gh,
I own quite a few muskets, but only shoot ONE for skirmishes, and to be honest I haven't had the opportunity to "work up" a back up piece. Divine providence has saw fit to exempt me from having to consider a second rifle/musket thus far.
Having your musket sighted in (optimally point-of-aim = point-of-impact) is key and should be your desired end result.
There is no "real" reason to have different muskets for various events/weather conditions etc, unless you just like cleaning different pieces and can adjust with different arms/loads (too much work, too complicated, too many variables)... When I mentioned the notion of having alternate rifles, a sage old veteran skirmisher just smiled, shook his head and simply said, "Beware the man with one gun, he knows how to use it." That was all I needed to hear on that subject!
As for muskets - you can't go wrong with choosing the best musket/rifle ever designed during the War of Northern Aggression - the coveted Fayetteville!
As a 2 bander - she loads MUCH faster than the antiquated 3 banders being used on the line. Fayettevilles are of good weight AND balance. Unlike 3 banders and the 2 band "artillery" Springfield's, Fayettevilles don't get easily pushed around like a weather vein while shooting in the wind. Being of the M-1855 pattern, parts are plentiful. Get the barrel relined, or replaced - you want progressive depth rifling (I personally recommend Whitaker's - but there are several GOOD vendors in this department!), the stock glass bedded, your lock tuned and trigger set to 3 lbs 2 oz. Sights: I prefer peep, with standard front sight - my eyesight now struggles with narrow blades, but I did prefer them in my youth. From there you can work up your optimal load. I use & suggest the .58 Hodgson (pure lead!) with 43 gr 3 F goex. Size your bullets properly and with fresh lube you will NOT have to punch your bore the entire time on the line.
Stance, I used to use the Olympic stance, but have had to evolve as I/my body changed to the "standard" style/stance with my right hand supporting. I am a South Paw (left eye dominant) so for me, the lock has never been an issue/distraction as long as I've been shooting muzzle loaders since the age of 9. Perhaps you may want to try using your left eye for a day at the range and see how you do/if it works??? I do now hold my ram rod in my right hand. This was a major change for me, but after getting used to holding my ram rod while shooting, loading is a bit faster & simpler on the line during team events.
gh - bottom line, you'll have to choose the musket that is right FOR YOU! The above works for me, but won't work for any number of competitors for whatever reason. Your piece has to be comfortable, and suit you personally - if you hope to settle on one rifle/musket for use on the line for individuals & team matches.
Some of your sport is science, but a GREAT amount of it is purely "art". Due to the targets, distances and conditions we're now demanding a lot more accuracy and consistency from what were basic/standard military arms intended for a much different use/results. That's what make each competitor's "kit" unique unto themselves.
I strongly suggest you "try on" a wide variety of muskets, and if possible put a few rounds down range with them if the owners allow. Take note how they load, how they "fit" into your shoulder, how you acquire the target while sighting in, Enfields with their "straight" stock offer different "ergonomics" than those like the Springfield, Remington, etc.
Semper Fi,
Rob Freeman
Col, USMC (Ret.)
1987-2019
The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. - Vince Lombardi
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