Is this an "old man's hobby"?

[RDGAC]

25 since July and a history geek since I can remember. First weapon I ever acquired was some tiny little dagger, supposedly Indian, which my grandfather acquired god-knows-where or when, and by which I was fascinated inordinately. Jezails became my thing after I heard about them from my dad (also a history buff to an extent), and we acquired one at work (which is documented here). Unfortunately, due to Britain's obsession with gun control, getting a crack at shooting any isn't looking likely for some while.

Hopefully I'll still be doing this when I turn 70-odd and can barely remember which end of the piece does what

[Iain]

Originally Posted by RDGAC

25 since July and a history geek since I can remember. First weapon I ever acquired was some tiny little dagger, supposedly Indian, which my grandfather acquired god-knows-where or when, and by which I was fascinated inordinately. Jezails became my thing after I heard about them from my dad (also a history buff to an extent), and we acquired one at work (which is documented here). Unfortunately, due to Britain's obsession with gun control, getting a crack at shooting any isn't looking likely for some while.

Hopefully I'll still be doing this when I turn 70-odd and can barely remember which end of the piece does what

No private gun ranges where you can shoot unlicensed? I'm surprised black powder is heavily regulated.

In any case good to see there's a few of us under "middle age" here.

[RDGAC]

Originally Posted by Iain

No private gun ranges where you can shoot unlicensed? I'm surprised black powder is heavily regulated.

In any case good to see there's a few of us under "middle age" here.

It's surprisingly heavily regulated, since it's legally classed as an explosive. (Modern smokeless stuff, by contrast, is not - I have not a clue why.) See here for some information. The amusing bit is that I can waltz into any old shop and buy fireworks with a reasonable quantity of BP in them over the counter, no questions asked.

You also need a good reason to have it - for shooting powders, you'd therefore need a shotgun (Section II) license, if you were using a smoothbore gun, or a Firearms (Section I) license if using a rifled musket. Shotgun certs are easier to get but you still have to jump through hoops.

Far as I know there hasn't been such a thing as an "unregulated", legal, operating firearm of any kind here since 1968.

[spiral]

Originally Posted by RDGAC

It's surprisingly heavily regulated, since it's legally classed as an explosive. (Modern smokeless stuff, by contrast, is not - I have not a clue why.) .

Black powder is a simple but very effiecent, off low explosive, Smokeless generaly is not, it burns in a more more even progresive manner, I understand.

As for fireworks.....Its the old habitual stuff I guess, rather like if tobbaco was discovered today it would be illegal.

Spiral

[fernando]

Originally Posted by spiral

... Its the old habitual stuff I guess, rather like if tobbaco was discovered today it would be illegal...

Indeed when tobbaco appeared in Europe, in all its pure strength, the effects were so frightening that, in some nations, even death penalty was established ... i think in France.
... Just a curiosity note

[spiral]

Originally Posted by fernando

Indeed when tobbaco appeared in Europe, in all its pure strength, the effects were so frightening that, in some nations, even death penalty was established ... i think in France.
... Just a curiosity note

Wow! Id never heard of that! Off to google!

J

[spiral]

No not France, Russia,China & some Muslim states..


Great link on history of tobbaco....

linky on the weed...

spiral

[Norman McCormick]

Originally Posted by RDGAC

25 since July and a history geek since I can remember. First weapon I ever acquired was some tiny little dagger, supposedly Indian, which my grandfather acquired god-knows-where or when, and by which I was fascinated inordinately. Jezails became my thing after I heard about them from my dad (also a history buff to an extent), and we acquired one at work (which is documented here). Unfortunately, due to Britain's obsession with gun control, getting a crack at shooting any isn't looking likely for some while.

Hopefully I'll still be doing this when I turn 70-odd and can barely remember which end of the piece does what

Hi,
DO NOT under any circumstances shoot an antique weapon without first having it looked at by a competent gunsmith. I believe Rick (rickystl) shoots antiques but as far as I know he has the barrel relined before firing them. If you want to have a go at muzzleloaders join a local gun club with a muzzleloading section. Blackpowder is classed as an explosive in the U.K. and is subject to different storage regulations to smokeless powders and a license specifically for blackpowder is required. Always safety first.
Regards,
Norman.

[RDGAC]

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi,
DO NOT under any circumstances shoot an antique weapon without first having it looked at by a competent gunsmith. I believe Rick (rickstyl) shoots antiques but as far as I know he has the barrel relined before firing them. If you want to have a go at muzzleloaders join a local gun club with a muzzleloading section. Blackpowder is classed as an explosive in the U.K. and is subject to different storage regulations to smokeless powders and a license specifically for blackpowder is required. Always safety first.
Regards,
Norman.

Norm, when it comes to kit I agree with safety first, believe me. I've no issue with the Proofing laws in this country, which I think entirely sensible and, indeed, in one's ownj interest and those of the gun trade as a whole. Firing an unchecked barrel is always going to be a risky business, and, while I resent the implication that I'm too bloody stupid to grasp that idea, I understand that it's simply too big a minefield to leave people to get guns checked competently of their own volition.

My disagreement lies with the (IMO) too-restrictive firearms ownership regulations in Britain, which is a whole different kettle of fish, not for this forum.

Regarding clubs, my nearest muzzle-loading club is in Wakefield, about 30-40 miles (or an hour's travel time) away. I did look at going there, but since I'd need to obtain a gun of my own to shoot there anyway, it hardly seemed worth the effort - especially since I'd need the attendant paraphernalia of cabinets and other security devices, which I can't afford, and which I'd be unlikely to be able to install in any case (rented accommodation). It's rather like driving - I could probably afford to learn to, and I could probably afford a car, but I couldn't afford to fuel it, tax it, or insure it. Theoretical freedom compromised by practical restrictions. Most frustrating at times.

I'd very much like, if I could acquire one with a good barrel, to have a shoot with a jezail, as I said. Sadly however, that's going to require a lot of hoop-jumping - licensing, storage, Proofing, acquiring a powder license, and then acquiring the powder, as far as I can see. Land of hope and glory, mother of the free, indeed.

Spiral: Thanks for that enlightenment. I had read it was supposedly due to BP being much easier to ignite by heat or naked flame, as well. My opinions on smoking law are a discussion for elsewhere, methinks - wouldn't really fit the forum's rules!