Quote Originally Posted by gavinfdavies View Post
Well, I'm going to drag this thread back into the sunlight rather than starting something new.

I've got a few questions regarding the most user-friendly way to start heading along the BP road.

I've got a typical background in related subjects one might say: approaching middle age, have previously shot in both the (Air) cadets and in the Reserves (qualified Loader on Challenger II), and have usually had at least one airgun of some form. Dabble in airgun comps but nothing serious (too many other hobbies), and am a paid-up member of a local NSRA affiliated airgun club (Castleton HTC). I'd like to get into some BP target shooting (rifle/pistol), and maybe try some clay pigeon as well for variety. I enjoy (and support) the work done by Rob on British Muzzleloaders and also BN at Cap & Ball, so that's the sort of thing I enjoy. I've got a clean history, and hold Mil145 clearance for working on military jet engines, so I don't think there should be any clearance/security issues.

So assuming the first step is to visit/join a suitable official club, what would my next steps be? How long might this process take (I'm expecting around a year). What are the rules on gun-safes? My house is a new build and hence primarily composed of plasterboard! Should I aim for an FAC first of all, or go for a SGC for a musket/shotgun as a stepping stone? Is it practical going for a BP licence, or is it viable to use non-BP powders to avoid this?

Many thanks,
Gavin
Mil145 clearance (whatever that is) is irrelevant but clean history will help lots. Plod will anyway do the full "drains up" on everyone, but not to worry - it's painless.

You could consider joining a local branch of the MLAGB if there is one near to you. I have found that many Firearms Cubs do not understand muzzle loading very well and some have really funny attitudes, but in the MLAGB you will be surrounded by sympathetic and helpful expertise.

For me it's BP all the way - substitutes are just not as nice to use and I find clean up nastier, but plenty do use substitutes and are happy to do so. You will not be allowed to use BP on an indoor range though - massive fire/explosion hazard. Others have already given good advice on the licence requirements for BP - it's not difficult if you also apply for FAC or SGC for muzzleloaders and this will tick the "Why do you want an explosives Licence" box. Sound advice also given on the location of BP dealers - can be a fair drive away but if you are in MLAGB there will be plenty of folk who know where to get it and often a club will band together for bulk buy - our last purchase was for 32x1kg tubs of Vesuvit pistol powder at (IIRC) £22 per kilo which is v cheap - a member drove up to Market Harborough to collect it from the importer - surprisingly you can transport up to 50kg of BP in your car with no special arrangements needed. Note that for flintlocks you will need BP at least for priming - BP substitutes do not work in the pan.

It is possible to find adequate fixings in stud walls - both of my safes are secured to stud walls. I used a stud finder to be sure that I screw into studs, and put a couple through the floor into joists as well (the location of nails is a giveaway for the joists - just be sure there is no plumbing under there).

I don't think there is much benefit in going into S1 (firearms) by first going into S2 (shotguns and smooth muzzle loaders, even if you will be using single ball or bullet in the musket) - it will take more time to do it all twice. Co-terminous S1 and S2 certificates are slightly cheaper than separately so I would apply for both together.

BP clays is haaaard! I think learning to shoot clays with a muzzleloader could be a very frustrating experience without first getting some skill with a cartridge shottie.