Muzzleloader question

Ifishsum · 06-02-2005, 10:38 AM

I have a NEF shotgun that can be fitted with a muzzleloader barrel, but it seems to me that the ignition system is probably not "open" as defined by Oregon regs because the cap is pretty much covered by the action block. My brother offered to buy me the barrel if he could use it for an Oregon muzzleloader hunt, but after looking at it I'm thinking it wouldn't be legal. I realize the fiber optic sight would need to be changed, my question centers on the ignition system.

Pictures here (web page link)

Radke · 06-02-2005, 11:33 AM

As I understand it, if you can see any part of the primer, it is considered 'open ignition'. Looking at the pictures in that link, it looks like you can see the plastic shroud, but not the primer, it is protected.

I'd say it would not be legal in Oregon for hunting in a muzzlloader only season.

Washington Hunter · 06-02-2005, 11:41 AM

0

boone · 06-02-2005, 04:08 PM

Washington Hunter... how cheap is cheap for your 54?

Washington Hunter · 06-02-2005, 06:03 PM

boone, check your private messages.

slowbuilder2005 · 06-02-2005, 07:16 PM

Quote:

As I understand it, if you can see any part of the primer, it is considered 'open ignition'. Looking at the pictures in that link, it looks like you can see the plastic shroud, but not the primer, it is protected.

I'd say it would not be legal in Oregon for hunting in a muzzlloader only season.

That might be true, but even with a gun that has an exposed primer, I think that you are allowed to use more traditional protective measures. Like rubbing a bit of beeswax around the perimeter of the percussion cap and rubber-banding Saran wrap or a balloon over the end of the barrel to keep water out. As far as sights go, I like Lyman peep sights (rear circle or tube sight, front is a bead on a thin post). Studies show that a human naturally centers the bead in the peep sight ...just put the bead on the animal and fire away. 99.9% of the time, you'll hit what you saw. Prior to scopes, the Lyman peep sight was a revolutionary sight adopted by the military just for these reasons.

Brian

Steve L. · 06-03-2005, 05:33 AM

For the more traditionally minded you can make what is called a cows knee to go over the ignitiona area. This is a broad shallow cone of leather, water proofed with a beeswax and parafin mixture attached with a thong that allows it to be removed quickly prior to a shot. the saran wrap over the bore helps keep the powder dry also.