The only type of handgun you can legally shoot in the UK is a muzzle loader. Wild Bill Harriman saddles up and explains how to get started.

Derek landers looks at a Euroarms reproduction of the Rogers & Spencer percussion revolver, a pistol which arrived a little too late to make its mark in the American Civil War.

If shooting with black powder these are 9 important safety rules that shooters should follow (kindly supplied by Pedersoli).

The Le Mat’s revolver is one of the most identifiable firearms of the era. Invented by the French physician Jean Alexandre Francois LeMat in 1856, the Le Mat’s revolver combined nine shots of .36 or .42 ball, and one 16g shotgun load, making it one of the deadliest side arms in close combat.

Fortunately, unlike many things muzzle loading, selecting the right percussion cap is a fairly painless process. The three main sizes of percussion cap you will encounter will be No.10, No.11, or musket caps.

It can be difficult to select the right grade of black powder to get the most out of your shooting. Fortunately, we have created this chart to help. Simply select the kind of gun you're shooting, and pick a powder!

The key to good shooting with muzzle loading guns is consistency of load. Provided loading is consistent, bullets will group in one place on the target.

Renown in the muzzle loading world for its consistency and exceptional quality, the Swiss range of black is ultimate choice for any shooter looking to get the best performance from their gun.

Shooting muzzle loading guns is surprisingly common, and black powder shooting in general has enjoy a great renaissance in recent years. Every bit as fun (or serious!) as shooting ‘conventional’ guns, muzzle loading is an excellent way of honing your shooting abilities, experiencing the past, or simply creating a big cloud of smoke!

If you were wondering what gun was used in the BBC's recent dramatisation of the Gunpowder Plot, starring Kit Harrington, you can get your hands on your very own replica Matchlock musket.