Advantage inline?

[Lead ball 54]

Hello I know it's a choice but do the inlines really have a true advantage over traditional cap locks or flint locks in actual hunting situations if the hunter who is using them is proficient with his firearm of choice

[Dan-o]

Modern inlines do have a more reliable ignition system (shorter and straight ignition path).

Having said that, once I got my Hawken dialed in, I was 100 percent confident hunting with it.   

I say:   if you like your sidelock, you can keep your sidelock!

[Sabotloader]

Hello I know it's a choice but do the inlines really have a true advantage over traditional cap locks or flint locks in actual hunting situations if the hunter who is using them is proficient with his firearm of choice

I believe there is a huge advantage using a modern inline over a traditional ML in all the states in the US - EXCEPT - in the 3 Pacific Northwest States!!!

With the rules/regulations that are imposed by the Pacific Northwest States for muzzleloader hunting - there in reality, is very little difference.  Whatever I can do with this rifle:



I can do with this rifle:



This side hammer is even a closer match to the modern inline.



The old Renegade has a Green Mountain SS LRH barrel settled into the stock and this barrel even has a 1/28 bore twist - same as most inlines.

I really do not think the difference with the style of cap ignition plays a role in the abilities of the rifle - IF - you have the experiance to utilize either rifle.  For a newbie, I would say that you would often have an easier time getting ignition with an inline.

Even the different projectile requirements of the 3 States, with experiance do not create a dramatic difference.

[Calvin Rayborn]

Don't forget - better safety mechanism on most inlines than just half-cock

[JakeLand]

Those sidelocks are way better looking and feeling than any inline

[Sabotloader]

Those sidelocks are way better looking and feeling than any inline

Well, you do really have a point there!!!

[Lead ball 54]

Yes I agree ignition is faster and the faster twist of the inlines is better for the Sabot and the safety is better than half cock but dose that give the inline an advantage at normal hunting range even a 54 cal round ball shot within the proper range and put in the right spot for a round ball will put a deer on the ground and even an elk and a full bore conical will do even better at longer ranges so inlines have the advantage over round balls on paper and in the field to some degree but I still prfer traditional dont get me wrong I love them both and would hunt with a scoped inline during modern season before grabbing and center fire but that's just me

[Calvin Rayborn]

Also the fact that the breech plug on most inlines is easily removable, which equates to easy breech area cleaning. We all know that with smokepoles, cleanliness can mean all the difference between going home empty handed or not.

[GoexBlackhorn]

Also the fact that the breech plug on most inlines is easily removable, which equates to easy breech area cleaning. We all know that with smokepoles, cleanliness can mean all the difference between going home empty handed or not.

Yep, better ignition - better waterproofing and the advantage to seeing the entire bore during cleanings. Nice fiber-optics and scope-mount ready availability make things easier too.

[floatinghat]

I don't believe within the boundries established in the PNW (open sight, exposed cap) there is any advantage.  With my .50 cal T/C Renegade with a 1:48 twist prints 9 of 10 in a pie plate at 100 yd. I shoot about the same with either of my Knights.  I have peeps sights on all these guns and feel confident that I can ethically shoot out a to 135yd and hit my desired POI.

There are plenty of people who are much better shots with "traditional" ML that shoot better and much farther than I or most people shoot their inlines.  More game has been taken with traditional ML than will ever be take with inlines.   

[Sabotloader]

I don't believe within the boundries established in the PNW (open sight, exposed cap) there is any advantage.  With my .50 cal T/C Renegade with a 1:48 twist prints 9 of 10 in a pie plate at 100 yd. I shoot about the same with either of my Knights.  I have peeps sights on all these guns and feel confident that I can ethically shoot out a to 135yd and his my desired POI.

There are plenty of people who are much better shots with "traditional" ML that shoot better and much farther than I or most people shoot their inlines.  More game has been taken with traditional ML than will ever be take with inlines.

Under the current PNW rules - I totally concur with your thoughts...