The Santa Cruz Muzzleloader: February 2017

SCML & Sunnyvale Troop 463

Boy scouts of assorted ages from 11 on arrived at Scotts Valley Sportsmen's Club on Saturday, Jan 21, 2017. Braving the cold and damp were a few good SCML men & 1 woman ready to share their unique sport with scouts, scout leaders and parents. Jack put the required SOP together that would meet SVSC and Scout requirements. Alan Ross was our Range Master giving the scouts an overview of muzzle loading and a safety briefing as well as managing safety on the range. Small caliber caplock rifles for the younger boys and Tim's lefty rifle were made ready for each scout to shoot 3 to 5 shots, depending on skill level. Paul Ray made simple, effective targets - paper plates with large orange circles in the center. Steven R's caplock was available for Steven C to load for his group. Our procedure of loading, capping and swabbing for each scout kept everyone safe and allowed time for each scout to be comfortable squeezing that trigger. Eager boys waited patiently as their fellow scouts took their turn.

After all of the scouts shot their target some of the adults took turns. Then it was time for Alan, Tim, Kirk, Jack, Mike, Steve R, Steven C, Paul Ray, Sherry and Don to shoot the flooded out Dec 2016 make up aggregate target! When we were done the older scouts helped put target frames and shooting tables away. The scouts grilled burgers, brought potato salad, green salad, sodas and hot chocolate for lunch.

We've shared our sport with various scout troops before and it has always been a rewarding experience. The look of surprise and awe when that rifle goes off and that puff of smoke rolls out and then pulling a target with holes in it is priceless.

Jack opening the gate for Troop 463

Here is the thank you letter from Sunnyvale Troop 463.

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of our Sunnyvale Troop 463 scouts, ASMs, Scout Master, and our scout parents a round of Thanks to the members of the Santa Cruz Muzzle loader members, and Scotts Valley Sportsmen Club for supporting the Black powder rifle event this past weekend. It was truly exciting for all our scout (and adults) to learn about and shoot with muzzle loader rifles. Truly a unique shooting sports for all ages to experience.

I like to acknowledge and recognize the our two distinguish individuals who's efforts and open dialog made this happen for all of us. Both Hank Sielski and Jack Sohriakoff help to bring the troop and SCML together for the shooting event.

A big thanks goes to the SCML members (Jack, Sherry, Alan, Kirk, Michael, Steven, Tim, Paul, and Don) for their mentoring to our junior shooter, many first timers, and some showing great marksmanship. The smiles on our scouts and adults says it all. We Thank you.

Commending the line goes to Alan Ross for the safety orientation and chief RSO. Keeping everyone engaged and safe. We hope that everyone did have an opportunity to enjoy the BBQ that our scouts put together and we hope that we will be welcome again for another future muzzle loader event with the SCML club.

We had a tremendous time at the range and an experience that the scouts will always remember.

Yours in Scouting,

Wilfred Tsang & Hank Sielski

ASM Troop 463