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

Flintlock: Hammer Down Frizzen Open NO Priming Powder

Muzzle Control!!!

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