Several years ago I was introduced to shooting muzzleloaders and became addicted to the sport. I am wondering how many members of this site regularly hunt with smoke poles and what are their favorite guns. Of the 11 I now own my favorite is my Traditions Hawkins Woodsman 50 cal cap lock.

Not me, generally I'm too lazy. The most work I put into hunting is with the 12 gauge pump for turkey, other than that I'm a semi-auto kind of girl...

When I have a chance I hunt with a CVA Wolf inline, or Bobcat for a side lock. Have always wanted to get a traditional side lock but have not run into the right deal. I also have a "fake" Remington 1858 that is a hoot to shoot.

A long time ago I had one of the Stainless Ruger can and ball revolvers and it was a helluva lot of fun to shoot.

I never have gotten into the BP long guns, but I think I will at some point.

Thy are quite overlooked by the SHTF people, and it seems to me that they should be all over them.

Doug

Wolf dog.

I have both a CVA Wolf and a Bobcat. The Wolf is the only inline I own and the only reason I have it is it was given to me by one of my grandsons on my 70th birthday. Although we can’t use scopes on muzzleloaders during black powder season I mounted a scope on it and use as my varmint gun. I changed the sights on the Bobcat and filled the stock with spray in insulation. I also put 14 oz of iron into the butt which moved the center of balance back to 3 inches in front of the trigger guard. Using 90 grains of Pyrodex RS and either a patched round ball or a 385 grain Great Plaines conical that ugly little girl is a tack driver at 100 yards. I can hold three shot one and a half inch groups from the bench all day long.

I also own three 44 cal reproduction cap and ball revolvers along with a single shot 50 cal pistol. As Doug says they are a real blast to shoot plus they are cheaper to practice with than any other handgun except a 22.

If you are looking for an side lock upgrade you might consider the Traditions Deer Hunter. They are not truly a traditional but for the price they make a damn nice hunting gun. I don’t own one but several of my friends do and swear by them. I would pick one up but “She Who Must Be Obeyed”, my wife, would give me hell for doing it.

Walley

Both teh Bobcat and wolf can shoot better than I can with open sights, so I limit my shots to 50 yards or so. The Bobcat in original trim kicks like a mule with the 385 grain conicals but shoots great. They sure do thump the heck out of a pig.

Fill the stock and put some weight in it. That will tame her down quit a bit. I do use a slip on recoil pad when shooting Maxi Balls or conicals. This old carcass can't take a whole lot of punishment anymore.

I hunt with zee smokepole Mine IS a kit gun 54 cal Hawken...... that I put together and am really proud of.......Drew a Muzzleloader Antelope hunt this year so Im excited.

I use to muzzleloader hunt with the Renegade. Then moved on to a Remington 700 ML, which I loved until I moved on to a Savage Smokeless muzzleloader. With 43 grains of Vihtavouri N110 behind a 250 grain Hornady XTP bullet the Savage is one fast, deadly beast.

The only black powder I am familiar with is that from an over cooked grilled cheese

Yup.

And some of the stuff I do on the barbecue.

Doug