Req 2B-i — Range Procedures and Commands
This is a performance evaluation, just as in Option A. Your counselor and the range safety officer will observe your behavior from arrival through your last shot. But muzzleloading ranges have additional procedures because loading happens on the firing line and takes longer.
Standard Range Commands (Muzzleloading)
Many commands are the same as for modern shotgun ranges, but the loading sequence adds steps:
“Eyes and ears!” — Put on your eye and hearing protection before any firearms are handled.
“Shooters to the line” — Move to the firing line with your muzzleloader and loading supplies. The gun should be unloaded and uncapped.
“Load!” — You may begin the loading sequence (powder, wads, shot, over-shot card). Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction (upward, downrange). Do not cap the nipple yet.
“Cap and make ready!” or “Cap your guns!” — Place the percussion cap on the nipple and pull the hammer to full-cock. You are now ready to call for a target.
“Pull!” — The shooter’s call for a target to be released.
“Cease fire!” — Stop all activity immediately. If you have not yet fired, place the hammer carefully to half-cock. Keep the muzzle downrange. Do not attempt to unload.
“Unload” or “Make safe!” — Remove the cap from the nipple (use the capper to lift it off or let the hammer down gently on an empty nipple). Place the hammer at half-cock. On a muzzleloading range, if the barrel is still charged, the range officer will direct the procedure—you may be asked to fire the remaining charge downrange before clearing.
“Range is clear” or “Range is cold” — All guns are uncapped with hammers at half-cock or down. It is safe to go forward of the firing line if needed.
Muzzleloading-Specific Behavior
Your counselor is watching for everything in the Option A range section, plus:
- No capping until instructed. The percussion cap is the trigger for the entire ignition chain. Capping too early is the muzzleloading equivalent of loading a modern gun before the load command.
- Muzzle awareness during loading. Your face and body stay to the side of the muzzle at all times—especially when seating wads with the ramrod.
- Powder discipline. Powder containers stay closed and away from the firing line when not actively measuring a charge. No loose powder on the bench.
- Patience. Muzzleloading is slower. Rushing the loading sequence to keep up with other shooters is where mistakes happen.
The Counselor Conversation
This requirement is demonstrated on the range. Show that you handle the muzzleloader safely during every phase: transport, loading, capping, shooting, and clearing. Narrate your actions if asked.