Monthly Meet – Over The Log Shoot – February 2025

by Chris Greene

This gathering of dubious triflers and hysterical ragamuffins actually conjured quite an auspicious day in spite of our official officiator and score keeper being out sick. So what did the mice do while the cat was away? That’s right, we played, littered, misplaced and turned things over. Some of us shot the smoke poles we brought; some brought guns but didn’t shoot; some stood around audibly slurping campfire coffee while extolling the virtues of being old guys and gals with black powder and knowing how to use it – another day to live, and to breath the sulfurous acrid pungent byproduct of burnt accelerant. Such are the lives we live. We grin and nod in silent understanding of your envy.

This early morning in February was bitter cold. Even though the temp read 36 – it’s that moist, Southern cold that bites to the bone. We had some sun however at first – and then lots of sun later with no wind. The no wind part is what we’re most grateful for. But still, we lit the fire pit and kept it going throughout the several hours of our dubious presence. Wary passersby just looked at us sideways as they scurried on.

We had some firsts today with shooting flintlocks, and black powder in general. One young lady shot percussion chunk guns and flintlocks for the first time ever, and she could not suppress smiling from ear to ear. We had one new member learn the process for handling and loading the flintlock rifle – each clearly explained step articulated and received with equal reverence, awe and wonder. Both individuals were quick studies and enjoyed every moment of it.

Among the collection of arms presented today were, the very heavy-barreled, over-the-log Chunk Guns; Hawken style percussion; Hopkins & Allen under-hammer; Virginia flintlock and others.

Since this was an informal shoot due to the aforementioned (see paragraph one), there was no scoring but rather pretty much a practice session getting us all reacquainted with our preferred long-guns and pet loads, and conversational catchup since the end of last season. We did have one dry-ball this day – but just one – to this author’s knowledge.

After we wrapped up the informal shooting meet, a few of us experimented with tomahawk throwing to burn off any excess energy reserves after shooting. Hint from the field: a freshly sharpened hawk head is firmly advocated.

Lastly, and as tradition has it, several of us went to the Boxcar Grill in downtown Talking Rock to enjoy the fresh cooked cuisine while we debriefed the event and engaged in raucous and pretentious colloquy.

Our next meet, which may be more formal – – or not, will be the 4th Saturday in March, the 22nd. Visitors are always welcome to watch for free, ask questions, mingle, etc.

See you then.

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Enjoy the remaining pictures of the event and the video at the end.

Enjoy the video of the February 2025 Over The Log Event