Canada at the MLAIC World Championships — and why we need more of you

[Brian James]

Team Canada just got back from the 31st MLAIC World Muzzleloading Championships in Eisenstadt / Wiener Neustadt, Austria (August 2026). For those who don't know the MLAIC side of the sport, here's the short version.

WHAT IT IS

The world championships for muzzleloading, held every two years, alternating with continental zone championships

• Typically 360–500 competitors from 23–26 countries
• Individual and team medals in pistol, revolver, rifle and shotgun (trap) events, in both original and replica classes

• Precision bullseye-style shooting — 25 m pistol/revolver, 50 and 100 m rifle, clays for shotgun.

• Canada competes as a full national team under the Canadian International Muzzle Loading Team (CIMLT)

HOW CANADA DID

• Brian LaGroix (ON) — GOLD, Kuchenreuter Original — 96/100, won on tiebreak in a 58-shooter field

Alexander “ Sandy” Scott (NS) — BRONZE, Kuchenreuter Replica — 94/100. Alexander also holds the current world record in this event (95, set at the 2024 Worlds)


Shane Staniek — 7th, Kuchenreuter Replica — 92/100


Two Canadians on the podium and a third in the top 10 of the same event, against the German, French, Italian and Swiss squads that usually own it.

WHY I'M POSTING THIS


There are a lot of very good shooters in this country — bullseye pistol, service rifle, smallbore, trap, and plenty of muzzleloader owners who already shoot tight groups off the bench or off hand. Most of them have no idea this discipline exists, that Canada fields a team, or that a world championship medal is a realistic goal for someone who already shoots at a high level.

If you can shoot a tight group, you're closer to a national team spot than you think.

NEXT WORLDS: FRANCE, 2028

Team selection runs through the 2027. Two years is enough time to get an original or replica gun sorted and put in the work.

If you're interested — or just curious what the courses of fire look like — reply here, or find us at cimlt.com and on Facebook (Canadian International Muzzle Loading Team) and YouTube (@CIMLT.MLIMLA).

Happy to answer questions in the thread.

Brian

 

[Brian James]

I'd like honest feedback:

• If you read the post and scrolled past without responding, why?
• What would stop you from trying an international style muzzleloading match: gear, cost, finding a club, or not knowing where to start?
• What would make this worth your time: a video, a match report, a try-it day, or a loaner gun?

If you're even a little curious:

• Reply or PM me with your location and what you shoot now. I'll point you to the nearest match or shooter.
• You don't need a $3,000 original. A good replica is a reasonable way in.
• The next Worlds are in France in 2028, and selection runs through the 2027. Two years is enough time.

Blunt answers are welcome - I clearly missed the mark on this post.

It’s tough knowing Canada’s besry muzzleloaders likely aren’t even aware this style of competition exists and with some help we could really challenge the dominate countries (Germany, Italy, France, etc..)

Brian

 

[Gnome75]

What is stopping people?

Cost. Even if I geared up for muzzle loading trap and got sorted I am taking time off work and paying a lot to go and exist in France

Gear, most people do not muzzle load out of cost and knowledge. Availability is some times a factor.

Most people have never heard of this.

Dedicated clubs are few and probably run by grumpy old people who are not usually welcoming or are difficult to be around. Just my experience.

I would enjoy the trap shooting part of this but some of the points above apply to me.

 

[Jay]

Hey Brian, I have two comments.

First is, cool!!! I had no idea that this existed.

And second, you didn't mention where the Team practices... Which I'm sure you know where I'm going with this... If someone wanted to get into the sport, it'd be much more difficult without a mentor OR local teammates in the area...

Cheers
Jay

 

[milsurpo]

In all honesty, traditional regimented proper marksmanship contests are even becoming difficult to find even for more modern equipment. My Swiss Club, for example, no longer has matches shot prone, unsupported with the K31. The shooting events are what I would call prone benchrest shooting with front and rear supports allowed and no commonality of equipment or ammo. That same club has plenty of guys that shoot black powder but there's never any effort to organize a BP day or event. Without regular, regional BP competition shooting opportunities I can't see many people being interested in getting into it. Personally, I shoot smoothbore muskets, long and short Enfields, Brunswicks, Snider, Martini, etc. All are originals and it's primarily a solitary hobby. I have a Snider load that allows me to shoot good groups at 300m, prone/unsupported, but there will never be any opportunity to compete with that rifle here in Alberta.

milsurpo

 

[old303]

Time is another big factor. Too many shooting disciplines, not enough time to properly address each and still tend to family and job.

 

[Snider shooter]

Well our club is represented. Only a small club with about 50 members.NSMLA. Sandy is one of them.

 

[Brian James]

Well our club is represented. Only a small club with about 50 members.NSMLA. Sandy is one of them.

Yes, Sandy and Jennifer represent Canada and Nova Scotia quite well! Sandy currently holds a world record and has 4 medals in the past three world championships. Plus he’s a really decent human being who is willing to help others.

 

[Brian James]

Hey Brian, I have two comments.

First is, cool!!! I had no idea that this existed.

And second, you didn't mention where the Team practices... Which I'm sure you know where I'm going with this... If someone wanted to get into the sport, it'd be much more difficult without a mentor OR local teammates in the area...

