Whether you call them muzzleloaders, smoke poles, front-stuffers, black powder rifles, or something else, guns that load from the muzzle (rather than from the breech/rear like modern firearms) create a unique experience for hunters and shooters. Traditional or primitive muzzleloaders are aesthetic and functional replicas of the black-powder arms used by the world’s militaries and hunters for centuries before the development of the self-contained firearm cartridge in the mid-to-late 1800s.
Traditional muzzleloaders may use matchlock, wheellock, flintlock, or percussion cap ignition systems, though the latter two are by far the most common today. Modern in-line muzzleloaders resemble today’s break-action or bolt-action rifles, and sometimes are fitted with modern hunting scopes (where legal). Using specialized propellants and projectiles designed explicitly for the task, some modern muzzleloaders can produce sub-MOA accuracy out past 400 yards and are powerful enough to take America’s largest game.
There are generally two types of hunters who use muzzleloaders: Those who appreciate the history, aesthetics, and tactile experience of using antique-style firearms and the added hunting challenge that goes along with it, and those who employ as modern equipment as is legally allowed to take advantage of the extra hunting seasons and/or areas provided specifically for hunters using muzzleloaders. Both approaches are valid and can provide enjoyment and satisfaction.
Although there is a wide variety of muzzleloading firearms, including pistols, shotguns, muskets, smoothbore rifles, blunderbusses, arquebuses, fowling pieces, and more, for this article, we are going to restrict ourselves to muzzleloading rifles intended for use when hunting deer or other medium- to large-sized game during your state’s specially designated primitive or muzzleloading hunting season. So let’s get started!
Important note: Although all 50 US states have a muzzleloading hunting season, each state has different firearms laws and hunting regulations regarding muzzleloading firearms and their use. Multiple features may be specified or restricted, including ignition design, priming system, propellant material or configuration, barrel length, sights, scopes, bullet diameter, bullet type, bullet material, sabots, single/double barrel design, and more. What is legal in one jurisdiction may not be legal in another. Furthermore, hunting laws and regulations can and do change frequently. You are responsible for learning and following all updated local laws and hunting regulations for your area.
Best modern muzzleloaders (in-line style) for hunting
By far, most people interested in hunting deer or large game with muzzleloading rifles will choose the modern in-line type of ignition in some variation. These rifles (and the primers they use) are generally more reliable than traditional flintlock or caplock rifles and, depending on the propellant and projectile selected, may be much more powerful as well. Stocks are often synthetic rather than conventional wood, and metal finishes are typically stainless steel and/or coated with corrosion-resistant (and sometimes camouflaged) materials. Where legal in your state, a scope mount or improved peep sights are often fitted.
An additional benefit of most in-line muzzleloading rifles is easy access to a removable breech plug, which significantly eases the cleaning process, since you can quickly remove the breech plug and clean the rifle similarly to a modern break-action or bolt-action firearm. With traditional muzzleloading rifles, this is usually not possible. All real black powder and many of the approved black powder substitutes are corrosive and/or hygroscopic (water-absorbing), which means you have to be vigilant and keep your muzzleloading firearms clean and protected adequately from fouling and corrosion. A removable breech, combined with modern corrosion-resistant materials, makes the modern in-line the most popular choice for practical hunters. Let’s take a look at a few of our top picks.
CVA Accura MR-X: Most accurate in-line for the price
Connecticut Valley Arms has been making and importing black powder firearms for over 50 years, and CVA says they have been the #1-selling muzzleloader brand in America for over a decade. CVA’s popularity is partly because they offer several entry-level in-line muzzleloading hunting rifles at very low prices. Some of these have a reputation for quality control that, let’s say, may not be the best. However, the CVA Accura MR-X has earned many fans due to its modest price (starting at $600 MSRP) and potentially excellent accuracy in a hunting-friendly 26” barreled layout. The MR stands for Mountain Rifle. At 6.7 pounds with peep sights, the MR-X possesses an overall packability while retaining a long enough barrel for good velocities and surprising accuracy.
