 Show A ramrod (or scouring stick) is a metal or wooden device used with muzzleloading firearms to push the projectile up against the propellant (mainly blackpowder). The ramrod was used with weapons such as muskets and cannons and was usually held in a notch underneath the barrel. Bullets that did not fit snugly in the barrel were often secured in place by a wad of paper or cloth, but either way, ramming was necessary to place the bullet securely at the rear of the barrel. Ramming was also needed to tamp the powder so that it would explode properly instead of fizzle (this was a leading cause of misfires). The ramrod could also be fitted with tools for various tasks such as cleaning the weapon, or retrieving a stuck bullet. Cap and ball revolvers were loaded a bit like muzzleloaders—powder was poured into each chamber of the cylinder from the muzzle end, and a bullet was then squeezed in. Such handguns usually had a ramming mechanism built into the frame. The user pulled a lever underneath the barrel of the pistol, which pushed a rammer into the aligned chamber. Naval artillery began as muzzle-loading cannon and these too required ramming. Large muzzle loading guns continued into the 1880s, using wooden staffs worked by several sailors as ramrods.[1] Manual ramming was replaced with hydraulic powered ramming with trials on HMS Thunderer from 1874.[2] References[edit]
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Rifle SafetyBefore we get to the range, let's look at the bolt action rifle andget familiar with how it works.The animation below will show you how to load the firearm andhow it is fired.Loading & Firing a Bolt Action Firearm:1.Move the safety to the on position.2.Remove the cartridge and load the firearm with theappropriate ammunition.3.Load the cartridge into the firearm.4.Open the action buy lifting up on the bolt handle and pullingit towards you. (you may need to engage the safety at thispoint depending on your firearm make and model).5.A cartridge will move up into the action. You can now closethe action by pushing your bolt all the way forward and thebolt handle down.6.When ready to fire, turn the safety off and squeeze thetrigger.To remove the spent cartridge and load a new one, repeat steps4-6. REMEMBER! Always keep your muzzle pointed in the safestpossible direction.Shooting PositionsBefore we go to the range or into the field, lets review the variousshooting positions that you might use.Prone PositionThis is the steadiest of all positions, because it supports both thefirearm and the hunter's upper body. The hunter's hips and legsprovide a stable platform. This position is very comfortable andshould be used to practice the fundamentals of good shooting.Sitting Position This is the next-best position for steadiness. With legs crossed atthe ankles, the hunter's knees gives support to the arms. But ahunter's legs will start to shake if this position is held for a lengthyperiod.Standing Position In this position, the hunter's arms are not supported, making itdifficult to take an accurate shot. With this position, there is anexaggerated movement of the barrel. Some hunters will use atree, large stone or a "shooting stick" as a prop to help ensure anaccurate shot.Kneeling PositionThis is an adaptation of the standing position, in which the hunteruses a rest to steady the firearm. The hunter will experience lessbarrel movement - a key to accurate shot placement.Sights on your RifleAt the range, you may be asked to shoot a rifle with bothopen/iron sights and telescopic sights. Open/Iron SightsFeaturing a notch or cut at the rear and a single post at the frontor muzzle end of the barrel, open sights are common features onrifles and pistols. Many of the newer open sights have the frontand rear sight made of fiber optic material of contrasting colors,that gather light and are easier to see in low light.Telescopic SightsConsisting of a main tube with lenses to magnify distant objects,it has line reticles for lining up the center of a target (i.e. wherethe horizontal and vertical reticles meet). This sight is mounted ontop of the barrel or action of a firearm. Since it is easy to use, it isa good choice for novice hunters. The telescopic sight is available in fixed powers and some models have an adjustable ring that thehunter can use to select different powers of magnification. Upload your study docs or become a Course Hero member to access this document Upload your study docs or become a Course Hero member to access this document End of preview. Want to read all 33 pages? Upload your study docs or become a Course Hero member to access this document What does it mean when the mark on the ramrod disappears into the?How would a hunter safely unload a muzzleloader? (B) or fire into a suitable Target. What does it mean when the mark on the ramrod disappears into the muzzle? (B) or the firearm is unloaded.
Why is it important to mark the ramrod of your muzzleloader?Always tightly grip the ramrod and use short strokes to seat the ball firmly on the powder charge. There should be no gap between the powder charge and the projectile. Use a marked ramrod to determine if a muzzleloader is loaded or empty.
What are ramrod made of?These traditional ramrods are made from selected straight grain hickory and have a threaded ramrod tip. The tip is secured with a cross pin.
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