Nightfox_308
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i want to get into muzzleloading so i can hunt deer longer should i get an break-open or a flintlock. what brand? what type? im looking toward a traditions XLT break-open. what do you think?
What should i get???
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DixieTexian
Member
I would get a traditional sidelock in percussion, not flint. Flints are supposed to be a but pickier on how you treat them, so a percussion is good to see if you like the traditionals. If you just want to extend your season without worrying about the history behind front stuffers or anything, get an inline. But I believe that everyone considering muzzleloaders should at least borrow a traditional percussion gun to see whether they like them or not. There is deffinately more challenge in going traditional if that floats your boat.
Pancho
Member
Dixie has it right about the flintlocks and like Dixie I prefer muzzleloading with a sidelock and still feel something special when I hunt with one, which is most of the time. I stayed away from inlines mostly because of watching guys fuss with capping and decapping the bolt actions. When the breakopen inlines finally came out I bought one and liked it. No special tools needed or tabbed primers and they are easier to clean.
If you catch the BP fever it won't be your last gun. I've been in it since 1964 and I really don't know how many muzzleloaders I have. I'm going to a gun show this weekend and who knows, I might buy another.
If you catch the BP fever it won't be your last gun. I've been in it since 1964 and I really don't know how many muzzleloaders I have. I'm going to a gun show this weekend and who knows, I might buy another.
Loyalist Dave
Member
I LOVE my flintlock .54, BUT the previous comments are correct, I had to work with it for a good two years, range time, hunting, all weather conditions, to learn all the ins and outs. I've taken several deer three years running, but if you don't have the range time avaible, go with the sidelock. If you don't have the range time but can find a person who has run into all the glitches, you probably could learn to use one reliably in about 6 months. OR, again go sidelock, and when you've worked that enough that you want something a bit more complicated, then go flint.
LD
LD
Pancho
Member
Makes you wonder what kind of night blindness the old boys had to put up with when the flashpan went off on night hunts or raids.
arcticap
Member
If you mainly want to hunt with it, the inlines will usually always increase the effective range. Inlines are also easier to mount a scope on if legal in your state.
The downside is that bullets are more expensive and inlines are much slower and harder to load.
If you want to shoot deer most reliably past 70 yards or so, then stick with an inline first and a percussion second.
If you need to be persuaded to buy a flintlock, then IMO you're not ready for one. Most shooters will instinctively know when it's time for them to try hunting with a flintlock.
The downside is that bullets are more expensive and inlines are much slower and harder to load.
If you want to shoot deer most reliably past 70 yards or so, then stick with an inline first and a percussion second.
If you need to be persuaded to buy a flintlock, then IMO you're not ready for one. Most shooters will instinctively know when it's time for them to try hunting with a flintlock.
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Go with a percussion sidelock. It's not as hard to learn to operate one well and shoot it accurately as a flintlock, but it will be fun to shoot the gun.
Seems to me, with an in-line you'd just use the thing grudgingly for restricted deer seasons, but using a sidelock will actually be an added-value experience. It might end up being another shooting interest you gain. And it can be good past 70 yards. A .45-70 sure is; there's no reason a frontstuffer isn't. You just have to look more carefully at the trajectory and energy numbers than with a .270, but that's true of an inline as well.
Seems to me, with an in-line you'd just use the thing grudgingly for restricted deer seasons, but using a sidelock will actually be an added-value experience. It might end up being another shooting interest you gain. And it can be good past 70 yards. A .45-70 sure is; there's no reason a frontstuffer isn't. You just have to look more carefully at the trajectory and energy numbers than with a .270, but that's true of an inline as well.
Omnivore
Member
I like what ArmedBear said, but go with what suits your fancy.
Be sure to check your local hunting regs in fine detail before you make your decision. Some jurisdictions are very particular on what is allowed.
100 yards, or a little more, with a traditional front feeder is no more difficult than with a modern iron-sighted rifle, one you get use to it and once you have worked out a good load. Stance, hold, sight picture, breath control, trigger squeeze...though it's mostly mind control as I tell my students.
Sight in from a bench or other supported position. Shoot groups of 3 to 5 shots. Get the groups small and consistent (3 to 5 inches at 100 yards is perfectly doable. Some will do better) then adjust the sights for point of impact. There's a ton of info here on THR about getting decent accuracy from your BP rifle. The particular lock or action type is secondary to good loading and good shooting.
Be sure to check your local hunting regs in fine detail before you make your decision. Some jurisdictions are very particular on what is allowed.
100 yards, or a little more, with a traditional front feeder is no more difficult than with a modern iron-sighted rifle, one you get use to it and once you have worked out a good load. Stance, hold, sight picture, breath control, trigger squeeze...though it's mostly mind control as I tell my students.
Sight in from a bench or other supported position. Shoot groups of 3 to 5 shots. Get the groups small and consistent (3 to 5 inches at 100 yards is perfectly doable. Some will do better) then adjust the sights for point of impact. There's a ton of info here on THR about getting decent accuracy from your BP rifle. The particular lock or action type is secondary to good loading and good shooting.
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