Black Powder Rifle

Introduction to Black Powder Rifle Bill Doyle NRA / BSA Instructor

Types of Actions

Matchlock

Wheellock

Flintlock

Percussion (Caplock)

Flintlock Action Identification

Percussion Action Identification

Triggers

Loading Process (1) • Position rifle for load – Rifle held between knees, angled forward

• Check bore for load – Use the ramrod to demonstrate a clear barrel

• Wipe and clean barrel – Removes excess oil which will foul barrel

• Measure the powder charge – Use a powder measure and horn

Loading Process (2) • Charge the barrel with powder – May use a funnel or

• Prepare the patch – Use pre-lubricated patches – Use “spit” patch (use immediately)

• Patch the ball – Center the patch and ball

Loading Process (3) • Start the ball – Use a short starter

• Trim the patch (only necessary if not pre-cut) – Use a patch knife

• Short start the ball – Use a short starter or choke up on the ramrod

Loading Process (4) • Seat the ball – Choke up on the ramrod to keep from bending – Make sure the ball is FULLY seated (danger)

• Make Ready – Prime the pan (flintlock) – Cap the nipple (percussion)

Loading Safety

Percussion: Half Cocked NO CAP

Muzzle Control!!!

Flintlock: Hammer Down Frizzen Open NO Priming Powder

Failure to fire (Percussion) • KEEP THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE – Bad Cap – Fouled nipple / powder channel – Not loaded – No Powder

Failure to fire (Flintlock) • KEEP THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE – Not primed – Flint missing or damaged - not striking frizzen – Not loaded – No Powder – Clogged flash hole

Correcting Failure to Fire • Percussion: – Re-cap – Pull/Clean Nipple – Extract Ball

• Flintlock: – Re-prime – Replace / knap flint – Extract Ball

Expel the Ball with CO2

Pulling the Ball (tug-o-war)

Cleaning • Clean the gun as soon as practical after use – Blackpowder residue causes rusting/pitting

• Disassemble before cleaning – Lock, Stock, Barrel

• Good old soap and water – Hot water ensures full drying

• Black powder solvents / cleaners may be used

Storage • Make sure everything is DRY!!! • Oil the inside of the barrel and nipple • Wipe down the outside of the barrel – Fingerprints are acidic and will pit steel!

• Wipe down the stock (stock oil/wax) • Store in a DRY location

First Shots • Supported positions are preferred since blackpowder rifles are HEAVY – Sandbag – Cross-Sticks – Mono-Pod – Offhand (aka standing) • Make sure you support the gun BONE TO BONE

Five Fundamentals • • • • •

Aiming Breath Control Hold Control Trigger Control Follow Through – Even more important with blackpowder since there can be a delay between trigger pull and ignition

Sight Pictures