Speaking of the barrel, it is the centerpiece of the MR-X. Made by famed Spanish builder Bergara (now a sister company to CVA) and mated to CVA’s proven break-action-style receiver, the MR-X’s barrel is medium-heavy profile, fluted, and threaded 3/4x24 for easy attachment of suppressors or muzzle brakes. A knurled thread protector is included. Barrels are available in stainless finish or nitrided and (for an extra charge) Cerakoted for extreme corrosion resistance and reduced visibility. In .45 caliber, the twist rate is 1:22”, while in .50, it slows to a versatile 1:28”. These twist rates provide acceptable accuracy using patched round balls (if velocities are kept reasonable), but where they really shine is when using saboted, higher-BC bullets or any of the modern, skirted, conical muzzleloading projectiles that in-line shooters typically use for hunting.
Video: CVA Accura MR-X Muzzleloading Review
Its ultra-modern (for muzzleloaders) free-floated barrel design contributes to the MR-X's accuracy, where the forend doesn’t contact the barrel from the receiver to the muzzle. This necessitates a new way of thinking about the ramrod, as most traditional muzzleloaders and modern in-lines have a ramrod attached to the barrel and secured into the forend. This would upset the accuracy potential of a free-floated barrel, so the MR-X ships with a collapsible, reinforced carbon-fiber ramrod. Various sighting configurations are available, including excellent peep sights, fiber-optic rods, and scope mounting bases where legal.
We really like the MR-X’s buttstock, which includes textured, rubberized panels for a sure grip and an ambidextrous, adjustable comb for an ideal cheek weld regardless of which sighting system you use. This adjustability means you can remove your scope and install iron sights for hunting in states where they are required, and your sights will still align perfectly with your eye.
Suppose your hunting style is more stationary and less hiking with guns. In that case, CVA also offers the Accura in a longer-barreled format for extra velocity, energy on target, and possibly greater accuracy. Otherwise identical to the MR-X, the LR-X (LR for Long Range) has a longer 30” barrel and is available in many of the same colorways and sight configurations as the MR-X.
Traditions NitroFire VAPR (Firestick): Easy mode for new muzzleloader hunters
For hunters who want to take advantage of muzzleloading hunting seasons but have no interest in learning how to use a traditional muzzleloader (or even legacy in-line muzzleloaders using loose powder or pellets), the Traditions NitroFire rifle, which utilizes the Federal Premium Firestick propellant system, makes it super easy. Assuming it’s legal for use during your state’s muzzleloader-only hunts (see below), there’s no easier or quicker way to load (or unload) a muzzleloader. Starting at $569 MSRP and going up to $729 with a camo-patterned stock and an included 3X9 scope, the NitroFire isn’t just a good deal… it’s a good idea (if you’re into super-modern muzzleloaders).
So, what’s different about the Firestick system? Rather than loading loose or pelletized powder through the muzzle, the Firestick is a self-contained, plastic housing (somewhat resembling a 28-gauge shotgun shell) that contains a pre-measured charge of the new ultra-clean black powder substitute, Hodgdon Triple 8 granular powder. The sealed capsule is available in 80-, 100-, and 120-grain charges and utilizes a breakable front cap that completely encases the powder charge to avoid spillage and water contamination.
As you might imagine, the Firestick loading process differs from other muzzleloaders. First, you seat your bullet into the barrel. Even though the breech is not plugged, you can’t push a bullet all the way through the breech, as the bullet shelf or seating ring stops it. This ensures your bullets are all loaded to the exact same position every time. Next, to load the powder charge, you open the action and insert a Firestick into the breech, then insert common #209 muzzleloading-compatible primer into the primer pocket at the rear of the Firestick. Close the action, and you’re ready to shoot!
One of the other benefits of the Traditions NitroFire is that it has a captive half-cock position on the hammer. This allows you to safely break open the action after it’s loaded in case you want to completely remove the powder charge for safety or transport. Doing so is basic hunter safety with centerfire firearms, but unloading easily is not possible with some in-line muzzleloader systems.
Since the NitroFire Firestick system requires loading the bullet from the muzzle, it may be legal in some states that don’t specify that the propellant also be loaded from the muzzle. However, since the powder charge is loaded from the breech, it may be prohibited for muzzleloader hunting in many states. The technology is so new that local regulations haven’t had a chance to consider it. So be sure to read your hunting regulations carefully.
Is the NitroFire (Firestick) system legal for muzzleloading hunting in my state?
