More time at the range

Sunday was spent at the range again to try and improve on my Saturday performance. Being new to muzzleloading I've experienced some truly unique moments already. This time I managed to hit the target once, the paper once, and then I had a misfire.

Misfires occur when the primer goes off but the gunpowder doesn't. In my case it was caused by a dirty breech plug. When the misfire happens you continue to point the muzzle down range for 60 seconds. Then you load another primer and attempt to clear the barrel. I had a second misfire. Wait another 60 seconds and try one more time. The third time I pulled the trigger the primer popped and blew the trigger assembly out of the gun.

That, of course, was my last straw. I pulled the gun apart at the range, swabbed out the barrel with solvent, wiped down the trigger assembly, and then pulled the breech plug. This allowed me to push the bullet and remaining powder out of the barrel.

So, two days, five shots, and two day-killing mishaps later and I'm hooked. I've got to work out a few minor issues with loading the gun and then figure out how to consistently hit the target but I'm certainly prepared to go do this again and again.

Thanks for reading,

B