BULLET POINTS preserving history article / photos by : brody kennen
Powders are carefully measured and poured into the bores of the rifles . Lead projectiles are set at the bores of the rifled-muskets , tapped in slightly before ram-rods follow , in a clatter , to pack the powder as solid as possible for a consistent burn-rate . The percussion cap is placed over the nipple cone and the hammer is retracted . The rifleman takes aim at the target , steadying the long gun before squeezing the trigger .
Once a month , a half-Saturday is pierced by the sharp reports of muzzleloaded rifles and the space beyond the firing lane ’ s red-line is filled with thick white smoke – all that remains of the sulfuric black-powders , such as Hodgon and IMR . The monthly competition is held by the Bayou Muzzleloaders ; a group of men and women who wish to preserve the oldschool techniques and heritage of muzzle-loading for generations to come . Most of the participants operate cap-lock mechanism rifles and revolvers ; but , there is the occasional flintlock , and inline rifles are also allowed .
This past July , the State Championship was held with the ability for shooters to participate in multiple classes for shooters to enter . For example , there was a hunting class , two classes for women ’ s shooting and a few youth classes . Prizes and ribbons were announced to those ranked in the top-three in each class . Included are a few photographs of the members doing what they love while at the Championship shoot . The regular monthly shoots take place at the Woodworth Shooting Range every third Saturday .
The Bayou Muzzleloaders members are hugely dedicated to spreading knowledge about the sport and the traditions . They are avid instructors of firearms safety and muzzle-loading to those who wish to learn how to properly shoot and maintain muzzle-loading firearms . Most of them are outdoorsmen and partake in other trades , as well ; such as knife-making and tanning . The group is also actively involved with supporting youth shooting sports , such as with 4-H and the Youth Hunter Education Challenge events around Louisiana .
The arena of shooting sports is extremely diverse . It isn ’ t simply made up of 3-Gun and tactical , black rifle-laden sporting events or classes . I found watching muzzle-loading to be relaxing . I can say the same about participating with a period-specific rifle against other people . It was a rush to do something different . I needed that break from the monotonous handgun shooting that I regularly do . It was a rush and it was humbling to jump into an element of firearms that I wasn ’ t familiar with . If you have been thinking about it or have an old rifle in the closet , but haven ’ t had anybody to shoot with , then look for a local organization . Get out there and join up .
For those out of Louisiana , the Bayou Muzzleloaders would love to see you at their future shoots . Give them a holler . LEGISLATION ALERT Second Amendment Guarantee Act ( SAGA Act – H . R . # TBA , Chris Collins N . Y .) – Legislation specifically targets Restrictive states that go beyond , via regulation , what the Federal level mandates on firearms controls . Collins has specifically spoken out about the New York SAFE Act when mentioning the point of his legislation .
If you would like to see more firearms related material , then visit www . thearmednovelist . com .
Questions or comments ? Email thisistheline3 @ gmail . com .
16 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | September 2017 | www . thunderroadslouisiana . com