Blackpowder firearms

Blackpowder was the first type of propellant invented over 1,000 years ago. Initially used in fireworks, blackpowder made its way into weaponry, leading to the design of handheld firearms in the 13th century. Blackpowder firearms revolutionised the way humans hunted for their food and protected themselves from predators.

These firearms (also known as muzzleloading firearms) are loaded from the muzzle end, have a trigger mechanism for firing and a stock for holding the firearm. They fire either a single lead ball or multiple smaller lead pellets.

Compared with other firearms, blackpowder firearms require considerable skill to load, since each charge is loaded at the muzzle end of the barrel. They also require substantial skill when hunting game because, with the exception of double-barrel versions, they only provide a single shot at relatively close ranges. That’s why many are attracted to the challenge of muzzleloading firearms.

It is important that hunters using blackpowder firearms understand how they work and how to use them safely to maintain high ethical hunting standards and acceptable animal welfare outcomes. Used within their accurate range, blackpowder firearms are more than capable of delivering one-shot instantaneous kills. Should you choose to purchase one, be sure to go to a shooting range with someone who has experience using a muzzleloader and have them teach you how to use it properly.