I did get with the LGS owner for a one-on-one intro to my pistol. He took some good time (about 1-1/2 hours), answered my questions, and I actually did some hands on and dis-assembled/re-assembled it. In addition to basic operations, he shared a lot of what he has learned from long-time experience shooting BP pistols and rifles. So had a good number of tips by the time I left.
After the training, I spent another 1/2 hour or so shopping for the supplies and tools I need to finally get to the range. BTW, that time also included some demo training on how to use the tools, e.g. pointers on ram rod use, loading round balls, cleaning, etc. Also learned where to stop and what not to try and adjust on the gun. All in all, the whole visit was quite good. I learned a bunch.
Last week and this week I've had several phone calls with the president of a nearby BP shooting group, called the Ft. Osage Muzzleloaders. This gent is willing to meet with me one-on-one also when I shoot the first time. However, today we postponed that time, and instead he invited me to a weekend shoot going on this Fri-Sun. He said that will also give me the chance to see what the members do, and enjoy the fun of myself shooting and/or watching other folk compete in several events, including off hand shooting, either one-handed or two-handed. My cup of tea (bold) will be served! So, I plan to get there early Saturday. The end of day for me will be when afternoon temps start to ramp up. Much prefer temps in the 60s-70s. Anyway, I'll bring my Trapper and all shooting equipment, plus the president wants to see my Russian .45 Colt top break. Looking forward to the shoot.
One last thing. The LGS owner told me that the very best way to sight in this BP pistol is to use a bench rest. All I can say is that this is a mega ouch --- a bench rest is my nemesis! He told me that because of the heavy gun, trying to hold it steady enough off hand probably will not work well at all. How to fix this so I can see with my trifocals?!?
Today, I jerry-rigged a bench rest; definitely a "crude" construction, but it stands quite solidly. I have a dense foam-rubber bench rest, which I had always tried to use with my Henry rifles. It always was way too short, and couldn't get my head positioned to correctly use my glasses lenses. It stands on end at about 11 inches. I have a bunch of smaller Bores Store storage bags, and some remnants of their material from older bags. I folded them into a fairly large rectangle, and roped them to the top of the foam rubber bench rest. The bench rest height is now at 16-1/4 inches. When I rest the pistol on it, I'm able to slightly tilt my head backwards comfortably to use my middle glasses lens, and have good sight acquisition down the 9.75" pistol barrel. Also bringing to the range a very low-to-the-ground workshop chair I have. The low chair and high bench rest might just get me through this. The muzzle of the pistol hangs 4" or so in front of the Bores bag rest. I shouldn't have any muzzle "fire" near the rest. Attached is a picture of this jerry-rigged rest....kind of ugly and utilitarian. Just hope it works for me!
Take care, Everybody!
PT7
- Bench rest_DIY_3311.JPG (191.87 KiB) Viewed 4945 times
I've been interested in it for a while now, but only have been reading, which is not even much of a vicarious experience.
to enjoy it! 
