The shooting events at the Anasazi Free-Trappers Rendezvous are among the highlights of the weekend. Whether you’re a seasoned buckskinner or picking up a muzzleloader for the first time at a rendezvous, there’s an event to test your skill. All firearms events follow the Range Rules posted at registration and on our Range Rules page. The Sergeant-At-Arms (Range Officer) has final authority on all ranges.
General Requirements for All Firearms Events:
- You must have your registration medallion with your number to compete in any event.
- Single patched round balls only. No in-lines, polys, sabots, or conicals.
- 60 grains maximum load on the rifle range; 20 grains maximum on the pistol range (unless otherwise specified).
- A powder measurer must be used — no loading directly from a flask or horn.
- Open sights only — no peep sights, hooded sights, closed shades, optics, or modern adjustable sights.
- Proper offhand (standing, unsupported) shooting position unless otherwise stated. No bracing, resting, or tripoding.
- No alcoholic beverages, drugs, or smoking while actively participating in any firearms event.
- See our complete Range Rules for the full list of regulations.
Age Divisions (Firearms Events):
- Juniors: 12–15 years (must be under adult supervision at all times)
- Adults: 16+
- Ancient Ones: 65+
Note: There is no Children’s division in firearms events. Children 12 and under may choose to register as a Junior and compete with a competition medallion, but doing so makes them ineligible for the separate Children’s events (Kids Games, Children’s Archery, etc.). This is a one-or-the-other decision made at registration.
Rifle Walk-Thru
What Is It?
The Rifle Walk-Thru is the signature shooting event of the rendezvous. Participants move through a trail course with multiple shooting stations set along the way. At each station, you’ll find a target — typically a steel gong, metal silhouette, or other target — set at varying distances and sizes. The challenge is shooting offhand (standing, unsupported) at targets that test your marksmanship at different ranges and angles, all in the natural terrain of Stone Cliff Canyon.
This is a self-scored, walk-through event. You move at your own pace with your group, stopping at each station to take your shot, mark your scorecard, and move on.
Rules & Regulations
- Groups: You must walk through in a group of 3 to 6 persons. You cannot go through individually or score your own scorecard — someone else in your group must score for you.
- Firearms: Traditional muzzleloading rifles only. Single patched round ball. No in-lines, conicals, or sabots.
- Sights: Open sights only. No peep sights, optics, hooded sights, or modern adjustable sights. Slings may remain on the rifle but may not be used to steady your aim.
- Shooting position: Offhand (standing) unless a station specifies otherwise. No bracing, resting, or tripoding.
- Powder charge: 60 grains maximum.
- Double gunning: Not allowed — one rifle per shooter on the walk-thru.
- Scoring: The range is self-scored. A hit scores a point; a miss scores zero. To count as a hit, your shot must make the target swing, ring, or ping — dusters do not count. A duster is a shot that grazes the target without making it react, or a shot that hits the ground near the target causing dust or debris to make the target swing or produce a sound. Some targets are designated as disqualifier targets. The course has multiple stations at varying distances and target sizes — the number and layout may change from year to year.
- Smoothbore and Junior targets: Smoothbore and Junior shooters have their own designated targets incorporated into the regular rifle range, marked with a distinct color (verify target colors at registration as they may change year to year). Smoothbore and Junior shooters can shoot the range anytime it is open.
- 10-minute rule: You have a maximum of 10 minutes at any individual target. If you experience a problem — a dry ball (loaded without powder), a misfire, or you run out of supplies — you have 10 minutes to resolve the issue and take your shot. You may leave the range to retrieve supplies, but the clock is running. If you cannot take the shot within 10 minutes, the target is scored as a miss and you move on.
- Honor system: Buckskinning honor and honesty prevails in all events. Score fairly.
How to Get Started
What you need: A traditional muzzleloading rifle (flintlock or percussion), patched round balls, your powder and measurer, cleaning supplies, and a reliable possibles bag. A ball puller is strongly recommended in case you need to clear a dry ball — you don’t want to burn your 10 minutes without one. If you don’t own a muzzleloader, check with traders on Traders’ Row — you can sometimes borrow or purchase one on-site.
First-timer tips:
- Register at the Registration tent and get your medallion first — you can’t compete without it.
- Find 2 to 5 other shooters to form a group. If you come alone, ask at Registration or the range — folks are friendly and groups are usually happy to take on another shooter.
