Flint sparks the powder milliseconds before the Wall Gun fires.
Centreville, Virginia - One of the biggest attractions every year at the Centreville NRA Women On Target® Clinic are the blackpowder rifles. Taking a step into yesteryear, the ladies are transported to the time before smokeless and self-contained cartridges. With a Wall Gun, Blunderbuss, Kentucky Rifle and just begging to be fired, there was a consistent flow of customers to each and every station.
"I have to admit, it looked intimidating," said Alice — a first time shooter. "But it was fun. After the Wall Gun, I wanted to shoot more blackpowder guns!"
Looking over a Kentucky Rifle while deciding whether or not to give it a try.
To quell any fears, instructors walk the participants through a little history of the gun. It's made out of this material, the powder (or percussion cap) goes here, it's sparked through the hammer and this (along with a cloud of smoke) is what comes out the other end.
Art loads powder while a Women on Target participant readies to fire.
With the shooter in place and the firearm loaded with patch and ball, the instructor (this is Art working the Wall Gun), leans over to take care of the powder. Once ready to fire, he cocks back the hammer and prepares for the action.
Women on Target shooter pulls the trigger on a blunderbuss - see the sparks?
Some are wowed by the cloud of smoke, some are fascinated to see the spark and others are thrilled to find the kick (eg recoil) is no where near as bad as they expected. No matter what, there's a smile plastered from ear to ear.
It's all smiles after firing a Wall Gun at the Izaak Walton range in Centreville.
Once a cease-fire is called, it's time to check out the targets and claim the closest shot.
While not everyone made it on target — at least not on their first shot — the ladies were ready with camera in hand to capture the moment for their families and Facebook friends.
Checking out their targets and posing for pictures at an NRA Women on Target clinic.
To find a Women on Target instructional shooting clinic near you, visit their webpage today.