Shooting Disciplines
Victorian Muzzle Loading Club
SSAA Victorian Muzzle Loading Club
Approved Handgun Target Shooting Club 562-290-00T.
The SSAA Victorian Muzzle Loading Club (VMLC), is a Sub-Club of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia - Victoria Limited (SSAA-Vic), and was formed in 1970, making it one of the first Muzzle Loading / Black Powder clubs in Australia. The VMLC meets for organised competitions on the third Saturday of every month, except for May, which is the fourth Saturday, at the SSAA (Vic) Eagle Park Range located near Little River. Competitions are organised for all black powder original and reproduction firearms including cap & ball, cartridge and single shot handguns, muzzle loading long-arms including flint, percussion, patched ball, minie-ball, slug projectile, smooth bore musket as well as cartridge rifle, and muzzle loading and cartridge shotgun. It is not a prerequisite to own all these types of black powder firearms; indeed some members have one or two firearms whilst others have sufficient to enter all Class competitions.
Although scheduled competitions are held every month, and members attending are urged to participate, it is not a Club requirement they do so. The emphasis is on appreciating the use of black powder firearms, and most members find that shooting in competitions is the best way to achieve this.
January is set aside for practice, experimentation and general chitchat, as well as handgun events. From February to October the competitions are run, with prize winners presented with cards as well as shields and trophies for the various Championships such as Breech Loading Rifle, Class 1 Rifle (military muzzle loader), Class 2 Rifle (traditional patched ball muzzle loader), Class 3 Rifle (any muzzle loader), Class 4 Rifle (slug-projectile muzzle loader), Flintlock Muzzle Loading Rifle, Muzzle Loading Shotgun and Handgun.
For the month of November many members camp at Eagle Park for the two-day State Championship where lots of black powder and lead is expended during the day and on Saturday night everyone relaxes at the free BBQ exchanging black powder stories and generally having a good time. December is set aside for some traditional fun type competitions and team events.
General meetings are held at the SSAA Springvale Complex in June (AGM) and December, on the Wednesday before the Saturday shoot. Attendance is not compulsory but all members and interested parties are invited to attend. VMLC Membership also includes an entertaining and informed newsletter, The Ramrod, which is mailed to members every month. The Ramrod includes shooters' scores, club records, coming events and additional articles of interest to the black powder enthusiast and novice.
Non-members interested in black powder shooting are more than welcome to attend our shoots where they can experience first hand this truly engrossing and satisfying sport.
Note that the VMLC shoots at Eagle Park on the third Saturday of every month except for May which is the fourth Saturday.
For additional information contact the VMLC President Jim Morraitis via the SSAA (Vic) State Office on 03 8892 2777 during business hours, email hawkeye@vmlc.com.au or visit the VMLC Web Site at www.vmlc.com.au