These firearms, often of the type referred to as "buffalo rifles", are single-shot firearms using a fixed metallic cartridge containing black powder, which launch heavy projectiles at relatively low velocities.
In 1987, a national championship was held, and also local clubs began to arrange matches.
[1] The sport requires single-shot breech-loading cartridge rifles, such as were used in the United States in the late 1800s (NRA rules stipulate a type invented prior to 1896); replicas of the Sharps Rifle and Remington Rolling Block are widely popular.
While cartridges as light at .38-55 Winchester are occasionally used, gunwriter Mike Venturino notes that "three black powder rounds have come to dominate the sport.
The challenge of the sport lies in the slow loading of the individual cartridge, and the low velocity resulting in a very arched trajectory.