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A smokin' blast. Went to my first BP shoot.

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PT7
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A smokin' blast. Went to my first BP shoot.

Post by PT7 » Sat Jul 27, 2019 9:21 pm

As I wrote earlier this week, I planned to go to a BP shoot today. Left early this morning to beat the heat, predicted at +90* for the afternoon. My timing worked out well; the cool morning was great, but just didn't last long enough. ;)

Glad I remembered my camera, and have some range photos in this report. I got connected with an RO, who spent a good amount of time introducing me both to the range safety & shooting procedures, as well as guiding me through the first time loading my 50 CAL pistol. I had a really grand time, and I've found I like shooting BP quite a lot. Following is how it all went.

Ft. Osage Muzzlerloaders range entrance, and a "tree trunk target" display just before the range line.
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Found some nice shade to park in, and headed toward the range.
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I set my target at 25 yards, which was the shortest range yardage FOML uses. My white target with black bull is hanging just to the right of second post from the left. Now glance at the far left of this picture, and you'll see the longer range. I think this one is 100 yards.
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A lot of BP smoke hung around in the cool and humid air. After this fellow shot his rifle, I did see a smoke ring jump in front of this "cloud" and moved along for 5-6 yards before disappearing. It was a cool sight. He was a newbie like me, and only his second time out with his rifle. Fun to chat with him. He participated in a "specialty shoot," where folk shot at very small targets, e.g clothespins, ping pong balls, straws, pencils, etc. He was excited when he split a straw in half!
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My pistol at the loading bench.
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The target. I really wasn't concerned with accuracy today. Mainly wanted to learn how to handle the pistol. Really learned a lot, and enjoyed it, too. I got a pleasant surprise also. When I asked the RO about sighting in the pistol, he said "not needed." I think he was focusing on making sure I was "safe" on the range, and "safe" in handling the pistol.

So I didn't need a bench rest, and got to shoot standing, off hand, one-hand only. Perfect, perfect, perfect. The very best way to go. This target is a 20" circle, standard muzzleloader 25-yard pistol target (a P-2), with the black set up with the 9 & 10 rings, plus the bull. The black is 3" diameter.

I shot .490 Hornady round balls with 20 grains of powder. Shot 10 rounds from 25 yards. My first POI is lower left in 7-ring, my 10th POI was the one to the right of bull center, just above the black 9-ring. Seven POIs inside target, one outside low left, and two left in the MO dirt.
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Someday I may set up the bench rest to see how well the pistol is sighted in. For now, the off hand, one-hand shooting is all I'll do. :D I'm ready to do this day again!👍

Thanks for looking.
PT7
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Re: A smokin' blast. Went to my first BP shoot.

Post by BrokenolMarine » Sat Jul 27, 2019 9:42 pm

Looks like you had a good day, finally got to put lead on target, and enjoyed it. To top it off, you met shooters who enjoy the same sport as you do. Wouldn't be a point in asking if you plan on joining their group. :D
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Re: A smokin' blast. Went to my first BP shoot.

Post by GunnyGene » Sat Jul 27, 2019 9:55 pm

Yep, BP is fun alright. I haven't loaded up my revolver for a couple years, so it's your fault if I get out back tomorrow. ;) Great looking pistol too. I checked the specs on it, and it has a 1:20 RH twist (slow), so you might not have to compensate for spin drift at longer ranges, but if you start hitting on the right side at longer ranges don't automatically adjust your sights, just aim left to compensate.
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Re: A smokin' blast. Went to my first BP shoot.

Post by RanchRoper » Sat Jul 27, 2019 10:15 pm

Well done PT7! Ya done us proud. That is a real nice range. Your target looks darn good for a first time outing. Way to go...
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Re: A smokin' blast. Went to my first BP shoot.

Post by JEBar » Sat Jul 27, 2019 10:42 pm

great to hear you enjoyed yourself and do hope you will continue to enjoy black powder shooting for a long time to come
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Re: A smokin' blast. Went to my first BP shoot.

Post by RanchRoper » Sat Jul 27, 2019 10:50 pm

Those black powder muzzle loaders are cool but if someone could just invent a self contained casing with the powder in it, that would somehow launch a lead projectile downrange.....hmmmm.
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Re: A smokin' blast. Went to my first BP shoot.

Post by BigAl52 » Sat Jul 27, 2019 11:05 pm

I knew you would enjoy it PT careful now you could become fully addicted. I know everytime I go its like I cant wait to go again.
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Re: A smokin' blast. Went to my first BP shoot.

Post by CT_Shooter » Sun Jul 28, 2019 7:24 am

Thanks for another great range report, PT7. So glad you enjoyed the entire learning experience and have another fun gun to shoot!
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Re: A smokin' blast. Went to my first BP shoot.

Post by dddrees » Sun Jul 28, 2019 9:10 am

Very cool, and thanks for sharing. Sounds like a lot of fun.
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Re: A smokin' blast. Went to my first BP shoot.

Post by Mistered » Sun Jul 28, 2019 11:14 am

Glad to see it went well and you enjoy it !
You might want to find a piece of leather (not too thick) and cut a strip about 6" long an about a 3/8" wide. Cut a slit in one end and run this through the trigger guard and the other end of the strip through the slit. Oil the strip a bit and sandwich the end of the strip between the hammer & nipple.
'Old School' trick to protect the nipple & hammer face when not in use.
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