Differences in Muzzleloader Designs

rodwhaincamo · October 2, 2011, 04:05 PM

So what are the pros and cons to the different types of muzzleloading rifles from bolt action to break actions to sidelocks, etc.?

Pahoo · October 2, 2011, 05:07 PM

I guess my best input to your questions are contained in this very good video. The second video in this series, will answer your main question. While you are in there, suggest you pick and choose what you want to watch. This is also great introductory primer for those just starting out in Muzzleloaders. This will take care of your practicles and get back to us on your particulars. ..

http://www.cva.com/videos.php

Enjoy and;
Be Safe !!!

Cheapshooter · October 2, 2011, 05:38 PM

You might want to try the Muzzle loader threads. sounds like you're asking about modern muzzle loaders.

James K · October 2, 2011, 07:31 PM

Good question, so I will try an answer.

The traditional muzzle loader, made for centuries, was the side lock, first in a matchlock, then a wheellock, then a flintlock, then a percussion lock. Today only the latter two are commonly made or reproduced for hunting and sport. Folks who like tradition will use one or the other. Those re-enacting historical events will, of course, use the type of arm appropriate to the original event.

Many states have special hunting seasons restricted to muzzle loading arms and participating can extend hunting time beyond the regular season. In some states, only traditional muzzle loaders can be used (PA limits their muzzle loader season to traditional flintlocks). In other states, the restriction is only to muzzle loaders, regardless of age or type.

For those states, arms makers have come up with muzzle loaders that are modifications of modern rifles of break open type or bolt action. These are made and intended only for hunting in muzzle loading seasons. While obviously, they can be used for target shooting the same as any other firearm, they usually are ruled out of competitions and activities involving historical type firearms.

The pros and cons depend on what the muzzle loader will be used for. If for hunting where both the modern and traditional are allowed, it will be a matter of personal preference. Modern types usually have better triggers and better feeling stocks. Some are easier to use than the traditional type, but not significantly so. As in most cases of "which gun", the answer is that, where there is no law or rule involved, it is a matter of personal preference.

HTH

Jim

rodwhaincamo · October 2, 2011, 09:15 PM

Thanks guys.
And you are more or less correct Cheapshooter...can I have this thread moved please?

October 2, 2011, 04:05 PM	#1
rodwhaincamo Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,246	Differences in Muzzleloader Designs So what are the pros and cons to the different types of muzzleloading rifles from bolt action to break actions to sidelocks, etc.?

October 2, 2011, 05:07 PM	#2
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Sit back enjoy !!! I guess my best input to your questions are contained in this very good video. The second video in this series, will answer your main question. While you are in there, suggest you pick and choose what you want to watch. This is also great introductory primer for those just starting out in Muzzleloaders. This will take care of your practicles and get back to us on your particulars. .. http://www.cva.com/videos.php Enjoy and; Be Safe !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

October 2, 2011, 05:38 PM	#3
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	You might want to try the Muzzle loader threads. sounds like you're asking about modern muzzle loaders. __________________ Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!

October 2, 2011, 07:31 PM	#4
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Good question, so I will try an answer. The traditional muzzle loader, made for centuries, was the side lock, first in a matchlock, then a wheellock, then a flintlock, then a percussion lock. Today only the latter two are commonly made or reproduced for hunting and sport. Folks who like tradition will use one or the other. Those re-enacting historical events will, of course, use the type of arm appropriate to the original event. Many states have special hunting seasons restricted to muzzle loading arms and participating can extend hunting time beyond the regular season. In some states, only traditional muzzle loaders can be used (PA limits their muzzle loader season to traditional flintlocks). In other states, the restriction is only to muzzle loaders, regardless of age or type. For those states, arms makers have come up with muzzle loaders that are modifications of modern rifles of break open type or bolt action. These are made and intended only for hunting in muzzle loading seasons. While obviously, they can be used for target shooting the same as any other firearm, they usually are ruled out of competitions and activities involving historical type firearms. The pros and cons depend on what the muzzle loader will be used for. If for hunting where both the modern and traditional are allowed, it will be a matter of personal preference. Modern types usually have better triggers and better feeling stocks. Some are easier to use than the traditional type, but not significantly so. As in most cases of "which gun", the answer is that, where there is no law or rule involved, it is a matter of personal preference. HTH Jim Last edited by James K; October 2, 2011 at 07:38 PM.

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October 2, 2011, 09:15 PM	#5
rodwhaincamo Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,246	Thanks guys. And you are more or less correct Cheapshooter...can I have this thread moved please?