1888 Grade 2 Hammer Won Today:

[Jay Oliver]

I think the more you shoot black powder the better routine you develop for cleaning your guns. So it "seems" like less of a chore.

I do think everyone should experience shooting an early Parker with brass black powder shells like the gun would have shot when new. I do enjoy shooting black powder cartridge shotguns/rifles and muzzleloaders. Though I find I do this in phases. I'll be really into it for awhile and then not do it for a year or so.

When I do it, I really do enjoy shooting black powder. It takes time to figure out loads that pattern well, which is both challenging and satisfying. I am sure I mentioned to the group before(because I was telling everyone...) I shot the muzzleloader event and black powder cartridge event at the Southern this year and really enjoyed it. I learned a lot from the muzzleloader guys and gals that I hope to incorporate next year. My Grade 3 10 Gauge Lifter with 28" barrels choked Mod/Cyl got me a 21/25 at the black powder cartridge event, not bad for my first time and I have some ideas to improve for next year.

I think if you're really into it you "BS" yourself into thinking all the extra work is work it is not a big deal, which is what I do(and will happily continue to do).

Now what I would love to do...is get a group of us together who have drank the Kool Aid so to speak, and put together a Parker Hammer gun Black Powder hunting trip. I think that would be a lot of fun.