Traditions maintain a nationwide map with information on the legality of the Firestick for muzzleloading hunting. As of this publication, roughly 27 states have approved using the Firestick during their muzzleloading hunting seasons.
Pro tip: For fans of the Firestick system who want to save a little money, CVA offers their Firestick-compatible Crossfire rifle starting at $450.
CVA Paramount: Best non-custom long-range muzzleloader
Let’s address the elephant in the room up front: As of summer/fall 2024, the CVA Paramount has been sold out for over a year. Rumors are that CVA stopped production of the very hot-selling Paramount ($1,290) and its updated Paramount Pro V2 ($1,920) due to supply chain shortages of Hodgdon’s Blackhorn 209 black powder substitute, which is needed to get the best results from the rifles. Blackhorn 209 is generally unavailable, but supplies are returning to the market. Hopefully, CVA will start making the Paramount rifles again soon.
Meanwhile, if you must have a Paramount, some leftovers are available from online retailers or used rifles from members of black powder hunting forums. Why should you bother? If you want the absolute best accuracy from a muzzleloader for hunting deer or elk at extended ranges, the CVA Paramount has a lot to offer. Styled like a premium long-range bolt-action rifle, the Paramount has a free-floated, premium 1:22” twist Bergara barrel in either .45 or .50 caliber and has been shown to produce sub-MOA groups out to 400 yards and sometimes more. For a muzzleloader, this performance is nearly unheard of, particularly in a factory rifle.
The Paramount .45 caliber can handle charges of up to 160 grains (by volume; 112 by weight) of Blackhorn 209, producing velocities of up to 2,200 fps. The Paramount .50 caliber can handle 170 grains by volume (119 by weight). If you’re lucky enough to have a Paramount V2 at 8.4 pounds (in .50), you’ll probably want to add the threaded muzzle brake, particularly for sighting in, because 170 grains of Blackhorn behind a heavy, high-BC bullet will wake you up for sure.
The Paramount has a removable breech plug (it simply threads out using an extension tool through the back of the receiver) and comes with 10 unique VariFlame primer adapter sleeves to enable the use of large rifle primers. This extra step is a bit of a pain, but the performance and reliability of using large rifle (or large rifle magnum) primers to ignite the charge of Blackhorn 209 are worth the extra hassle.
The Paramount Pro V2 features a custom-designed Grayboe stock that’s half a pound lighter than the original Paramount in .45 caliber. The new stock also features an adjustable cheek riser that can be set high for use with scopes or lower for use with the new Micro-Adjust Williams peep sight, which comes standard on some models or can be installed as an option on others. Removable stock spacers allow for perfect length-of-pull adjustment for any shooter, and the Limbsaver recoil pad substantially reduces felt recoil… which is sorely needed when you load maximum charges and heavy bullets.
The Pro V2 also gets a premium, fully adjustable TriggerTech trigger, and Cerakote barrel finishes nicely complement the stock’s hand-painted camouflage patterns.
If you can find one, and you’re a buy-once, cry-once kind of muzzleloader hunter or shooter, the Paramount is hard to beat.
Honorable mention bolt-action hunting muzzleloader: Remington 700 Ultimate ($1,449). Remington’s bolt-action muzzleloader uses cut-down .308 Winchester cases with rifle primers as its priming system, so loading is easy, and cleanup is simpler than with the Paramount system. The Knight Ultra-Lite ($1,635) is another well-liked option for a premium bolt-action hunting muzzleloader.
Traditions Buckstalker XT: Best budget in-line for hunters
While CVA offers some rifles close to this price range, we’ve had some iffy quality-control issues with the lower-tier CVAs over the years. For this reason, we recommend starting with the Traditions Buckstalker XT if you’re just trying to fill your muzzleloader tag for the lowest possible entry price. Starting at $269 MSRP for a plain blued finish (without sights) and moving up in price depending on finish and configurations (the premium Cerakote finish with iron sights is $316), the Buckstalker XT is often available at places like Walmart for about $209 or sometimes less. For that money, you get a capable, lightweight, user-friendly in-line rifle that will get the job done for most muzzleloader deer hunting situations.
