First Firing of Traditions Pursuit LT West Muzzleloader Rifle

This Christmas I gave myself a muzzle-loading rifle. Something like a rifle one cannot leave up to others to pick out. I picked out the Traditions Pursuit LT West (Northwest Edition) 50 caliber black powder / muzzle-loading rifle. This is a break-action rifle, like the hinge action of a double-barrel shotgun. Except, of course the muzzle-loader loads from the muzzle (the other end of the gun). And, of course, today I shot 50 caliber balls, not shot. This is an `in-line' gun, in that the nipple receiving the percussion `cap' that sparks the powder charge is in line with the barrel. (In fact, if you want to, you can look straight down through the nipple and through the barrel out the other end.) Last year at Boy Scout Camp I fired a number of muzzle-loading rifles, both in-line and with side hammer, and both percussion cap and 209 Primer system.

I plan on hunting with this gun, so I purchased a rifle that has, or can accommodate, the No. 11 Cap. (In my state of residence the 209 Primer is not allowed for hunting.) I can, if I wish, some day convert to the 209 Primer system, and some day I might.

So, I abandoned the wait for good, warm weather, and went out today to give my gun the first firing, beautiful outside, but fresh snow and well below freezing.

I loaded up with a single 50 grain equivalent pellet of HODGDON Pyrodex, which slides easily down the muzzle to the breech plug at the other end (with the muzzle pointed upward, of course). Then started a 50 caliber ball (0.49 in. diameter, actually) with Traditions Wonderlube pre-lubed patch down the barrel, got it seated, marked the position of the muzzle with respect to rod, `capped' the gun, stood, raised on my target (50 ft away), and ...

... the actual first shot was somewhat of an un-climax-type experience. The report seemed less audible than the commercial airliner happening to fly overhead, some 6 miles straight up, in cold air, beginning its descent to SEATAC, some 300 miles west. The light powder charge and the excellent ear protection, no doubt contributing. And also the very soft snow all around (contributed). And (no doubt) also, me being more used to magnum shotgun loads at ducks and geese, unprotected, a few months earlier. Also, I was shooting at a white milk jug, against white snow background, and in near blinding light. So, it took me a moment to find the hole in the jug. But there was one! I put two more holes near the first - and I am happy with my new rifle.

I bought this particular model for several reasons. One of which is that the gun is relatively small, and light (6-3/4 lb). I plan on climbing up and down steep hills with it. And my teenage daughter Jaci will probably also be shooting it. Before hunting season starts I will likely attach sling and bipod, and for now, not a scope. And I will probably pummel lots of rounds through it this summer at Boy Scout Camp.

Oh, one more thing: because of the snow and the glare, there wasn't really any visible smoke, either.

A slideshow of the event is ... here.

References

Traditions Firearms, 1375 Boston Post Road / P.O. Box 776 Old Saybrook, CT 06475.

First Firing of New Traditions Pursuit In-Line Muzzleloading Rifle (Slideshow), Jeff Filler, Associated Content.