Originally Posted by centershot
Originally Posted by Ron_T
Originally Posted by Triple_Se7en
C'mon Ron

Being a stout traditionaist is fine. I love reading muzzleloader history - love to attend reenactment-events. But the actuality in my life says my inlines are:....... more accurate -- more resistant to moisture - can handle more powder -- can shoot a bullet flatter -- can shoot a bullet faster -- less moving parts -- easier to pull a load, then reuse it -- easier to clean with open breech -- easier to inspect -- hotter ignitions...... etc....etc...etc.

I own both sidehammers and inlines. But if you do not see progress with inlines, I'm not sure what your definition of progress is.

Progress is in the harvest and you have a better chance at a harvest (all things considered) with an inline.


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Every fact you mention is absolutely true. However, who said that "progress" is the golden chalice or something we traditionalists even want?

My thinking is "Whatever makes your motor run or floats yer boat"... and if it's in-lines, then so be it. However, for me, I like the traditional side-locks, the possible "handicaps" they bring with 'em, the aroma of REAL black powder and the limitations the side-locks shootin' patched, round lead rifle balls automatically put on the hunter/shooter.

I've got 'scoped center-fire magnums and have hunted with a .338 Win. Mag. in a custom pre-'64 Model 70 for 40 years. Then I got tired of its recoil and it's almost-automatic "sure" kill even at extended ranges, so now I take my chances and don't mind the extra "work" involved in getting CLOSER before taking the shot... or even passing up a shot sometimes.

Sure... I have had to "pass" on some nice bucks, but that's ok... it's MY choice, isn't it... just as it's your choice to use what amounts to a 'scoped in-line with "almost" center-fire rifle ballistics during muzzle-loader season. And, as long as that's "legal"... then so be it and good luck to you and I sincerely mean that, my friend.

But for me... I'd rather do it the way I'm doing it... and you and my 2 sons can do it the way you and they prefer doing it. So what's wrong with that?

Butttt... even THINKING that traditional muzzle-loaders are "dead"??? Nayyyy... no way, José. smile


Strength & Honor...

Ron T.


Well said Ron. I have modern rifles, and compound bows as well as recurves and longbows. They all have a place and time. For me a muzzleloader needs a side hammer and look the part. Patched round balls are the preferred projectile. I just get more enjoyment out of shooting that way. To each their own.


I get most enjoyment from a patched roundball ML too. 1:66 is my cats meow fun-time gun. But one better know it's limitations and its likes / dislikes.

There were times I had that ML and saw a buck out of my range by 30-40 yards, wishing I had my inline that day. There were times when snow and rain from a branch over my head dumped on my ML and I wish I had my inline. There were times I encountered a hangfire or misfire on a buck and wished I had my inline.

Two months ago I spent 4-5 hours trying to remove a bit of rust from the very bottom of my sidelock breech. With inlines, that doesn't happen.

Water is the #1 enemy of muzzleloaders and you must use soapy bucket water to flush breech-bottoms, nipple areas and frozen / cleanout bolster screw-areas. Not so with an inline.

I love my sole, remaining 1:66 sidehammer. Will always keep one in the future. But never 2...... never seven, like I had in December. Sold them all after my last hangfire on a buck. Been hunting bucks with inlines for 20 years. Never had a hang/misfire in the woods...... never.

Want to remain a traditionalist hunter? ........OK. So do I, but in a hunting spot in the woods where I know and have the limitations to meet the demands of my ML. While seated, I take precautions against the weather with that gun, something that's not necessary with my break-action inlines.

Like I said..... I love that sidehammer most. But I trust it the least.


Last edited by Triple_Se7en; 02/17/15.