The rifle comes with a threaded, extended ramrod with cleaning jag, a wrench/tool to remove a stubborn breech plug, and a very nice, ~3 lb. 2-stage trigger, as well as a cross-bolt safety for those who prefer their rifles with external safety devices.
If you’re brand-new to muzzleloading, the Buckstalker is also offered in a ready-to-hunt kit for $419. It includes all the necessary accouterments, projectiles, and a factory-mounted 3x9 scope. All you need are powder and primers.
Best traditional (non-inline) muzzleloaders for hunting
If you say the word muzzleloader to a non-informed modern hunter or firearms enthusiast, chances are they’ll picture a flintlock or percussion caplock rifle or musket with traditional wood stocks and a historical metal finish (blued, browned, pickled, or left in the white), and this is what we mean when we say traditional muzzleloader. For hunting, we’ll eliminate military-style flintlock muskets like the Brown Bess, as well as the Civil War era’s rifled muskets such as the 1853 Enfield and 1861 Springfield. Though a good shooter could take a deer with any of the above firearms, they’re not ideal. So here are some of our top picks for hunting-capable flintlocks and percussion caplocks for the more traditionally minded customer.
Pedersoli Kentucky rifle: Nicest traditional flintlock for the money
Pedersoli is a well-renowned Italian firearms maker that specializes in historical replica firearms. Their guns aren’t cheap, but most are nowhere near the price of a nice flintlock rifle from an American custom maker. The Pedersoli Kentucky flintlock rifle retails around $975-$1,045, depending on where you shop. There was a time when a grand seemed like way too much to spend on a black powder rifle, but those days are long gone. There are certainly cheaper flintlocks out there. However, for your not-insignificant investment in the Pedersoli, you get restrained classical looks, excellent hand-fitting and finishing, a superb trigger, a very accurate barrel, and nicely polished brass hardware including a large patchbox.
Historically, Kentucky and Pennsylvania rifles referred to the same thing depending on context, but in modern reproductions, Kentucky rifles typically are a tad shorter and less ornate than the longer, slimmer, and usually fancier Pennsylvania replicas. We like the Pedersoli Kentucky rifle for any primitive hunting where you’ll be hiking or walking a bit or in brushy conditions, as it’s a bit shorter (with its 35.5” barrel, 1:48” twist) than some Pennsylvania rifles. It’s also a little lighter to tote all day, at around 8 lbs in .50 caliber. Some American retailers claim 6.5 lbs, which is laughably incorrect.
For you do-it-yourselfers out there, Pedersoli offers the Kentucky rifle in a pre-inletted kit for about $100-150 cheaper. Unlike some other black powder rifle kits, Pedersoli’s comes with the barrel and lock finished and inletted. Install your sights, sand and finish the stock, and you’re off and shooting.
Honorable mention flintlock: Traditions flintlock Kentucky rifle. At around $629, Traditions makes a solid, Spanish-imported rock-lock with a cheaper, 2-piece stock design and more basic fit and finish (though it does come with double/set triggers). If you like the antique long-rifle style, and just want to hunt and aren’t worried about perfect finish or a stellar trigger, this may be the way to go, particularly if your jurisdiction requires a flintlock. Note that the Traditions barrel is rifled 1:66” so patched round balls will be preferred. Their Flintlock Hawken at $619 is another good option.
Investarm Bridger Hawken: Best movie Hawken rifle
Real Saint-Louis-made Hawken rifles don’t look much like the Italian and Spanish replica Hawkens that have come out over the past 50 years, many as a response to the 1972 Robert Redford movie Jeremiah Johnson, which has been credited with reviving the rendezvous/mountain man culture for a new generation. What we’ll call movie Hawkens often have historically inaccurate polished brass furniture, shorter barrels, single wedge escutcheons, stocks without much drop at the comb, and even squared-off trigger guards. The CVA and Thompson/Center Hawken rifles popular in the 1980s and 1990s are prime examples of these movie Hawkens and were usually very good, functional, attractive rifles (if not historically accurate).
