Rifles, equipment, and loading techniques were shared because, even if the shooter could afford these things, they were not readily available. From time to time, muskets and long-range bulleted rifles like the Whitworth were tried with varying degrees of success. While accuracy was seldom a problem, these efforts usually foundered on the shoals of excessive recoil. Equipment has settled on a rifle of .38 caliber weighing 10 to 12 pounds, with a rifling twist rate of one turn in 16 to 18 inches and firing a bullet of 250 to 300 grains. Powder charges seldom exceed 55 grains.
Sights are the traditional peep rear and open or globe front sight.
While click adjustable sights are allowed, they are not felt by this writer to be in the tradition of the original matches. The are a definite advantage over the original equipment. This collection of equipment likely represented the largest number of fine original muzzleloading schuetzen rifles in one place on these shores during our lifetimes. This exhibit was organized by Donna and Roy Gatlin along with Rod England. It was obviously done with the help of many owners, most of whom did not wish to be known.