Cap & Ball ONLY Shoot

[PJ Hardtack]

We held our 1st annual Cap & Ball ONLY shoot last Saturday with 12 shootists competing. We had several .36 Navy's, .44 Army's, two Dragoons, three Walkers, three Remington .44s and one lonesome Rogers & Spencer. Most shot BP in their long guns as well and it will be mandatory in all future matches.

What could go wrong with a cap & ball did go wrong - wedges coming loose, loading levers popping down, caps falling off, jams, misfires, etc., etc. The Walkers had the greatest number of glitches, but provided the most 'boom for the buck'.

We only shot four stages and it was all we could manage as we had some gun sharing going on, total newbies to cap & ball and minor repairs as required. A lot of tools were passed around and it was a great learning experience for all.

My wife won "Spirit of the Game" in recognition of her period costuming efforts, enthusiasm and love of the sport. It was her first match with cap & ball and she accredited herself well.
I shot in my green 'Utilikilt' as an Irish mercenary c/w with military sporran, hose, tam, period shirt, etc. Very comfortable outfit to shoot in. And yes, I was asked if I was 'regimental' under my kilt. I'll leave you guessing ... ;>)

If you've seen Kiefer Sutherland in "River Queen", you know who my persona was based on. This movie is about one of the Maori Wars in New Zealand and you see many period arms - Sniders, Enfields, Colts and a beautifull Terry carbine in Sutherland's hands.

[Mason Stillwell]

WOW what fun !!! I am a cap and ball nut and had I  been in your area I sure would have joined in the fun. More clubs should do this I think !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Later
Mason 

[Blackpowder Burn]

Sounds like a real hoot!  I've been shooting cap'n ball most of the time the last 6 months.  I found a deal on a pair of Dragoons I couldn't resist and have really enjoyed them.  I've been shooting black powder in all my guns for several years, but I've really gotten a lot of comments on the Dragoons and how loud they are.  I do love lots of smoke and boom!

I like your idea of a cap'n ball only shoot, but don't know if we have enough folks to pull it off.  I'll have to investigate the idea.

[PJ Hardtack]

Years ago at a CAS match in Cody, Wyoming, I linked up with a bunch of Montanans who only shot cap & ball. They invited me and my lady to their monthly event the following week end on our way home.

I asked them "Why cap & ball?" as they were all excellent shots and could have kicked butt amonngst the brass shooters. They said it was 'real Cowboy' and that historically Montanans were a bunch of southern red neck rebels and they still were!

I have to admit that my favourite cap & ball guns are my Remingtons as they don't suffer from all the ills that plague the open top Colts. The one exception is my Colt 2nd gen 3rd Model Dragoon. That is a gun I'd bet my life on! Works every time and what it hits goes down!
If I buy another cap & ball, it will be another Dragoon.