I don't want to be an alarmist, but....

[Eric Johanen]

Just about every time I'm out on the clays course, someone asks me what I'm shooting. Always a side by side and a box lock, side lock or hammer gun. Smokeless or black powder loads. I shoot all of them about the same for score and explain to them what it is and some of the finer points of each. I offer them a opportunity to shoot a pair or more and many take me up on the offer. They are interested in the gun and loads and are a bit surprised at how well the black powder loads perform on the targets. It offers them an appreciation for what went before and is still useful in the field and on the course. I believe I'm seeing a few more doubles on the course in the last year or so. LC's, Parkers and a occasional Fox. Not too many English or Continental guns fielded but I'm covering that category. Some times it's a new purchase of a family gun pulled out of the closet and shot for the first time. Our Sport/Hobby is never going to be gangbusters but it has the potential of growing is we all do our bit one at a time.