- Take your time at each station — you have up to 10 minutes — but be prepared. Have your possibles bag stocked and organized so you’re not fumbling for supplies under the clock.
- Bring plenty of pre-cut patches and round balls. Running out mid-course means leaving the range to resupply on your 10-minute clock, or taking a miss.
- A ball puller and a reliable vent pick are must-haves. A dry ball or a clogged vent can happen to anyone, and having the right tools means you can fix it and still take the shot.
- The course uses the natural terrain, so wear sturdy footwear.
When: Friday and Saturday, 9:00am–4:00pm
Pistol Walk-Thru
What Is It?
The Pistol Walk-Thru is a self-scored, trail-course event designed for muzzleloading pistols. Participants move through a series of stations with targets at varying distances, testing your skill with a sidearm. At each station, you take your shot, and your group scores it on your scorecard before moving on. Pistol shooting at a rendezvous is a unique challenge — holding steady with a single-shot black powder pistol takes practice and patience.
Rules & Regulations
- Groups: You must walk through in a group of 3 to 6 persons. You cannot go through individually or score your own scorecard — someone else in your group must score for you.
- Firearms: Traditional muzzleloading pistols only. No in-lines or modern designs.
- Sights: Open sights only. No optics or modern adjustable sights.
- Powder charge: 20 grains maximum.
- Shooting hold: Two-hand hold is permitted unless otherwise specified at a station.
- Double gunning: Not allowed unless otherwise specified.
- Scoring: The range is self-scored. A hit scores a point; a miss scores zero. To count as a hit, your shot must make the target swing, ring, or ping — dusters do not count. A duster is a shot that grazes the target without making it react, or a shot that hits the ground near the target causing dust or debris to make the target swing or produce a sound. Some targets are designated as disqualifier targets. The number of stations and target layout may change from year to year.
- 10-minute rule: You have a maximum of 10 minutes at any individual target. If you experience a problem — a dry ball (loaded without powder), a misfire, or you run out of supplies — you have 10 minutes to resolve the issue and take your shot. You may leave the range to retrieve supplies, but the clock is running. If you cannot take the shot within 10 minutes, the target is scored as a miss and you move on.
How to Get Started
What you need: A traditional muzzleloading pistol (flintlock or percussion), round balls, patches, powder and measurer. Pistols are often available for purchase from traders if you don’t have one.
First-timer tips:
- If this is your first time shooting a muzzleloading pistol, it’s worth spending a few minutes practicing your grip and stance before the walk-thru. Ask the Range Officer about sight-in opportunities.
- Two-hand holds are allowed and recommended for stability, especially for newcomers.
- Pistol targets are generally closer than rifle targets, but the shorter sight radius makes accuracy a different kind of challenge.
When: Friday and Saturday, 9:00am–4:00pm
Smoothbore Shoot
What Is It?
The Smoothbore Shoot is for those shooting muzzleloading smoothbore guns — muskets, fusils, fowlers, and trade guns — the kind of firearms that were most common during the actual fur trade era. Unlike rifled firearms, smoothbores don’t have the spiral grooves that spin the ball for accuracy, making them a greater challenge at distance. Many buckskinners consider the smoothbore the most historically authentic firearm for the rendezvous period.
Rules & Regulations
- Firearms: Traditional muzzleloading smoothbore firearms only (muskets, fusils, fowlers, trade guns). No rifled barrels. May be percussion or flintlock.
- Ammunition: Single patched round ball.
- Powder charge: 60 grains maximum.
- Sights: Front sight only — no rear sights of any kind. Many smoothbores have only a front bead, and that’s what you get.
- Shooting position: Offhand unless otherwise specified.
- Format: Smoothbore targets are incorporated into the regular rifle range and are marked with a distinct color (verify target colors at registration as they may change year to year). You can shoot the smoothbore range anytime the rifle range is open.
- Groups: You must walk through in a group of 3 to 6 persons. You cannot go through individually or score your own scorecard — someone else in your group must score for you.
- Scoring: The range is self-scored. A hit scores a point; a miss scores zero. To count as a hit, your shot must make the target swing, ring, or ping — dusters do not count. A duster is a shot that grazes the target without making it react, or a shot that hits the ground near the target causing dust or debris to make the target swing or produce a sound. Some targets are designated as disqualifier targets. The number of stations and target layout may change from year to year.
