![]() Modern muzzleloaders are in fact very, very advanced and can offer accuracy better than 1-inch for three shots at 100 yards. While there are of course some types of crossover models, the traditional muzzleloader can be thought of as a primitive, individual weapon in respect to its style and ammunition, whereas the modern ones can be thought of as standardized systems that just use a slow method of reloading. There is some merit to this, as aside from loading from the muzzle, there are few similarities between traditional muzzleloaders and modern in-line rifles. Among traditionalists, there is a prevailing view that modern in-line muzzleloaders are designed to skirt the spirit of the hunt and introduce modern materials and methods that give the hunter the same or similar advantages to hunting with a regular centerfire rifle in, say. This school operates under the impression that there is a spirit to the hunt, a worthy challenge that demands adherence to tradition and old methods. ![]() The traditionalists maintain that the exposed hammer side-lock, either percussion or flint, is the only way to really do it right. There is a great divide between proponents of traditional and modern muzzleloaders, and they’ve even been known to disagree on what exactly constitutes a muzzleloader to begin with. The different ignition types are the main distinction, but there is much more to consider when deciding what kind to buy and hunt. As can be imagined, the side-lock traditional guns are more susceptible to moisture and bad weather. When closed, this primer is protected from the elements. Modern in-line muzzleloaders usually have a break action that allows a shotgun-type 209 primer to be inserted. To prime these guns, you must either pour powder into the pan or place a cap on the nipple, respectively. The traditional guns have an exposed lock, either flint or percussion. While there are indeed traditional guns made with modern materials such as synthetic stocks, what really makes them different is their priming method. Muzzleloaders can be generally broken down into two groups: traditional and modern. Hunting with a muzzleloader doesn’t have to be a fantasy of yesteryear, but just like in those halcyon days, it will be a tremendous challenge. It isn’t just about the sit or the shot, rather the entire experience of hunting with a muzzleloader: the smoke, grease, and acrid flavor of the air after your one shot goes off. Instead, the most appealing aspect of this fantasy involves a soot-stained walnut stock that’s cradling a patina-covered barrel. Rarely does the image conjure with a modern gun made of machined aluminum and chambered in this year’s fad cartridge. There is just something so right about sitting in the woods with a light flurry of snow in the air and a warm pot of chili waiting for you back inside. There’s something about a muzzleloader that inspires a sickening form of nostalgia. Here are a few of the best muzzleloader options for the hunt. ![]() Muzzleloader technology may be old, but it’s far from useless. ![]()
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