NRA BPCR rules question

[longcaribiner]

It has been many years since I participated in BPCR matches and alot has changed.  I used to compete locally with my Martini Henry in 577-450 and won or placed a respectable number of times.   But that was back before the time the NRA adopted its rules.  I showed up for a match a few weeks ago only to be told my rifle doesn't qualify because, 1, it isn't American made, 2 it doesn't fire a cartridge made in America, (It does Winchester loaded the 577-450.) and 3, it has no exposed hammer.   All in all, it sounds like sour grapes to me.  The BSA Martini Henry was probably the most accurate military rifle  made in the black powder era.    What gives?   Is the NRA afraid that the Martini Henry will show up the Winchesters, Remingtons and Sharps?  If it is a match of accuracy for BPCR's, why does the NRA exclude Martini's.  The later Peabody-Martini, with the internal striker was American, (apparently, it can't compete either)  

Are US BPCR shooters afraid of competition from English guns?   Or Did Uberti, Navy Arms and Pedersoli lobby the NRA for this exclusion to sell guns?  This whole thing has me quite miffed at present.   The way I see it, if it is single shot and original to the period, it ought to be allowed.  After all Martini Henry's were issued to the RMP in Canada.

Years back my daughter competed with a Martini cadet rifle in .357 and she loaded black powder 38 S & W cases to fire and actually won some 100 yd matches.  Now she couldn't compete either.

[Double D]

Since it's inception NRA Silhouette drew a line in the sand and said  the rifle had to have a hammer.  I don't think they had the Martini in mind at all when they made that rule.

Martini Peabody and the What Cheer ilk are as American as you can get.  

None the less that is their rules. If you want to play their game you have to play by their rules.  Now if you just want to shoot ask the Match Officials to let you shoot as a non competitor. Pay the match fee and shoot. Some will let you shoot some will not.  If you do that for a couple of matches i would be surprised if you didn't see a couple of othe hammerless guns show up and a hammerless side match get started.

What else can you do?

Well I suggest you go to one of the Martini Playday's that will be held around the country and talk it up with the  folks at those shoots. See what you can get going.  Maybe even set up and run your own Martini Playday.

Look on the Martini boards for the Playdays.

I am overseas right now, but it is my intention when I return to set up a Martini Playday that includes a Metallic Silhouette match. First rule, no hammer guns.

[Ray Newman]

Even though I don't shoot BPCR silhouette, I often wondered how the NRA decided upon the weight limit & other rules.

In any event, I can remember gun magazine letters to the editors & articles about NRA sanctioned BPCR Silhouette & the weeping & the gnashing of teeth that duplex rounds aren't allowed. @ that time (late 1980s),  some claimed that the NRA BPCR Silhouette rules just were too "restrictive". I witnessed many a heated argument @ matches & BS sessions about the BPCR Silhouette rules.

Then we heard the same  when the NRA decided that a duplex load was no longer legal for NRA sanctioned BPCR LR. Somehow though both sports still are w/ us--despite these "restrictions".....

In the "Black Powder Cartridge News", Fall 1999, #27 (pages 20-21),  Bill Pace wrote an article about BPCR silhouette.  Below are the first three paragraphs:

"A 'Limited Equipment' Sport.'

"Thanks AI and Doc, for BPCRS!

"When Carlson and I conceived of BPCRS, we thought in terms of very simple game without a lot of gadgetry, especially one that would avoid the usual equipment race you see in so many other shooting competitions. You know just basically a rifle-a Sharps or a Rolling Block-and the stuff a Buffalo Hunter would have had.

"AI Hill, NRA Silhouette Committee members and one of the co-founders of BPCRS, was speaking to another shooter at the 1996 NRA BPCRS Championships. I listened as AI talked about their early shooting experiments, how they arrived at rifle models allowed, and dimensions, etc. This was my first National BPCRS match at Raton and over the next three days I had an opportunity to consider and remember AI's comments.

"As the final day wound down and we gathered for the awards ceremony, I thought back over the past three days. Yep! Had a great time, met lots of people, and got to look at lots of equipment. Recalling AI's 'keep it simple, no gadgets' comments, I could only laugh."

The remainder of the article is a tongue-in-cheek look at al/ the equipment needed and/or perceived to be needed to participate in BPCRS.

[longcaribiner]

Hey DD  a few friends are trying to set up a shoot, here in PA which will allow any pre 1888 rifle or reasonably close facsimile to compete.  If enough folks show, we could pit teams of Sharps vs rollers vs Martinis vs break opens, etc.    I posted something at British Militaria Forums, but it doesn't seem like anyone was interested there.

We already began considering targets and things, even though the range question isn't settled.     A nearby Plymouth garage is saving old brake discs to use as bases and a friend with a plasma cutter has offered to cut some shapes for us.   The steel plate is being salvaged by a buddy's son who is in the demo business.   An guy that works at Aberdeen proving grounds in the instrumentation dept.  says he can rig an electronic sensor & meter that will count hits on gongs.   There aren't many places with sufficient open range and back stop, we are working on a few though.  

I appreciate those reports from Africa and have a few books for the library.  After the step son moves out this week, I'll get them together and ship them if still wanted.     I have to go through the kiddie books in my daughters closet any way.