- 10-minute rule: You have a maximum of 10 minutes at any individual target. If you experience a problem — a dry ball (loaded without powder), a misfire, or you run out of supplies — you have 10 minutes to resolve the issue and take your shot. You may leave the range to retrieve supplies, but the clock is running. If you cannot take the shot within 10 minutes, the target is scored as a miss and you move on.
- All other general Range Rules apply.
How to Get Started
What you need: A traditional smoothbore muzzleloader. Fusils and trade guns in the style of the 1700s–1830s are the most common at rendezvous. You’ll also need round balls sized to your bore, patches, powder, and a measurer.
First-timer tips:
- Smoothbore accuracy is inherently less precise than a rifle — embrace it. Hitting steel at distance with a fusil is a real accomplishment.
- If you own a rifle but not a smoothbore, this is a great excuse to pick one up from a trader.
- The smoothbore is one of the most rewarding events for those interested in historical authenticity.
When: Friday and Saturday, 9:00am–4:00pm (runs concurrently with rifle and pistol events)
Shotgun Event
What Is It?
The Shotgun Event is a clay shooting competition held at a dedicated location above the Pistol Range. Participants shoot clay targets using smoothbore muzzleloaders or muzzleloading shotguns with shot loads. The event includes both singles (one clay) and doubles (two clays) — having a double barrel muzzleloading shotgun gives you an edge on the doubles. If you’ve ever wanted to try busting clays with a black powder gun, this is your chance — it’s a completely different experience from modern shotgunning.
Rules & Regulations
- Location: Above the Pistol Range — follow the posted signs.
- Firearms: Smoothbore muzzleloaders or muzzleloading shotguns. Shot loads only — no round ball.
- Format: Singles (one clay) and doubles (two clays), scored as hit or miss.
- Fee: Additional $5 fee to help cover the cost of clays. Pay at the Registration tent.
- Registration medallion required.
- All general Range Rules apply.
How to Get Started
What you need: A smoothbore muzzleloader or muzzleloading shotgun, appropriate shot and wads (over-powder wads and over-shot wads), powder and measurer. If you have a double barrel muzzleloading shotgun, bring it — you’ll have a real advantage on the doubles rounds.
First-timer tips:
- This is a Saturday morning event only — don’t miss it if you want to shoot clays.
- Pay the $5 clay fee at Registration before heading up to the range.
- If you’ve never loaded shot in a muzzleloader, ask an experienced shooter for a quick walkthrough of the process before the event starts. The sequence of powder, over-powder wad, shot, and over-shot wad matters.
When: Saturday morning only. Above the Pistol Range (follow the signs).
Silhouette Shoot
What Is It?
The Silhouette Shoot is a marksmanship challenge where you shoot at metal silhouette targets set at varying distances. Both rifle and pistol are welcome. Unlike the walk-thru events, there’s no limit on how many times you can shoot the silhouette course — shoot it as many times as you wish and try to improve your score. The high score takes the prize.
The Silhouette Shoot is located below the Primitive Camp — head down the road west and follow the signs.
Rules & Regulations
- Location: Below the Primitive Camp. Go down the road west and follow the signs.
- Firearms: Muzzleloading rifles and pistols. Single patched round ball.
- Scoring: Hit or miss on each target. To count as a hit, your shot must make the target swing, ring, or ping — dusters do not count. A duster is a shot that grazes the target without making it react, or a shot that hits the ground near the target causing dust or debris to make the target swing or produce a sound.
- Unlimited attempts: You may shoot the course as many times as you wish. High score takes the prize.
- Sights: Open sights only.
- Shooting position: Offhand (standing, unsupported).
- Registration medallion required.
- All general Range Rules apply.
How to Get Started
What you need: A muzzleloading rifle or pistol, patched round balls, powder and measurer. Bring plenty of ammunition — since you can shoot the course as many times as you want, you’ll go through more supplies than you expect.
First-timer tips:
- This is a great event to watch before you shoot, so you can see the distances and target sizes involved.
- Since you can run the course multiple times, use your first attempt to get a feel for the distances, then come back and try to beat your score.
- Don’t be discouraged if you miss — even seasoned shooters find the longer distances humbling. That’s what makes the high score worth chasing.
When: Friday and Saturday, 9:00am–4:00pm