These are pistols which are loaded "from the front end". They are of interest to historians, collectors and shooting enthusiasts. Don't get the idea that these are inaccurate, in todays Olympics shooters produce groups of shots at 25m in the order of 5cm with pistols like the .44 percussion rifled barrel Pedersoli Le Page (rhymes with garage). It was a deadly accurate duelling pistol!

Flintlock

A measure (about 30 grains) of gunpowder (black powder) is poured in the muzzle end of the barrel. A lead ball wrapped in greased cloth is then hammered down the barrel to sit on the powder. A small quantity of fine black powder is trickled into the pan and the frizzen closed. The cock with a piece of flint in its jaws is drawn fully back. The trigger is pressed, the flint strikes the frizzen and a shower of sparks falls into the pan igniting the priming charge which in turn ignites the powder in the barrel through a small touch hole.

Percussion

Similarly to above, a charge of about 20 grains of black powder is poured in the muzzle end of the barrel. A lead ball wrapped in greased cloth is then hammered down the barrel to sit on the powder. The hammer is drawn back to half cock and a percussion cap is fitted on the nipple. The hammer is drawn back to full cock and the trigger pressed. The hammer hits the cap and the "fulminate" ignites setting off the charge in the barrel.

Percussion revolver

There are six cylinders. Each cylinder in turn is loaded. A measured charge (20 grains) of black powder is poured into the cylinder. Sometimeas a felt wad or inert filler is added next. A lead ball is seated on top of the powder using the rammer attached to the gun. Grease is applied above the ball if a lubricated wad is not used. When all the cylinders are loaded then percussion caps are fitted to each nipple. The gun can be fired six times without reloading. It is a single action only mechanism.

Black powder, once fired, leaves corrosive residues. After it has been shot a muzzle loader needs cleaning (intentional pun, the person and the gun will both be very messy!) Normally this involves dismantling the gun and immersing the parts in boiling water to which detergent has been added. The parts are then scrubbed vigorously with bristle brushes to remove all the fouling. This is a slightly distasteful process with sulphurous eggy smells! This may need several changes of water. The parts are then dried and lubricated to prevent rusting in storage.

"Cleaning a muzzle loader is on a par with changing a baby's nappy, unpleasant, smelly, necessary and done out of love."  Ted