Black gunpowder target shooting at Thaba Phuti Safari Lodge

The luxurious Thaba Phuti Safari Lodge offers its guests the opportunity to participate in the sport of black gunpowder target shooting. It is a very unique way of target shooting and is based on the olden days when powder was still used as the explosive to propel balls.

Black gunpowder target shooting is a dedicated category of shooting, which has its foundation on time-honored guns such as even bore or rifles and handguns.

Distinct from normal weapons, which draw on a propellant to force the bullet, this group of guns uses explosives called black gunpowder. The powder is thrown into the barrel, and an object in the form of a ball is then forced onto the charge to create a solid round. The charge is lighted through the use of a percussion cap or a flintlock. In rare occasions the matchlock is used for the ignition process.

Thaba Phuti Safari Lodge is one of only a few places in South Africa where you can enjoy the sport of black gunpowder target shooting.

Percussion based pistols and revolvers are nowadays also used. These are based on traditionally styled weapons used by soldiers in the American civil war and also by the British colonial fathers.

The sport became more popular in recent years because of the restrictions placed on the possession of conventional firearms. It provides people the opportunity to practice the sport of target shooting in an historical fashion and is also now available as an option at some ranges in South Africa. This is thus a truly rare and unique experience offered by Thaba Phuti Safari Lodge.

Although the guns used need special care in cleaning and require a lot of practice to get used to, shooting with them can be a wonderful experience. Since a special license is required when using the black gunpowder, it is rare to find a resort that offers this type of shooting. Guests of Thaba Phuti Safari Lodge however, have this opportunity to enjoy shooting in a traditional manner.

Types of handguns used in black gunpowder target shooting

The muzzle pistol is characterized by the eighteenth century gun fighting pistol. It is normally a single shot pistol. This type of handgun is very accurate and provides the shooter with the opportunity for testing his or her skills effectively. The modern versions of the historic guns include, percussion type revolvers such as the Colt and Remington.

The gunpowder

Before 1881, there was only on type of gunpowder called black powder, which consists of a mix of saltpeter, charcoal and sulphur with a low explosive power. When this powder is lighted it burns immediately and creates gas in the chamber or barrel. A lot of smoke also surrounds the firing of these guns. The powder cannot create enough power for tremendously high velocities. Near the end of the nineteenth century the powder became more effective in the use of cartridges. At Thaba Phuti you can still enjoy this messy, but fun sport, amidst the smoke and smell of sulphur in the air.

The basic ingredient of the now often used smokeless gunpowder is nitrocellulose and this provides a higher velocity level. Firing the guns don’t leave a trail of smoke and soot and the process is thus a lot cleaner than when using black gunpowder. It however, doesn’t provide that much fun, but if accuracy is the main aim then this type of gun is used.

Enjoy this unique experience while benefiting from five star luxuries in a colonial styled room overlooking waterholes and the Magalies Meander. Enjoy mouthwatering food in the boma, next to the campfire, while you converse with guests about your day’s black gunpowder target shooting. The lodge offers a beautiful restaurant, two bars, boma, a pool and excellent game viewing activities.

Apart from the black gunpowder target shooting, you can also enjoy silhouette and clay pigeon shooting or eat breakfast in the middle of the North West bushveld. Morning strolls through the private game reserve or horseback rides compliment your experience of black gunpowder target shooting at Thaba Phuti lodge.