saread

Alright, I've about had it with the crappy end of the stick that the modern firearms guys get for hunting seasons. I'm really considering moving to black powder this year. I'm really not a fan of the traditional style of black powder rifle, and would like to use a more modern style inline rifle. I know this is a bit controversial between traditionalists and the more progressive types, but I'd prefer to hunt with something I'd feel more comfortable with. So, the question is: What make and model of inline rifle is Washington legal and is a quality firearm? Should be good for some discussion.

hlb3

You are going to be VERY limited on choices for WA legal inlines. The 3 main choices you will have are:

-CVA Buckhorn - It is going to be the cheapest and not overly fancy, but it does get the job done. Out of the box it is not WA legal, but all you have to do is swap out the breech plug and put either a musket cap or #11 nipple on it and you will be fine. It has a 1:28" twist rate so it is ideal for sabots.

-Traditions Pursuit Northwest - It's a decent gun, but there has has been some issues with the safety and also with the firing pin sticking, it is WA legal right out of the box, also has 1:28" twist.

-Thompson Center Northwest Explorer - As far as quality, trigger, and overall finish, hands down the best option. The only downside is it has a 1:48" twist rate which sucks for sabots, you will probably want to stick to a Minié ball for best accuracy. Also if hunting in Idaho is anything that interests you, this would be your best choice since as of last season they still do not allow the use of any sabots.

saread

None of these really light me up. Of the three, I think if I had to choose it would be the Thompson. They have a long history of making quality firearms and I can live with shooting conicals, although I'd rather shoot sabots. I'll be hunting in sagebrush on the east side and anything that helps extend accuracy is good.

I was also thinking of maybe something like a Thompson Black Diamond or an Austin and Halleck 420. Neither is in production and A&H has gone out of business. Both are WA legal and you can still find them NIB on Gun Trader. Parts for the A&H might be hard to come by if you need them, but not impossible. Both are good guns.

Monster4570

I've had quite a few charcoal burners over the years. Currently I only have a Knight Wolverine .50, which is legal in WA. It's an inline but the primer "is exposed to the elements" as per WA regs.

It's super accurate for a muzzleloader. I get 1.5" groups consistently with these Remington 303g sabots and 3-4 with most lead conicals.

But I hope for this to be my next acquisition.

They used to make a 4 bore.

hlb3

Knights are great guns, unfortunately they aren't making them anymore. You may be able to still find one around though.

saread

Well after looking around and doing much research, I finally pulled the trigger on a stainless Knight Big Horn. Pretty much the same as the Wolverine. Bob's Sporting Goods in Longview had managed to score a supply of them from somewhere and I managed to snag the last one (except for the display unit). New rifle, in box, for $320. Knight was purchased in March and I can't belive that these would be new production at this time; especially since I haven't been able to find anyone selling Knight rifles new.

Upon first inspection, I must say it appears to be a pretty well thought out piece. Nice fiber optic sights (that will be replaced with a Williams peep sight). Recoil pad, pre drilled for a scope (or peep sight), fit and finish are decent, choice of ignition supplied, even included a chit for nonfiber optic sights for Oregon hunters (nice touch). These have a terrific rep and I can't wait to give it a go.

I've got to work up a load. Right now I'm thinking something like 95 grains of 777 behind a 300 gr Barnes saboted bullet lit with a musket cap. Time for a new adventure.

saread

Wow! Finally got to shoot this hog. I have to say that it was a total gas. I'm totally impressed with the how it shoots. I was shooting 300 gr. Hornady SST sabots over 95 gr. T7 with a musket cap. First impression is that although the trigger group looks cheesy, it's actually very good. Crisp, feels like about 4 lbs. I was stunned by how easy it was to start shooting decent groups. When I found the paper with the Williams peep, it was trivial to start knocking the center out of the 10 ring. Albeit only at 50 yds for this session, I have no doubt of a repeat performance on the next go around when I push it out to 100. If you need meat on the table, these things will put it there.

I'd read about what a pain Knight Bighorns were to clean. I find that to be a bit of niggle with it. You do need to dissassemble the rifle to do it, but that's just one bolt to take off the stock, one bolt (same tool) to take off the trigger group, unscrew the plunger, pop out the breech plug and it's done. About 2 minutes total. Hot soapy water, very little elbow grease, dry, lube, antisieze the plug, reassemble and you're done. About 10 minutes if you're in a hurry.

Can't wait to do it again. My only issue is finding a source of supply to keep it going near Bothell. Any help here?

Dodgeramstein

Hey Saread sorry if this turns into a thread jack... but does anyone have any suggestions on places to look to get good noob info on muzzleloading. there are so many sites that cover this info so its hard to tell who has good info and who doesn't. any help would be appreciated. I also considering putting down my modern to go muzzle loading. thanks for any help as I have never done it before but would really like to learn!

Monster4570

^^^ Look for Sam Fadala's books. He's prettymuch THE black powder expert.

I learned much from his books when I was new to charcoal burners, and still reference them frequently today.

saread

This place has some decent information, if not entirely current and with some bias:

MUZZLELOADER INFORMATION PAGE

Some pretty good stuff with these guys that is applicable to hunting here, can also ask and get good answers:

Muzzleloader Hunting