But first: why should anyone not into historical re-creation be interested in shooting primitive black powder guns?
Because I think it makes you a better shooter, even with modern cartridge guns.
Shooting black powder weapons is a slower paced, more contemplative type of shooting. It takes time to load the weapons, and you have to be completely 'present' during the whole process. Black powder is likewise a slower burning, less powerful propellant -- meaning that you have to be more aware of what you're trying to accomplish at the range or when hunting. And the whole ignition process of black powder weapons takes much more time than modern cartridge guns, meaning that you have to be better able to maintain control over your firearm over a longer time, staying on target and making sure your shooting form is correct. If you've ever taken any kind of martial arts training, you've probably learned that doing the moves slowly is MUCH harder than doing them quickly -- the same is very true of shooting black powder guns.
The guns we'll be shooting.
I'll be borrowing three guns from a friend, and don't have them yet. But here are the guns of mine we'll be shooting in the workshop. All are modern reproductions.
Colt Paterson in .36 cal.
Liegi Derringer in .44 cal.
An IX De Gendarmerie in .58 cal.
Doglock Blunderbuss Flintlock in .62 cal.
Remington New Army Model 1858 Carbine in .44 cal.
The guns I'll be borrowing include a 15th century Hand Gonne in .62 cal, a Flintlock Hand Mortar, and a Matchlock in .62 cal.
This will give us a good sampling of most of the major types of black powder firearms through history until about the time of the US Civil War.
What you'll learn.
We'll cover the basics of how to safely handle, load, and fire black powder firearms, as well as the differences in storage and cleaning of black powder guns from modern firearms. I will demonstrate each type of firearm, explain its history and importance, and then you will have a chance to shoot each one at least once.
What you need to bring to the workshop.
Period clothing??? Nah, don't sweat it. That was just a bit of a joke. But you should probably wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, since shooting black powder tends to be messier than shooting modern cartridge guns.
But do wear real closed-toe shoes of some type. Your standard ear protection. And definitely eye protection -- black powder can sometimes 'spray' hot particles. I'll have some extra gear if anyone needs to borrow.
If you have your own primitive black powder firearms you want to bring to show or shoot or share, feel free. Most of the afternoon part of the class will be "free shoot" of the different guns I have, for anyone who wants to do so.
And lastly ... a gun giveaway!
Yup, everyone who registers for the class will be entered into a drawing for this special edition Liegi Derringer:
I hope to see you there.
