I'm 24 and going hunting for the first time in my life. I purchased a CVA muzzleloader from a friend for $50 and it includes everything I need to get started. As far as safety goes, how more or less dangerous are muzzle loaders compared to conventional bullet rifles?
2007-10-15 04:49:44 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
YES,,,as safe as the person handling it is.As far as comparison goes a Black Powder Firearm needs to be treated like any conventional firearm from a safety stand point. That being said the inherent risks of shooting a Black Powder Muzzle-loader over a conventional firearm are minimal. Since Black Powder is modern made now it is much more stable that a hundred years ago. You need be concerned if you smoke while loading a Black Powder firearm, because a red hot ash would certainly set off the powder, but it would have to come in direct contract for that to happen. With the design of Pyrex Powder in "Pellet" forms like it is today, that even lessens any risk involved. Once loaded the only additional concern is that once you put on the percussion cap, you have for all intents and purposes, have a loaded dangerous firearm capable of killing a game animal as well as a human being. As long as you keep the "capabilities" of these weapons in mind, you will automatically realize their potential and be more careful in handling them. A suggestion..Never carry your black powder firearm with a percussion cap in place other than out in the field when hunting. Don't ever store your firearm in ANY vehicle even for a few seconds with the percussion cap on the nipple. Remove the percussion cap and you remove the danger of accidental discharge at the same time.Simple..Good Luck..You will have a great time with this!
2007-10-15 05:05:55 · answer #1 · answered by JD 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes they are safe, this was a worry of mine when I bought my first muzzleloader. Make sure it isn't loaded before you try to load it, the best is do a complete disassembly and reassembly, not only will you find out if it is empty, but you will then know how to rip it down for cleaning.
There are a few things you should already know or learn before shooting muzzleloaders. One big thing you have to remember is leave no air gap between your powder charge and bullet. This can cause a spike in pressure. Most people mark the ramrod so they know when the bullet is rammed down far enough. Measure every charge, NEVER load directly from a powder horn or bottle. You probably got a little brass measure with the kit, this is a very helpful tool. You may want some quick load tubes for carrying several charges, I have 9 as that I hate measuring charges outside and want enough to last a while.
It's not that these guns are any more or less safe than conventional guns, but they do require some extra steps and lots of attention.
2007-10-15 16:36:29 · answer #2 · answered by Matt M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Muzzleloaders are as safe as any other gun but you need to know what you are doing. Contrary to what you see in the movies, you can't just pour powder down the barrel from your trusty powderhorn. A book that I recommend is the Gun Digest Blackpowder Loading Manual. It will give you the recommended powder charges for the various blackpowder guns. When you put a ball into your barrel, you must make sure that it is completely seated on the powder. If you don't, you could damage or blow up your rifle. There are other blackpowder manuals that will tell you all about loading and shooting a muzzleloader. A good source for books on the subject as well as accessories and parts is Dixie Gun Works. their website is www.dixiegun.com. Another is Track of The Wolf. I don't have their website but you can do a search for thier name and find it. If there is a muzzleloader club in your area, I highly recommend that you visit it and ask a lot of questions. They will be more than glad to help you out. You might even end up joining the club and having the time of your life shooting your muzzleloader. To find a muzzleloader club in your area, go to www.NMLRA.com and see where the closest club is in your area. BTW that is the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association.
2007-10-15 07:46:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just like any gun, all the safety rules apply. As others have said take the percussion cap or shotgun primer off until ready to shoot. There is no need to load at home and transport the rifle full of black power. Muzzle loading is a fun easy going and leisure sport. If you are impatient or nervous type, then forget hunting with a muzzle loader. The muzzle loaders are made for the laid back, take it easy type of person.
Sarge
2007-10-15 06:19:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Regular rifles fire when you pull the trigger. With muzzleoaders sometimes they have a delay between the time you pull the trigger and the time that they fire. When it doesnt fire hold it there for a second and then it will usually fire. I think its because the primer doesnt ignite the black powder just then. Loading the muzzleoader is much longer than loading an ordinary rifle. You pretty much have to assemble the bullet in the muzzle. Also they kick like a mule! But dont worry bout that it aint to bad once you get used to it. Hope i helped you out and have a good first hunt!
2007-10-15 10:10:39 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CVA has been around for many many years. I used to buy their "finish it yourself kits" way back when. At that time their fit and quality was on the lower end, but still very safe. They have progressed over the years to a top of the line high quality product. I have owned several of them, and would have no qualms at all in shooting them. Worry more about mishandling the black powder!. Just follow the proper load recommendations, and safety rules and enjoy. If you are both new to black powder sports, I encourage you to contact someone with experience to show you the safe and proper way to use them. shoot safe
2016-05-22 18:14:39 · answer #6 · answered by kristen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like the first person stated the gun is only as safe as the person using it. From a functionality stand point, yes they are safe guns. The most important thing to know is that it is vital to keep them clean. The powder that is used with these guns is a lot more damaging than smokeless powder which is what is used is center fire guns. As long as you keep the rifle clean and you know how the gun functions and how to use it. There is nothing to worry about. It sounds like you got a good deal. Enjoy your new rifle!
2007-10-16 08:35:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Percussion (cap) guns are fine. Inline (shotgun primer) types as well. The only qualification to that is that I wouldn't attempt to hunt with a flint gun as your first black powder weapon if I were you.
Flintlocks have exposed powder in the pan that burns pretty close to your face upon firing. It can be unnerving to say the least.
Be sure to get some good practice beforehand. The instantaneous click-pow you get from cartridge firearms is something you need to unlearn to hunt with a muzzle loader.
2007-10-15 05:28:44 · answer #8 · answered by randkl 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
As long as you engage the safety between your ears, read and study the owners manual, strictly adhere to the rules of firearms safety, and practice with your rifle before hunting, all will be well.
Fail to behave safely, and your rifle will be dangerous to you and innocent bystanders.
Doc
2007-10-15 15:35:39 · answer #9 · answered by Doc Hudson 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is only as safe as the person operating it, yes they are safe and are no more or less dangerous if used properly. if you are just starting out i would sugest getting help from someone who knows how to properly load shoot and care for muzzleloaders. there is a lot of maintnance involved in it.
2007-10-15 14:03:51 · answer #10 · answered by Orion2506 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