#IN LINE MUZZLE LOADER SERIES#

Depending on the model, cleaning the gun, which is a frequent necessity, can be a pain. They shoot well, are somewhat easy to clean and come in many variations to suit your needs. Does this have any negative meaning? By all means, definitely not. They are generally simple in form and design so they tend to be at the lower end of the price spectrum as far as muzzleloaders go. These are your basic in-line muzzleloaders. The trigger releases the plunger, which then slides forward and strikes the cap and igniting the powder charge, firing the gun. The design is this: the nipple sits in the breech with a percussion cap on, the plunger rides on a spring mechanism and is controlled by the trigger. A plunger-style gun is the simplest form of in-line muzzleloader and was the first to hit the market. Plunger guns have nothing to do with plumbing issues. With the introduction of that first Knight rifle, many other companies soon followed with their own versions and a willing public readily accepted most. Why it took so long for the idea to make it into the market is unknown. The basic concept has been around since the 1800’s. The idea of the in-line wasn’t new though. The first production in-lines used the same #11 ignition caps that were found on the side hammer models popular at the time. The result in theory is a more efficient ignition of the power. Move the nipple and ignition system behind the powder charge so that the spark from the cap goes in a direct line (in-line) to the powder charge.

In fact, it looked more like a modern centerfire rifle. Here was a muzzleloader that didn’t look like a muzzleloader at all. When Tony Knight created the first modern In-line production model in 1985, it took the market by storm. In-line muzzleloader technology has progressed at an amazing rate. The most important thing to do is look them over and decide what your price range is for what you want. You generally get better fit and finish with higher end guns. In-lines are like rifles in this respect. Do you want the economy car or the loaded Mustang? Both do the job, just in different fashion. How much do you want to spend? Here’s the real question. Know what you want the gun to do and be realistic.ģ. What kind of performance do you want from your new gun? Do you want to shoot short or long distances? One of the current buzzwords in in-lines is 'magnum.' To achieve magnum status, an in-line has to be able to handle a powder charge of 150 grains of propellant (powder). Know the laws of your state, province, or intended hunting area before you purchase.Ģ. Some states have different laws regarding in-lines and muzzleloaders in general. Make sure that the gun will accomplish what you expect but also know its limitations. What will you being doing with your gun? Will you be hunting and if so, what will you be hunting and where? You need to take a look at what each type of in-line will do and how it does it.

#IN LINE MUZZLE LOADER SERIES#

But really that leads to a series of other questions.ġ. You’ve seen the vast market of in-lines and have that one overwhelming question. To call that firearm primitive is misleading, and I smile now just thinking about it. At 100 to 150 yards, the only difference between the two as far as performance was the size of the hole left in the target. The first time I shot it, I had my 7mm Rem.

I later stepped up to a fancier in-line, also a. I spent more time making water jugs and old pumpkins explode than anything else, and it was fun. 50 caliber and came with a box of 300-grain lead conical bullets. If you’re not having fun, why do it? My first experience with an in-line was a low-end model that was accurate to about 75-100 yards. The biggest and most important reason is the fun factor. Let me start out by saying that I love hunting with an in-line muzzleloader. With modern advancements, the in-line muzzleloader blurs the line between the so-called primitive black- powder firearm and today’s smokeless cartridge rifles.

In line muzzle loader