Cheers
Jay

Hi Jay and others.

I appreciate the response. The current Canadian team has members from Nova Scotia (Debert), Ontario (Ottawa, Barrie, Oshawa, Sudbury) and British Columbia (White Rock).

Needless to saw we are spread across the country, but Ontario plays a central role.

I’m aware of really good muzzleloaders in Alberta, BC and SK who are active, but shooting different targets.

As others have pointed out, time, money and facilities all play a role. As for coaching and mentoring Sandy and I can help either in person or by phone or online. We m strong in the percussion handgun events, Sandy has medaled in rifle and pistol events. But I struggle with a flintlock and matchlock - so those are my projects for this fall and next year.

We are all volunteers, and do it for the love of the sport and the good people you meet along the way.

 

[flintyboom]

I'm sad about this. I bought the parts to build a target pistol with interchangeable smooth and rifled barrels, and flintlock and percussion locks. Now I can't do anything with them. Would've been fun

 

[Snider shooter]

Yes, Sandy and Jennifer represent Canada and Nova Scotia quite well! Sandy currently holds a world record and has 4 medals in the past three world championships. Plus he’s a really decent human being who is willing to help others.

He doesn’t give up. Had to change from shooting right handed to left due to having a pressure gauge shot into his right eye and loosing most of his sight in that eye. He over came that obstacle and can still compete and win.

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

I'd like honest feedback:

• If you read the post and scrolled past without responding, why?
• What would stop you from trying an international style muzzleloading match: gear, cost, finding a club, or not knowing where to start?
• What would make this worth your time: a video, a match report, a try-it day, or a loaner gun?

If you're even a little curious:

• Reply or PM me with your location and what you shoot now. I'll point you to the nearest match or shooter.
• You don't need a $3,000 original. A good replica is a reasonable way in.
• The next Worlds are in France in 2028, and selection runs through the 2027. Two years is enough time.

Blunt answers are welcome - I clearly missed the mark on this post.

It’s tough knowing Canada’s besry muzzleloaders likely aren’t even aware this style of competition exists and with some help we could really challenge the dominate countries (Germany, Italy, France, etc..)

Brian

To answer your questions -

What is MLAIC? Not clear in the body of the message.
Is this a sanctioned SFC national championship? or national team? By appearances no.
Are other types of muzzleloaders allowed, or is this exclusively for uncommon European models?

 

[gunlaker]

There don't seem to be that many people interested in serious competition with black powder rifles in Canada. At least not out west. For several years I was the informal "Team Canada" at the black powder target rifle long range matches in Arizona, Wyoming, and Colorado.

Chris.

 

[EthanisAwsome]

I was looking into this style of competition shooting but for Ontario I am in the dead zone for serious clubs and supply of accoutrements. The major limiting factor for me is travel to shoot in competitions in Ontario that is about a 14 hour drive to Barrie last time I checked were it is hosted I have no idea if Manitoba has a league but probably be around Winnipeg if I had to guess so 8 to 10 hrs the other way. That is unfortunate for me and I would assume other people that might want to give it a try to compete but unfortunate like all "sport's"/"competitive" hobby's the price of admission and participation is only going to keep getting higher especially in Canada were so much travel would be involved to get to a single match let alone multiple.

 

[mckutzy]

Im inclined to agree above... there is just an overall lack of consumables, powder and caps/flint to make this a real viable discipline, especially out here in BC in the lower mainland.

Most if not all gun shops here, dont want to carry any caps and or powder...or let alone anything past eff-ing pyrodex.

 

[DanRR]

Hello Brian,
Here in Montreal, we are only three BP shooters at our club,,,,Pedersoli's Enfield 3 bands 1853, Zouave 1863, 1777 corrigé An IX, An IX cavalry,
1860 Volunteer....
Although we are very decent shooters, participating in international competitions is a bit out of reach for us.

 

[srk]

Hi everyone
If you’re interested in trying black powder, rifle, handgun . And live in the Kitchener Waterloo region.
Drop me a line.
The club I belong to has multiple black powder shoots each year.
And we are a dying breed. lol.
So the more that come out and try.
The better.

Sean

 

[DanRR]

Im inclined to agree above... there is just an overall lack of consumables, powder and caps/flint to make this a real viable discipline, especially out here in BC in the lower mainland.

Most if not all gun shops here, dont want to carry any caps and or powder...or let alone anything past eff-ing pyrodex.

Hello,
How about Rusty Woods ?

 

[DanRR]

Hi everyone
If you’re interested in trying black powder, rifle, handgun . And live in the Kitchener Waterloo region.
Drop me a line.
The club I belong to has multiple black powder shoots each year.
And we are a dying breed. lol.
So the more that come out and try.
The better.

Sean

That is great Sean.
Every week-end, we shoot our BP .
A lot of people ask questions, try our rifles....but that's all.

 

[mckutzy]

Hello,
How about Rusty Woods ?

Me personally... im not interested in doing business with that guy...
All I constantly hear and a slightly to the effect of personal experience....
That guy needs to brighten up in life... cause his attitude... frankly hes an A-hole...
...