Muzzleloaders

[rocky]

I am looking to purchase a muzzleloader for deer hunting later this year. I have never purchased a muzzleloader before and was wondering what features to look for. I do not want to break the bank but I don't want to get a cheapy either. any recomendations on what to get? Thanks

[Walleyeguy31]

I reccomend anything made by Thompson od Knight. They make very well built Mls.

[leechlake]

I'd agree with walleyeguy, I have two knights that I like. I got a stainless barrel on them to retard some of the issues with the powder. You still have to clean them properly no matter what you get. I got a knight revolution last year that is way easier to clean than my knigh disc. Ease of cleaning would be something I'd inquire about, it can be time consuming and until you get the hang of your particular gun can be hard. I'd also recommend shooting triple 7 powder over pyrodex. Pyrodex has a rotten egg smell that pyrodex doesn't have, triple 7 is also a hotter burning powder.

No matter what you choose I'd recommend going to an experienced retailer to get rigged up with all you need. Also, I use a small tool box to store all of my muzzleloader items in. I'd suggest that also. It's great to get into this sport, it can lengthen your seasons of enjoying deer hunting.

[CrappieJohn]

With more advancements being made in this arena we are seeing more restrictions being placed on "muzzleloader seasons" Many states have adopted rules that require on those arms considered to be primitive in design....meaning no in-lines, pelleted propellants, scopes, etc.

If you are going to use this gun during the regular firearms season I'd go with an in-line, scope it and shoot it enough to know the gun very well. In 45 or 50 caliber these arms are good for 125 to 150 yards and will plant a deer on its kiester nicely.

If you are looking for a sidelock to shoot, Thompson mades a couple very sweet weapons.

I have a Winchester x150 in-line in 45 and use it during the regular season about 50% of the time. As many deer fall to it as do they to the shotgun. Both are scoped with Bushnell Trophy 1.75-4 scopes and are very accurate.

[rocky]

I will be using my shotgun during the gun season so the muzzleloader would be strictly for the muzzleloader season. With that being said what kind of restrictions are there in MN as to what I can and can't use?

[CrappieJohn]

The rstrictios are listed in the synopsis. Be sure to check under the late muzzleloader season.

[ddsbyday]

I love my Thompson Center 50 calliber in line. I could see why at some point the regs will get tougher because these things are as predictable as any rifle at 100 yards. Could be more but where I hunt I will never have a 100 yard shot. Just a tip for you guys that are tired of cleaning your muzzeloader in your bath tub,remove the barrel and take it to a do it yourself carwash.Spend a dollar, use no soap and spray down the muzzle. You will get wet and the barrel gets hot so wear a glove. The barrel will be dry before you can get it back in your car. No fuss no muss. Even the threads to the breach plug will be spotless. You can heat some water and use a pressure washer but it usually pretty cold and the car wash is so easy.The only drawback is that sometimes the overspray gets on my truck and washes the hard earned mud off. Happy hunting,you will love the muzzleloader.With the TC you can get just about any barrel and forend you want to increase you arsenal of single shot rifles. One more thing, no scopes during black powder season,scopes ok during rifle season.Good luck!

[Jim Uran]

Hey man that's a great idea!^^^^ I have a couple of cva optima pro's that are great guns, easy to clean and accurate. I also have a .45 cal. cva magbolt that's pretty nice. It is pretty accurate and they sell them pretty cheap nowadays. This will be my third season with that gun and I've killed a few with it. One of them deer was about 100 yds. out when I smoked her through both lungs. But I;m selling it to my brother now that I have the Optima's.