Scoped Muzzleloaders

[yelp]

This is probably not the way ML_Hunter was wanting this thread to go.
 

  not at all lol.  The only thing that is annoying me is that everyone is open to there own opinion, it can be listened to, ignored, agreed with, argued, or attacked.  Seems like everyone here is going the attack method.  I guess I should quit being so nice to everyone else and attack opinions I don't agree with as well.

I wouldnt say everyones attacking you or your opinion, just that it differs from their own and changes in one area would likely cause changes elsewhere. Ultimately, even though its about ML's, it effects us all

 

Exactly..well said!

[yelp]

You have the right to represent yourself.  But you don't represent me..I like the challenge with open sights. 

I'm not trying to represent anyone who dose not want to be represented.  The only view I represented was my own, and if anyone agreed, they could do so, and anyone who disagreed could also do so.  When I sent the letter, my name on was at the bottom of it, not the national muzzleloaders association, or hunting washington forum.  Just my name and it alone.

Thanks for clearing that up.  Wasn't trying to offend you.  I was just making the point that just because you feel strongly about an issue some may not feel the same way.

[WestPlains_Drifter]

..Even a 1.5 power scope would be a huge enhancement and cut down on the number of gut shot animals and make hunting just that much safer.  I'm a huge advocate for the allowance of scopes on muzzle loaders and I hope you will all take the time to read my message and hopefully join me in trying to make a change... 

I would have probably agreed with you 10 years ago, when I first picked up the ol smokepole I sucked at shooting, plain and simple. It took missing a 50yd shot to realize that. After that I took it upon myself to learn and practice how to accurately and safely shoot iron sights, long story short - now I can. The initial problem wasn't the gun, or lack of scope - it was me. I fixed the problem. Scopes will not.

I am not getting into the argument about yes/no for scopes. I only wish to address your thoughts that scopes will cut down on bad shots. The are two problems with that statement.

1. Poor marksman can look through a scope just as easy as they used iron sights - you didn't remove the problem.

2. Scopes will empower individuals with a sense of security. Those comfortable with 125yd shots with iron sights might stretch that out to 225-325yds, possibly overextending the reach of the rifle. - so here you actually made the problem worse. 

[spottedhand]

I watch alolt these guys on TV take advantage of the muzzle seasons in the midwest and east.  The problem is the only difference from modern is they load their sealed waterproof primed scoped rifle like a muzzle.  They typically shoot out to and beyond 200yds so why call it a primitive rifle.  Like most of the responses to this thread, the reason I chose muzzle elk is one for the seasons, but also, to get away from the hoards of hunters in both modern and archery and I have tried both.  I have been muzzle elk hunting for 20 years and as the technology has advanced so has the number of rimrods.  When I first started hunting the Willapa, you could really hunt all day without seeing but a couple of other guys and that was with the gates open.  Within a few years, you couldn't get a parking, let alone a camping spot unless you were a week early.  The quality of the hunt and the quantity of the bulls dropped considerably.  The rifle community complained and all we have now is a anterless permit for the area.  The accuracy, the discipline and the ability of the hunter is paramount to delivering a killing shot not the gadgets you have.  I have shot bulls at 25yds and they ran off like I never hit them but was able to find them piled up in some ferns not 20yds from where I shot.  Past 50yds and unless you hit them in a structural part (spine, neck or shoulder)  and there may not even be any blood to follow. Are you gonna be able to tell exactly were they were when you shot? KISS (Keep it simple.....)

[CanvasGear]

If I wanted to change ML I'd outlaw inlines during ML altogether. Its about the hunt, the method is what makes each special. I have a TC Hawken, its more like bowhunting with a bang. I have a Compound that I really enjoy alot. Recently purchased a recurve that is different than all of the above. I have a BP Express ML that is really just a modern with smoke. Each offers a different type of hunt, I can pick and choose depending on what type of hunting Ive got the itch for. There are alot of laws I dont like in WA but the ML laws are pretty good.

CG

[jackelope]

I watch alolt these guys on TV take advantage of the muzzle seasons in the midwest and east.  The problem is the only difference from modern is they load their sealed waterproof primed scoped rifle like a muzzle. 

Most of those places are firearms restricted which is why they are using muzzleloaders.

[Curly]

If I wanted to change ML I'd outlaw inlines during ML altogether. Its about the hunt, the method is what makes each special. I have a TC Hawken, its more like bowhunting with a bang. I have a Compound that I really enjoy alot. Recently purchased a recurve that is different than all of the above. I have a BP Express ML that is really just a modern with smoke. Each offers a different type of hunt, I can pick and choose depending on what type of hunting Ive got the itch for. There are alot of laws I dont like in WA but the ML laws are pretty good.

CG

Well said.  The rules are pretty good in this state now regarding ML equipment.  They aren't too restrictive (like Flintlock only) or too lenient (like allowing 209 primers and/or scopes).......they came up with a happy medium I think.

Inlines with the restrictions in place in this state don't really give much of an advantage (if any) over a sidelock.  There may be a slight advantage with the inline being able to ignite the charge of powder over the sidelock, but that is about the only advantage I can see.  I think I will be going back to using my sidelock (T/C Renegade) by late deer season this year or at least by next year.  It is just so much more simple than an inline.

[CP]

An in-inline is easier to clean but as far as accuracy and dependability, they offer no advantage over a sidelock.