Black Powder

Black Powder firearms may be used on any of the ranges.

We are attempting to re-affiliate SCCS&FA with the NMLRA.  Those of you that are members of SCCS&FA and also members of the NMLRA we need your help.

In order to re-establish our club with the NMLRA we need to prove that we have at least 5 current members of the NMLRA in our club. We must submit your name, address and NMLRA membership number. All we need to turn in the paperwork to the NMLRA is 4 more club members.

Having this affiliation will allow us to hold NMLRA sponsored events, receive discounts on targets and other items.

Please send your name, address and NMLRA membership number via email to Drew Gregg SCCS&FA Blackpowder Committe Chairman at buchanan1961@gmail.com

Safety Rules for Muzzle Loaders
  • Eye and ear protection must be used when shooting any black powder firearm.
  • No smoking around black powder within 15ft.
  • Load with muzzle vertical or down range. Keep hands and face away from muzzle.
  • Load your firearm in proper sequence: POWDER PATCH BALL
  • No blowing down the barrel of any firearm after shooting unless with an optional Blow Tube and providing that the shooter's head is not placed over the barrel.
  • Black powder containers are to be closed at all times except during loading.
  • Black powder must be measured from bulk container (horn, flask, etc.) into a measure and then into firearm. Measuring flasks or horns can expose a relatively large volume of powder to latent sparks.
  • If you should have any problems arise; you should ground your firearm with muzzle down range and notify the Shoot Master or Range Officer immediately.
  • In the event of any misfire, keep muzzle pointed down range for 10 seconds in case of slow or hang fire.
  • Loading is done only behind the firing line and out of the range of shooting sparks.
  • Use only sporting black powder in your firearm.
  • Do not overload your firearm with heavy charge or extra balls.
  • When shooting, position yourself to protect the shooter next to you from cap fragments or from the blast of burning powder from the flash hole. Flash guards are recommended.
  • Set triggers should be "set" only on the firing line with the firearm pointed down range and just prior to shooting at the target.
  • No handling or loading firearms while shooters are down range.
  • Use extreme care if necessary to pull a ball. Wet powder with water through nipple or frizzen hole before attempting to remove the ball. Use of an approved C02 or Air device to blow out the ball is recommended.
  • Clean up any spilled powder immediately.
  • Store your powder in a safe, dry place.
  • Range housekeeping is a part of shooting. Clean up your targets and any mess you make.
  • Use of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Percussion Firearms
  • Percussion firearms are considered "unloaded" only when totally empty.
  • Percussion firearms must be loaded with the hammer down, no cap on nipple and only after command "Line is hot, commence fire".
  • Cap only on the firing line with firearm pointed down range and only after command "Line is hot, commence fire".
  • Caps may be fired to dry nipple only on the firing line with firearm pointed down range and only after command "Line is hot, commence fire".

Flintlock Firearms
  • Flintlock firearms are considered "unloaded" only when totally empty.
  • Flintlock firearms must be loaded with the frizzen up and hammer down and only after command "Line is hot, commence fire".
  • Prime pan only on the firing line with firearm pointed down range and only after command "Line is hot, commence fire".
  • Flints may be napped in lock only on the firing line with empty pan and firearm pointed down range and only after command "Line is hot, commence fire".

Handguns
  • Flint and percussion pistol safety rules are the same as above.
  • Cap and ball revolvers safety rule are the same as above, plus all balls must be covered with grease before shooting or 1/4 " of corn meal or 1/4 " wad between powder and ball.
  • Cap and ball revolvers: All loaded Chambers must be Capped to help prevent multiple firing and must be done on the firing line and only after command "Line is hot, commence fire".