buckconner
01-11-2008, 09:48 PM
I'm asked this question several times a week in the off season and three times that before muzzle loading season in Colorado and Utah. This is old hat for those that shoot, but still some good reminders we all need to practice.
I teach NRA/NMLRA Muzzle Loading (rifle, shotgun and pistol) classes to the Boy Scouts, if you have some spare time you may enjoy doing the same. Remember the kid you teach today may be our future for owning and keeping firearms.
10 CAUTIONS & COMMANDMENTS
CAUTIONS & COMMANDMENTS
1. USE ONLY BLACK POWDER OR REPLICA POWDER IN MUZZLELOADERS. Pyrodex is the brand name of the most commonly known replica black powder.
2. TREAT EVERY GUN AS LOADED. Never point at anything you don’t intend to shoot. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times, including while loading. Never lean over the muzzle. Make priming the pan or capping the nipple the last step of loading.
3. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET BEFORE FIRING. Be aware of the location of other people around you. Know what is behind your target. Never fire into water or at flat, hard surfaces. Round balls are prone to glance or ricochet.
4. BE SURE YOUR GUN IS IN FIRING CONDITION BEFORE YOU PULL THE TRIGGER. Make sure the ball is firmly seated, the gun is not overcharged, there is no obstruction in the barrel, etc.
5. TREAT A MISFIRE OR FAILURE TO FIRE WITH EXTREME CARE. Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction down range, and wait at least one full minute before repriming.
6. MAKE SURE YOUR GUN IS UNLOADED BEFORE YOU STORE IT AND STORE THE GUN, POWDER, AND CAPS SEPARATELY.
7. PROTECT YOUR EYES AND EARS WHILE SHOOTING. Always wear shooting glasses and ear plugs to prevent possible damage.
8. NEVER SMOKE WHILE LOADING, SHOOTING, OR HANDLING BLACKPOWDER PROPELLANTS.
9. NEVER DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BEFORE OR WHILE SHOOTING.
10. USE COMMON SENSE AT ALL TIMES.
Thanks for your time.
I teach NRA/NMLRA Muzzle Loading (rifle, shotgun and pistol) classes to the Boy Scouts, if you have some spare time you may enjoy doing the same. Remember the kid you teach today may be our future for owning and keeping firearms.
10 CAUTIONS & COMMANDMENTS
CAUTIONS & COMMANDMENTS
1. USE ONLY BLACK POWDER OR REPLICA POWDER IN MUZZLELOADERS. Pyrodex is the brand name of the most commonly known replica black powder.
2. TREAT EVERY GUN AS LOADED. Never point at anything you don’t intend to shoot. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times, including while loading. Never lean over the muzzle. Make priming the pan or capping the nipple the last step of loading.
3. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET BEFORE FIRING. Be aware of the location of other people around you. Know what is behind your target. Never fire into water or at flat, hard surfaces. Round balls are prone to glance or ricochet.
4. BE SURE YOUR GUN IS IN FIRING CONDITION BEFORE YOU PULL THE TRIGGER. Make sure the ball is firmly seated, the gun is not overcharged, there is no obstruction in the barrel, etc.
5. TREAT A MISFIRE OR FAILURE TO FIRE WITH EXTREME CARE. Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction down range, and wait at least one full minute before repriming.
6. MAKE SURE YOUR GUN IS UNLOADED BEFORE YOU STORE IT AND STORE THE GUN, POWDER, AND CAPS SEPARATELY.
7. PROTECT YOUR EYES AND EARS WHILE SHOOTING. Always wear shooting glasses and ear plugs to prevent possible damage.
8. NEVER SMOKE WHILE LOADING, SHOOTING, OR HANDLING BLACKPOWDER PROPELLANTS.
9. NEVER DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BEFORE OR WHILE SHOOTING.
10. USE COMMON SENSE AT ALL TIMES.
Thanks for your time.