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We take the old style 1870's type single shot rifles (both original and replicas), and shoot heavy bullets (400-600 grains), over far distances (200-300-600 yards), at both paper and steel animal silhouette targets.
We prefer the original Black Powder because the accuracy is much better with the original fuel, but in our match's at RBGC we allow that new fangled modern smokeless stuff we keep hearing about from our high power competitor friends.
The order of the day in our sport is FUN, low-key competition, helping new people get on target, and sharing helpful information on the range and on the Internet.
In our competitions you will see 1874 Sharps, 1885 Winchester and Browning High Walls, Trap Door Springfield's, Ballard's, (etc), in 45-70, 45-90, 45-110, 40-50, 40-65, 40-70 and many other nostalgic cartridges. Cast or swaged lead bullets are used on both type targets. If you do not cast your own they are available from the web and from local casters.
We hold our shoots on our 600-yard Big Bore range, monthly on every fourth Saturday, year round, with show up at 8 am and first shot down range at 9 am. We are normally finished shooting by 3-4 pm. By the time we give out awards, (certificates), and enjoy each other's company, it's normally 5 pm.
This is a relaxed pace shooting event to match the slower times and nostalgia of the 1870's Rifles we enjoy so much. We shoot our old style single shots over crossed buffalo sticks and mainly use long-range vernier iron sights in the rear with bubble level equipped globe sights in the front. In 2004 we have started to shoot also a scope class for those that have bought the new (1870's design) external adjustment Malcolm Type Telescopic sights being made by Montana Vintage Arms.
Every year in August, BPCR shooters from all over America, and some from over seas, gather in Raton New Mexico (NRA Whittington Center), for eight days of shooting the BPCR guns for the U.S. National Championships. Last year nine Georgia shooters made the trip and competed in the Silhouettes (Steel knock down targets out to 500 meters), Mid-range (Bullseye paper targets to 600 yards), and Creedmoor (Bullseye paper targets to 1000 yards). Yep!! You heard me right!
With a 45-70 Sharps rifle, pushing a 530 grain bullet, at a speed of 1160 feet per second, it takes the bullet 2.1 seconds from ignition to target impact. The trajectory is like a rainbow and the wind reading becomes an art form. If you shoot all the events in the Nationals you could need as much as 700 rounds. I've made the 1500 mile trip 6 times and expect to see 12 Georgia shooters join the 400 plus shooters that will gather this year in the High Plains Desert of New Mexico to once again test their shooting skills against the best BPCR shooters on earth.
How are the Buffalo
Rifles Silhouette events shot at RBGC?
The targets are silhouettes 
of Chickens at 200 meters, Pigs at 300 meters, Turkeys at 385 meters and Rams at 500 meters cut
from heavy steel plate. The animals are sized appropriately at each range. The Chickens are shot off
hand without any support, such as slings or shooting coats. The remaining animals are shot in a prone
position using shooting sticks. The course of fire is: ten (10) shots each on Chickens, Pigs, Turkeys,
and Rams. The relays will be shot in two stages. The first stage will consist of unlimited sighters
and five (5) targets in a seven minute time limit. The second stage will consist of five (5) targets
with no sighters in a five minute time limit. Targets will be reset after each stage.
Cartridges must be loaded with straight black powder or Pyrodex. Plain based cast bullets must be used. Rifle weight must be 12 pounds 2 ounces or less with sights. A few other restrictions apply so if you are interested rules are on line at: NRA Rulebook.
Silhouette shooting is a team sport - one team member shoots while the other watches for changes in the wind and light and spots the hits and misses. It’s a great way to spend time with a friend, wife, son or daughter.
How are the Buffalo Rifles
Mid-range paper target events shot at RBGC?
We use standard NRA high power paper targets for the 200-300-600 yard distances. Thirty shots total are
fired for score, over crossed Buffalo sticks at all three distances. Each shot for score could bring
a 10 point score if a center hit is recorded. A perfect score would be 300 points. Both Iron sight and
Malcolm type telescopic sight classes are open to shooters. The shooters take turns in the pits pulling
and marking the hits for their fellow shooters. We will teach you how to do these duties and score the
targets. NRA Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert, and Master shooter recognition classifications are
available for those shooters using Black Powder in the event. Rules are on line at:
NRA Rulebook.
We have a fun-gun class for those shooting that new fangled smokeless powder. This is an approved NRA event for those that choose to shoot Black powder and just a lot of fun for those that do not.