From an early document by our Patron, Paul Marchand 1976.

Although muzzle-loading firearms had long been used in Europe—particularly for hunting—there were initially no clubs dedicated to enthusiasts of historical firearms. In the United States, Red Farris and Oscar Seth organized the first muzzle-loading shooting match in Portsmouth, Ohio on February 22, 1931. They later founded the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association in 1935 and began holding annual championships in Friendship, Indiana. Their activities focused mainly on civilian firearms and traditional folklore.

In Europe, enthusiasts showed greater interest in military muskets and rifle competitions. The Muzzle Loaders Association of Great Britain was founded in 1952 and held its first shooting event at Bisley Camp in 1953, followed by the first British Championship in 1954.

In France, collectors led by Michel Demaison began shooting historical firearms at the Tir National de Versailles in 1960. Two years later they founded the Les Arquebusiers de France. Franco-British matches soon followed, including the annual “Entente Cordiale” Cup, which continues today and helped stimulate international participation.

During the 1960s the sport expanded rapidly across Europe. In 1967 Piero Vergnano founded the Archibugieri di Piemonte in Turin. In 1969 Richard Horlacher, editor of the Deutsches Waffen Journal, organized a successful muzzle-loading competition in Schwäbisch Hall, which soon became an annual event.

Because shooting rules differed from country to country, Les Arquebusiers de France invited interested nations to an international meeting and competition in Vaudoy-en-Brie in 1971. The goal was to establish common rules, standard equipment guidelines, and an international body capable of organizing championships.

Representatives from Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United States agreed to establish a Muzzle Loaders Association International Committee. Its objectives were to promote historical firearms shooting under original conditions, preserve the historical integrity of old weapons, encourage research into traditional firearms and shooting methods, and organize international competitions.

The first international championship of what would become the MLAIC was held in Madrid in 1972, organized by the Federación Nacional de Tiro Olímpico Español under the presidency of José Ángel Escorial y San Felice. With 31 shooters from five European nations, the event marked an important milestone in the development of international muzzle-loading shooting.

Subsequent championships were held at Bisley (Great Britain), Schwäbisch Hall (Germany), and Codogno, each attracting increasing numbers of shooters and participating countries, including Switzerland, the Netherlands, Austria, and South Africa. These events laid the foundation for the international federation that continues to govern the sport today.

The dates and venues of the MLAIC World and Zone Championships since the first international meeting in 1971 can be found on the page “Results and Records“.