bit of a learning curve involved but not that much different from percussion lock guns.
Lead and black powder are available along with gun flints.
#10 and # 11 caps are in short supply. Without caps your SOL.
That's why I would suggest a flintlock for a newbie.
I am new. I came in from the historical interest side and found the hobby from Google/YouTube. This website has been an amazing resource.
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I don't know for sure what your question is but I think I would qualify as one who is pretty new to the hobby. I had never fired or even handled a muzzleloader of any kind until a year and a half ago.
I didn't have a mentor so when I decided to check out this aspect of the shooting sport I did a lot of internet research. It didn't take long to figure out that caps were about as scarce as primers for my modern guns so I bought a flintlock and using what I'd learned online started shooting it. I was plenty nervous the first time I pulled the trigger but it sure felt good when the gun not only fired, but the ball actually hit the target.
How did that all work out? Here I am 18 months later and I now own 4 flintlock rifles and a flintlock pistol. I make my own powder and cast my own lead round balls. I'll have to say that I'm really glad I found this new hobby. I've sent thousands of balls down range and it's still fun every time.
By the way, see my join date? That's 4 days before I took delivery of my first flintlock. I learned a lot here before I ever shot one.
I didn't have a mentor so when I decided to check out this aspect of the shooting sport I did a lot of internet research. It didn't take long to figure out that caps were about as scarce as primers for my modern guns so I bought a flintlock and using what I'd learned online started shooting it. I was plenty nervous the first time I pulled the trigger but it sure felt good when the gun not only fired, but the ball actually hit the target.
How did that all work out? Here I am 18 months later and I now own 4 flintlock rifles and a flintlock pistol. I make my own powder and cast my own lead round balls. I'll have to say that I'm really glad I found this new hobby. I've sent thousands of balls down range and it's still fun every time.
By the way, see my join date? That's 4 days before I took delivery of my first flintlock. I learned a lot here before I ever shot one.
Johnny Tremain
Silversmith in training
This is not sport stuff, its killing stuff, just another excuse to go out and kill Bambi.
We reject all this modern tech for old fashion common products like soap and water.
It's hard not to roll my eyes when they talk about this stuff...
hanshi
Cannon
The future die hards (newbie) have to have at least some measure of the "less is more" philosophy. Other than that it's about what motivated we oldsters.
New muzzleloaders are coming onboard in a different world than many of us really old-timers. On one hand, muzzle loading in the 60's and 70's were more active club-wise - formal and informal "shoots", rendezvous, get-togethers. As time went on, lots more choices of off-the-shelf guns & accessories became available of a traditional nature hit the market. Civil war centennial and later Bicentennial got history buffs fired up. Folks had FUN.
But - to "get into" muzzleloading, folks had to actually, physically go to those places & events to become involved or read actual books/magazines. We had mentors - even government ones (state conservation depts even) - who took others under their wings. It was a personal thing. Paper catalogs were the main way to buy what was needed and stores actually had designated muzzle loading departments, fully stocked.
Internet changed things a lot and people, in general, have changed. What used to be meaningful social interaction has been replaced with impersonal, self-centered self-interest and instant gratification. No need to form social networks, travel to gunshows, swap/trade, nor master the nuances of traditional muzzle loading to hunt. Pick up a "real" bound book ,,nah, just Google a U Tube. Difference between Cliff's Notes and a hard copy.
If it were not for forums like this one, there's really not much of a way for many people to learn nor "talk" with like-minded people. Still, there are a few really good clubs and groups "out there" having the same fun we have always had. New people just need to find 'em, put down cellphones, and join the fun.
But - to "get into" muzzleloading, folks had to actually, physically go to those places & events to become involved or read actual books/magazines. We had mentors - even government ones (state conservation depts even) - who took others under their wings. It was a personal thing. Paper catalogs were the main way to buy what was needed and stores actually had designated muzzle loading departments, fully stocked.
Internet changed things a lot and people, in general, have changed. What used to be meaningful social interaction has been replaced with impersonal, self-centered self-interest and instant gratification. No need to form social networks, travel to gunshows, swap/trade, nor master the nuances of traditional muzzle loading to hunt. Pick up a "real" bound book ,,nah, just Google a U Tube. Difference between Cliff's Notes and a hard copy.
If it were not for forums like this one, there's really not much of a way for many people to learn nor "talk" with like-minded people. Still, there are a few really good clubs and groups "out there" having the same fun we have always had. New people just need to find 'em, put down cellphones, and join the fun.
I have two.
1. I think their great! I remember being one.
2. May God have mercy on their poor sorry souls, for once smitten with the obsession there is no ending, fated to a lifetime of learning and experimentation,, the merciless "need" to find the perfect patch lube, the best combination for a rifle,, only to find themselves lost in the sleepless nights pondering "What rifle should I buy next",, (should it be a fowler?),,(knowing you need a flint, only to find yourself buying another capper because it was a bargain price ,)
Trying to explain to the spouse why you need a powder horn,, it's endless, ///////////
I find shotgunners to make an easy transition. First, they handle a nicely apportioned gun. The big heavy club assumption is put to rest immediately. Shoot a few flying targets and see it is extraordinarily effective. Now, point out you can load for mice to moose on a whim and usually without a trip to the store. Different gauges? Same components or just different cards that are inexpensive and come in 500 pack or 1000 pack. In a pinch, no need for store bought components. I’ve recently got two converts. One could not afford a dedicated conventional waterfowl gun. He got a 10-gauge ML for $600 and it came with some components. Frankly he could have used something he had but he is convinced that he needs to shoot 1 1/2 oz of shot and that a waterfowl gun is supposed to be heavy. There's also a savings by not purchasing steel shot cartridges. Second person wanted a lightweight bird gun and did not want to spend thousands of dollars. He found a 5 pound 12 Oz British 20 gauge for $695. Not so much luck with rifle shooters. Most are used to and reliant in scopes. Depending on skill and style they want to or need to shoot 200+ yards. Much tougher sell here…
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