Since there's an interest in the NRA Basic Muzzleloading class, we're open to running the class. There's a couple questions to get answered and some things to make clear before we go much further.
1) Class is projected to be at Camp Raven Knob pending approval and permission by the staff. CRK is in Ladonia, NC near Fancy Gap and Mt Airy. The training center has a meeting room, bath and shower, kitchen and attached bunk rooms so hotel stay is not needed. Bring your own sleeping bag. With this in mind, I need to get a head count. Projected date is 1/27/2024. Class starts at 8a during breakfast and will go through the day. Arrival on Friday evening is ok, but meals will only be provided on Saturday.
2) Cost-If we use this facility, part of the cost is meals, breakfast, lunch and whatever coffee you like. Part is NRA publications necessary for the class. Part is for consumables- ammo for rifle, pistol, shotgun. Again, a head count is needed to get the logistics set up.
3) We like to be informal, so this isn't a sit in yer seat and listen. You'll be hands on for the class part. Wallflowers will be uncomfortable, I guarantee, but participation is a great way to absorb large amounts of knowledge. Range time is group participation. You won't be standing around waiting to shoot.
4) There is a range component. For the Basic Muzzleloading class, you'll have to demonstrate safe loading and handling procedures for rifle, pistol (single shot and revolver) and shotgun and safe firing procedures for each. So, bring eyes and ears. You can also bring your own guns for this purpose. Also, the range has covered firing points so we'll shoot rain or shine but it IS January so like the Scouts say, Be Prepared. We'll shoot all kinds of stuff, including flintlocks. This is universally enjoyed by everyone who takes the class. Smack talking with your buddies is encouraged.
5) There is a test! But not to worry, we make darn sure you'll pass.
6) We have to know who is interested in shooting the Qualification for the Instructor level classes. This course of fire is a prerequisite before taking those classes. It's called Appendix 7 and the student must achieve a passing score level in rifle, pistol and shotgun in addition to the requirements for Basic Muzzleloading. If you're going to do the Instructor class, I'd highly recommend you get this out of the way as this can only be administered by a certified instructor. If you're shooting this, ammo consumption will be reflected in the cost of the class.
7) I'd like to know who is interested in the Instructor level training. This is a further 2 classes that can be scheduled at a later date. If you want to help in muzzleloading at your local range, work in NC Hunter Ed, or work with about any youth org, you MUST have this to be qualified to teach and most youth orgs require it as part of their insurance requirements. Most Scout camps have muzzleloading programs that can benefit from having more help. While you can do some work with individuals, having that instructor cert can give a level of legal protection and is often a requirement for insurance.
We usually run this class in late January/early February cuz, that's when it's easiest to get access to the camp and ranges. Also, for those interested in the Instructor class, it leaves time to get that done before the active competition season starts. Why this schedule? Because most of our instructors are active competition shooters! We also are quite busy with youth from late spring through fall.
I guarantee you'll learn something. You'll have fun with other black powder folks. You'll probably make some new friends!
1) Class is projected to be at Camp Raven Knob pending approval and permission by the staff. CRK is in Ladonia, NC near Fancy Gap and Mt Airy. The training center has a meeting room, bath and shower, kitchen and attached bunk rooms so hotel stay is not needed. Bring your own sleeping bag. With this in mind, I need to get a head count. Projected date is 1/27/2024. Class starts at 8a during breakfast and will go through the day. Arrival on Friday evening is ok, but meals will only be provided on Saturday.
2) Cost-If we use this facility, part of the cost is meals, breakfast, lunch and whatever coffee you like. Part is NRA publications necessary for the class. Part is for consumables- ammo for rifle, pistol, shotgun. Again, a head count is needed to get the logistics set up.
3) We like to be informal, so this isn't a sit in yer seat and listen. You'll be hands on for the class part. Wallflowers will be uncomfortable, I guarantee, but participation is a great way to absorb large amounts of knowledge. Range time is group participation. You won't be standing around waiting to shoot.
4) There is a range component. For the Basic Muzzleloading class, you'll have to demonstrate safe loading and handling procedures for rifle, pistol (single shot and revolver) and shotgun and safe firing procedures for each. So, bring eyes and ears. You can also bring your own guns for this purpose. Also, the range has covered firing points so we'll shoot rain or shine but it IS January so like the Scouts say, Be Prepared. We'll shoot all kinds of stuff, including flintlocks. This is universally enjoyed by everyone who takes the class. Smack talking with your buddies is encouraged.
5) There is a test! But not to worry, we make darn sure you'll pass.
6) We have to know who is interested in shooting the Qualification for the Instructor level classes. This course of fire is a prerequisite before taking those classes. It's called Appendix 7 and the student must achieve a passing score level in rifle, pistol and shotgun in addition to the requirements for Basic Muzzleloading. If you're going to do the Instructor class, I'd highly recommend you get this out of the way as this can only be administered by a certified instructor. If you're shooting this, ammo consumption will be reflected in the cost of the class.
7) I'd like to know who is interested in the Instructor level training. This is a further 2 classes that can be scheduled at a later date. If you want to help in muzzleloading at your local range, work in NC Hunter Ed, or work with about any youth org, you MUST have this to be qualified to teach and most youth orgs require it as part of their insurance requirements. Most Scout camps have muzzleloading programs that can benefit from having more help. While you can do some work with individuals, having that instructor cert can give a level of legal protection and is often a requirement for insurance.
We usually run this class in late January/early February cuz, that's when it's easiest to get access to the camp and ranges. Also, for those interested in the Instructor class, it leaves time to get that done before the active competition season starts. Why this schedule? Because most of our instructors are active competition shooters! We also are quite busy with youth from late spring through fall.
I guarantee you'll learn something. You'll have fun with other black powder folks. You'll probably make some new friends!
