The Black Powder Cartridge News Winter 2024

Given the fast pace of our political season, it is very hard to write an editorial for a quarterly magazine that remains relevant. Every day seems to bring new “surprises” that affect the polls one way or the other in this very contentious election. By the time this issue hits the newsstands the election will most likely be decided… or perhaps not. It seems at times that the most unlikely political scenario is the one we find ourselves in. ...Read More >

This issue’s cover features an excellent string measure target shot in the 1890s, by Judson Gould of the Andover Rifle Club in Andover, Ohio. The photograph was sent to us by good friend Mark Barnhill, who has a great appreciation of fine old target rifles, their accoutrements and history. Mark shoots those rifles as well, and is a regular competitor at the Canal Fulton Ramrod Club matches in Canal Fulton, Ohio. ...Read More >

Rifle Clubs and contact information. ...Read More >

There is a myriad of targets available to the rifleman for his use and there are just about as many available to those running the various shooting competitions. Most are good for purpose, some better than others, but when it comes quantifying the real accuracy of a rifle, or the ability of the man behind it, there is no technique that beats the old-time method of “string measure.” ...Read More >

This is not your typical match report, but rather a short “how to” article in case you are ever interested in trying this growing sport. It is on the rise as shown by the almost 200 shooters competing in the largest lever gun silhouette match ever held anywhere in the world. It was held at the Whittington Center, New Mexico, as the combined Western Championship and NRA Championship from July 2-6, 2024. Shooters from all over the U.S.A were there, to include eight from Australia. The Match Director was a well-known shooter named Jim Luke, and with his wife Roberta. They put together one of the best-run matches – if not the best – I have ever attended. Over $25,000 in prizes were given away, including 11 rifles, and every competitor walked away with some valuable donated merchandise from 18 generous sponsors. ...Read More >

A while ago, I went to my doctor and his diagnosis was that I needed more pills, physical therapy, lose some weight, and not drink alcoholic beverages. As a follow up, I needed to come back in a couple of months so he could quantifiably measure the results. I arrived home, feeling rather dejected with the outcome, when an old friend called and asked how I was doing. He listened to my tale of woe, carefully analyzing each word. The worst part of the whole deal was not being able to have a sip of whisky. I asked, “Tom, how can anybody get through a winter in Montana without drinking whisky?” He said, “How old is your doctor?” I replied, “About 40.” ...Read More >

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” proclaims Genesis 1: 1, the statement identical in all versions I have read. Years thereafter – some say millions, some say thousands – and along the trail of development, someone stuffed black powder into brass cases. This arrangement was employed in such marvelous units as the Sharps ’74 and Winchester ’85, plus a colorful collection of other and somewhat similar implements geared to the same intent. ...Read More >