To make a long story somewhat shorter, CVA and T/C no longer offer Hawken guns, so firms like Traditions (Spain) and Investarm (Italy) are the primary sources now for these inexpensive movie Hawkens. The good news is that Investarm’s Bridger Hawken (around $629 from American retailers) is a fine-shooting, good-looking rifle that any hunter would be proud to own. It won’t impress any real Hawken cognoscenti, but not much will, short of the real thing. And for general muzzleloading fun, as well as hunting where a percussion caplock or flintlock (both are available) is required, the Investarm Hawken is a solid choice today.
It’s also available in kit form, and left-hand models have also been offered.
Honorable mention movie Hawken: Traditions Hawken Woodsman ($569). The Traditions version of what we’re calling the movie Hawken more closely resembles the popular CVA and T/C Hawkens of the late 20th century, with a more squared-off brass trigger guard. If you’re missing the heyday of inexpensive Hawkens of 20 years ago, the Traditions might just be your cup of tea.
Pedersoli Rocky Mountain / Missouri River rifle: Best factory Hawken rifle replica
An authentic-looking, hand-built replica Hawken-style rifle that conforms to historical data might cost you between $3,000 and $10,000 today from a custom rifle builder. That’s more than most people are willing to pay, even though it’s a lot less expensive than the $50,000 or more an original 19th-century Hawken might cost you. However, several makers offer Hawken replicas that more closely resemble the historical rifles. In our view, Pedersoli does the best job with their Rocky Mountain Hawken and Missouri River Hawken rifles ($1,599-$1,999, depending on stock material and quality).
With its 34.5” barrel and more historical stock shape (with a significant drop at the comb), along with more correct steel furniture, the Pedersoli Hawken will satisfy all but the most scrupulous shooters looking for an authentic Hawken-shooting experience. The longer barrel also provides more velocity for hunters who stretch their shots to farther distances or those who want more punch for larger animals. These rifles aren’t cheap, but the quality of the materials and finish is obvious. For those curious, the difference between the Rocky Mountain and Missouri River versions lies only in the barrel twist rate; The Rocky Mountain’s is 1:65” for use with patched round balls, and the Missouri’s is 1:24” for use with conical and other modern bullets. For hunters who love Hawkens, select the rifle that matches your projectile choice. Either way, you’ll get a beautiful, capable, heirloom-quality rifle that will serve you well in the field and on the target range.
Honorable mention replica Hawken: Investarms Gemmer Hawken ($709). Investarm was the former manufacturer of Lyman’s well-regarded Great Plains Rifle (Lyman no longer sells firearms), though Pedersoli is the latest manufacturer. Regardless, Investarm’s version of the historical Hawken-type rifle is a tad different in the stock, trigger guard, and other features, but it is still a good representation of a more authentic Saint Louis-type Hawken replica, and if our Great Plains rifles are any indication, Investarms knows how to make a quality barrel. You save quite a bit of money over the Pedersoli, too.
Traditions Deerhunter: Best entry-level percussion caplock
If you simply want a good, durable, basic side lock for hunting and don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Traditions Deerhunter line is just what the doctor ordered. A black plastic stock, simple single trigger, and traditional sidelock ignition are combined with a 1:48” twist, blued octagonal barrel for effective accuracy with round balls, sabots, and conical bullets. A fiber-optic front sight improves visibility for hunting, and the rear sight is adjustable as well. Starting at $325 MSRP (usually cheaper at big-box retailers) for percussion, the Deerhunter is also available in flintlock ($395) and with a hardwood stock ($409).
Kibler’s Southern Mountain Rifle kit: Nirvana for do-it-yourselfers
Anyone who has built muzzleloaders from kits knows how much of a nightmare it can become, as well as being familiar with quite a few cuss words. Well, your swear jar needs no longer be in close proximity if you choose a premium rifle kit from Kibler’s Longrifles. These are far from the frustrating, poorly inletted build kits from budget makers in years past. Starting at around $800, plus $315 for an excellent lock, Jim Kibler’s kits feature beautiful, slender, properly dried, fully inletted hardwood stocks and quality components. Customers rave about the accuracy and completeness of the inletting, and the minimal fitting and adjustments needed.
Our favorite as far as aesthetics is the Southern Mountain Rifle kit, which is intended to hearken back to the Kentucky-style rifles of the early 19th century. This model starts at $870 (plus $315 for the lock), and in our view is worth every penny. Kibler’s also offers several very helpful videos on their YouTube channel.
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