Classic pistol shooting is restricted to muzzle loading pistols in Scotland. Most of the clubs that were involved in pistol shooting in the past have become approved Muzzle Loading Pistol Clubs and will be able to offer facilities for target shooting with original firearms or reproductions of these arms.

The three main types of pistol used in Classic Pistol Shooting are:

• Flintlock Single Shot Pistols: Duelling with pistols took place with flintlock pistols. By the time the percussion system had been developed duelling had been outlawed and become unfashionable. Modern reproductions tend to be in the more effective smaller calibres of 0.44" and .45".
• Percussion Single Shot Pistols: As duelling faded away gentlemen of the period took up target pistol shooting using pistols equipped with the new percussion system. These pistols are capable of excellent accuracy.

  

• Percussion Revolvers: Developed in the second half of the nineteenth century, percussion revolvers allow several shots to be discharged after the rather protracted loading process. They can therefore be used in a wider range of competition disciplines than single shot pistols.

Shooting Disciplines. All pistol types can be used in the slow fire style of competition typified by the MLAGB Precision matches. In these matches the competitor is given 30 minutes to fire thirteen shots. When the target is scored the best 10 shots on the target are counted for the score. Revolvers can also be used in disciplines similar to the former breech loading matches such as the MLAGB's Historic Revolver.

The Historical Breech Loading Small Arms Association runs the Heritage Pistol scheme at Bisley and other approved sites.

The Muzzle Loaders Association of Great Britain has more information on the types of shooting available.

For more detailed information on ailable.

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Updated 17 May 2003