The interests of members in these arms varies, and currently includes both
collection and shooting of a wide variety of pistols and some longarms.
The governing body for muzzle loading in arms in the UK is the MLAGB (Muzzle Loaders Association of Great Britain) http://mlagb.com/index.htm and is a
member of the MLAIC (Muzzle Loaders Associations International Committee)
The club is, of course, affiliated to the MLAGB and some of our members make an active contribution to it.
At the club we use original and reproduction guns, and the disciplines include percussion, flintlock and matchlock. The typical muzzle-loading course of fire at the club is based on the MLAIC/MLAGB (for rules see http://www.mlaic.org/constitution%20and%20rules.htm) which is 13 shots in 30 minutes with the best 10 to count. Other courses of fire are used for some classes of arm such as zimmer pistol (powered only by a cap) and pocket pistol/pocket revolver.
Generally, shooting a muzzle-loading course of fire is less physically demanding than some of the other disciplines hence the discipline allows older members to continue to shoot competitively much later in life than would be possible for some other disciplines..
Members can shoot in organised leagues in teams or as individuals in
competitions with the club and the national postal competitions. They can also
shoot at the national ranges at Bisley and the MLAGB’s home range at Wedgnock when taking part in national competitions.
Cheshunt is very fortunate to have within it members a number of highly competent and knowledgeable individuals including the author of , amongst other things, “The definitive guide to shooting muzzle loading pistols” http://homepage.ntlworld.com/thatpistolbook/ .
On the competitive front we have members of the current GB national squad (who have won medals in the 2008 World championships) as well as people who have participated (and won medals) in World and European Championships over a substantial number of years. One of our members also holds the current GB record in Matchlock pistol. One of the very positive things about the section is that those with much experience are happy to encourage and share their knowledge with newer, enthusiastic shooters who wish to actively develop their competitive shooting. As an example, we have had members who, having started serious muzzle loading with the club, reached international standard within 5 years.
There is also a strong collecting element within the section with some of our members having substantial knowledge about the history of firearms and collecting them. One of our members gives nationally recognised courses on muzzle loading firearms. Some members shoot original guns (which have to be registered with the police as firearms).
On the social side, the muzzle loading section usually has a Christmas dinner and arranges. Additionally a number of the members shoot at open competitions in France which are treated as much as a social event as a competitive one.
Black-powder shooting currently takes place on Friday afternoons and early evening, Sunday mornings and on alternate Wednesday evenings (full members only). Two ranges are available for use with muzzle loading arms. - one 25 metre indoor and one 50 metre outdoor range.
The muzzle loaders use one of the indoor 25m ranges and the outdoor 50m range. Individuals shoot original and reproduction percussion, matchlock and flintlock pistols, as well as some long arms.
Recent Achievements -
World Championships 2010
The GB Muzzle Loading Team, captained by Cheshunt member Victor Chopin John won 5 world records - with Victor winning his own class. Well Done!!
World Championships in Adelaide 2008
Victor Chopin John won an individual bronze medal in the original matchlock
Sandy Robertson won a team bronze medal in reproduction matchlock
October 2008 - English Pistol Championships
Victor Chopin John won gold in reproduction matchlock and silver in original matchlock
2009 Trafalgar Meeting - Peter Burdge came 1st in the Duelling, and picekd up 4th in non-military .303 at 200 yards. At the same meeting, Richard Green came 2nd in the .303 Mad Minute competition.
World Championships - Portugal 2010 - Victor won gold with his Tanzutsu original.
July 2011 - Victor achieved the same score with the Tanzutsu, but on count back won the silver