WESTERN STATES MUZZLE LOADERS ASSOCIATION

 POLICIES, RANGE RULES, AND MATCH RULES

 

I.  GENERAL RANGE RULES AND PROCEDURES

1.             All matches, equipment, and scoring will be done under the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (NMLRA) Rules and Regulations, Latest Edition, unless otherwise specified by Western States Muzzle Loaders Association (WSMLA) herein.

2.             Flintlock rifles may be used in any percussion rifle match.

3.             Competitors are responsible for making CERTAIN the correct match and shooter numbers are on the target and that the target is posted at the proper distance. Fired on incorrect targets will be disqualified.

4.             All NMLRA Territorial aggregate targets must be completed in the relay posted and allotted relay time, unless an acceptable mechanical breakdown has occurred and verified by the Range Officer.  

 5.             WSMLA Target(s) may remain posted for more than one relay provided that NO scoring shots have been fired on the "match" target.  If posting more than one "match" target understand that the first scoring shot on a target is considered as starting both match targets, they must be finished in the allotted time. 

 6.             All targets SHALL be turned in after the relay it was shot.  

 7.             Awards will take place, Friday morning, as soon as all scoring is final.  (Awards will not be mailed and therefore must be picked up at the awards ceremony.) We will try to start at 9:00 a.m.

 8.             Scores will be posted on the scoreboards daily.  Don’t ask the Range Officer for your score.

 9.           Any questions arising over scoring are to be submitted to the Scorekeeper on a “Challenge Form” available at the Registration shack.

 10.           Challenges and protests should be made on the day after the match was fired.

  II.  RANGE SAFETY RULES

 1.             No smoking on the firing line, in any loading areas, or when handling or carrying black powder.

2.             No loading of firearm directly from the powder horn or flask.

3.             No open powder containers.  Cap all powder pouring spouts.

4.             Priming or capping of firearms to be done ONLY on the firing line.

5.             No “wet” loads behind firing line.  Notify Range Officer is there is a problem.

6.             Swabbing between shots is recommended; and mandatory in some matches, see match rules.

7.             ABSOLUTELY no blowing down the barrel.

8.             NOTE: ALL RILES AND PISTOLS MUST BE IN A CASE OR AT A MINIMUM HAVE THE ACTIONS COVERED WHEN GOING
                TO OR FROM YOUR VEHICLE; THIS IS A TRI-COUNTY RANGE RULE.

9.             While loading all flintlock weapons, the frizzen must be open and the hammer in the down position.

10.           No loading from the actual shooting benches or on the firing line.

11.           False muzzle attachment cord is not required.

12.           No firing permitted after the Range Officer has called a cease fire.

13.           No one is allowed beyond the firing line, except during a cease fire.

14.           No horseplay, alcoholic beverages, or illegal substances in or around shooting areas.

15.           Ear protection is required and shooting glasses are highly recommended.

16.           It is the parents’ responsibility to make sure that shooters who must be supervised are supervised.

17.           Any command or instruction given by the Range Officer shall be followed.

18.            No artificial supports behind the trigger area when shooting bench rest.

 ANY ONE VIOLATING THESE SAFETY RULES MAY BE SUBJECT TO DISMISSAL FROM THE RANGE.

 WSMLA INDIVIDUAL MATCH RULES

I.  DAN WEDMAN TRADE MUSKET AGGREGATE C:

1.             Gun shall be any smooth bore flintlock without a rear reference point above the plane of the barrel.

2.             No set triggers are permitted.

II.  JIM BRIDGER FLINTLOCK AGGREGATE D:

1.             Rifle must be traditional style rifle.

III.  JOE MEEK PERCUSSION AGGREGATE E:

1.             Rifle must be traditional style rifle.

IV.  WYOLA APPLEWHITE AGGREGATE H:

1.             Aggregate for Women only.

2.             Rifle must be traditional style rifle.

3.             See Section on X-Stick Buffalo.

V.  WAYNE FINCHER AGGREGATE I:

1.             Shooters must not have reached their 18^th birthday.

2.             Shooters under 14 must have an adult sponsor with them while shooting.  It is the parent’s responsibility to make certain that shooters who must be supervised are supervised.

3.             X-Sticks are to be used in all 3- animal positions.  See Section on X-Stick Buffalo.

4.             Rifle must be traditional style rifle.

VI.  HIAWATHA AGGREGATE J:

1.             Shooters must not have reached their 14^th birthday.

2.             Shooters must have an adult sponsor with them while shooting.  It is the parent’s responsibility to make certain that shooters who must be supervised are supervised.

3.             X-Sticks are to be used in all matches.

4.             Rifle must be traditional style rifle. 

5.             See Section on X-Stick Buffalo.

6.             Hiawatha shooters may also enter matches in the Wayne Fincher Aggregate but must shoot the position as stated, i.e. offhand.

VII.  PEE-WEE SHOOT AGGREGATE K:

1.             Shooters must not have reached their 11^th birthday.

2.             Shooters must have an adult sponsor with them while shooting.  It is the parent’s responsibility to make certain that shooters who must be supervised are supervised.

3.             X-Sticks are to be used in all matches.

4.             Rifle must be traditional style rifle. 

5.             See Section on X-Stick Buffalo.

6.             Pee-Wee shooters may also enter matches in the Hiawatha Aggregate.

VIII.  TERRY SAVAGE ONE GUN AGGREGATE L:

1.             Must use same rifle in all four matches.

2.             The rifle must weigh under 14 pounds.

3.             The rifle must be weighed by the Range Officer prior to shooting first match.

IX.  GEORGE LAVERTY UNLIMITED BENCH AGGREGATE M:

1.             False muzzles do not need to be attached to the loading bench.  It is the responsibility of the shooter to remove the false muzzle prior to moving it to the firing line.

X.  WOMEN'S UNLIMITED BENCH AGGREGATE N:

1.             False muzzles do not need to be attached to the loading bench. It is the responsibility of the shooter to remove the false muzzle prior to to moving the rifle to the firing line..

XI.  MUSKET AGGREGATE O:

1.             Muskets must be as defined by NMLRA Rules.

2.             Muskets must be inspected by the Range Officer or designee prior to shooting first match.

XIV.  FER-DU-LAC (3-ANIMAL) TARGET MATCHES 15 AND 19:

1.             The Fer-Du-Lac will consist of 6 shots fired at the animal target at a distance of 25 yards.

2.             Shooter shall fire 2 shots offhand, 2 shots sitting or kneeling, and 2 shots over the log or prone position; 2 SHOTS ON EACH ANIMAL.  Shooting from a “harder” position is only allowed; as a substitute for the “over-the-log or prone” position.
                Medical conditions or anyone 70 years of age are exempt from the position requirements and all 3 can be shot from the offhand position.

XV.  X-STICK BUFFALO MATCHES AND RE-ENTRY

1.             The X-Stick Buffalo will consist of 5 shots fired at a 2-bull buffalo target at a distance of 50 yards.

2.             Shooter will fire three shots into one of the bulls and two shots into the other bull.

3.             Shooters can use WSMLA supplied cross-sticks or their own, but they must comply with NMLRA rules

4.             Sighter targets WSMLA matches are allowed. Note: NO sighter targets for NMLRA Territorial matches.

5.             NOTE: For the "National Territorial" matches, they can now be shot in the sitting position from the ground, chair, stool or a bucket; and the x-stick length is up to the competitor.