The muzzleloading revival is probably the most unexpected development in the shooting sports during the last few decades. Thousands of Americans are returning to those times, centuries ago, when black powder was first developed and muzzleloading firearms were the height of progress and technology. They experience tradition, history, and a link to our American past by participating in Civil War "skirmishes," formal target matches, frontier "rendezvous," novelty matches, informal turkey shoots, and big game hunts with muzzleloading firearms.

• Rules
  Except where specific exceptions are made, NRA Muzzleloading Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun Rules apply.

• Powder
  Only black powder, Cleanshot™ or Pyrodex™ may be used.

• Equipment
  Rifle: Any safe muzzleloading rifle may be used. Flintlock rifles must use a patched round ball. Percussion rifles may use any projectile. Flintlock and percussion-type ignitions will be considered equal in stature. Any metallic sight is allowed.
  Military Small Arms ("Musket"): Any safe, original or reproduction, military (as issued by the United States, Confederate States, or by a state government) rifle, musket, carbine, or musketoon of .54, .58, or .69 caliber may be used. The projectile can be a hollow-base, Minié-type or swaged bullet. Original pattern sights must be used.
  Pistol/Revolver: Any safe muzzleloading pistol or cap-and-ball revolver may be used. All shooting must be done with one hand, using only the arm to support the firearm. Only metallic sights may be used. Open, fixed, or adjustable sights are allowed. The projectile may be a round ball or a conical bullet.
  Shotgun: Any safe single- or double-barrel muzzleloading shotgun, that uses percussion cap or flintlock ignition, may be used.
  Accessories: Slings, palm supports, cross-sticks, loading tubes, shooting coats, and gloves as described in Rule 3.7 may be used.

• Scoring
  In all cases in which 13 shots are fired, only the high 10 are to be scored. Due to the variation in calibers used, scoring is done relative to the center of the ball or bullet hole. The center of the shot hole must at least touch a scoring ring to count that value. There are no time limits for completing a target.

• Targets
  The B-17 target is used at all distances on ranges measured in meters. The B-19 target is used at all distances on ranges measured in yards. Standard clay targets are used for shotgun.

• Awards
  Muzzleloading Firearms Patch. Blue/burgundy certificates. Medals, medal bars and skill rockers used in all courses. See qualification awards.