Manual

2
General Rules for Use and
Handling of Thompson/Center
Black Powder Muzzleloading Firearms
1 If you are unfamiliar with muzzleloading firearms seek professional in-
struction. Qualified organizations such as local gun clubs, The National Rifle Associa-
tion, The National Muzzleloading Rifle Association and state Hunter Safety Programs offer
approved courses which teach safe gun handling and proper hunting procedure. Those
who are unfamiliar with muzzleloading firearms should seek guidance from an instructor
who is qualified by one of these organizations.
2 If you are uncertain of the terminology or meaning of any word used in
this booklet, write to Thompson/Center Arms. Throughout this booklet the term
“Prime” or “Primed” applies to the act of placing a percussion cap or a 209 shotshell
primer on the nipple of a cap lock rifle or an in-line ignition muzzleloader or the pour-
ing of priming powder into the pan of a flint lock rifle. “Unprime” or “Unprimed” refers
to the opposite condition and indicates the percussion cap or primer (cap lock) or prim-
ing charge (flint lock) has been removed or is not in place. In addition, the frizzen on the
flint lock must be open and the hammer at half-cock to put the firearm in an unprimed
condition. “Charge” or “Charged” applies to the presence of a propellant powder charge
and projectile in the bore of the rifle. “Uncharge” or “Uncharged” refers to the opposite
condition and indicates that the powder charge and projectile have been either fired or
removed and that the bore is completely clear.
3 Know the muzzleloading firearm before attempting to use it. The overall
functioning and safety features of a muzzleloading firearm are different from modern
rifles, shotguns, and pistols. Because of these differences the user must exercise caution
and skill in the use of a muzzleloading gun. You must read and understand the workings
of the muzzleloading firearm as explained in this booklet before attempting to use it.
4 Use Black Powder or an approved Black Powder Substitute, such as
Pyrodex only to load your muzzleloading firearm. WARNING: The use of
smokeless powder, or a mixture of smokeless and Black Powder (duplex
loads) or the wrong type or granulation of Black Powder or an approved Black
Powder Substitute, such as Pyrodex or overloading may cause serious injury
and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property. See section
on “Black Powder or an approved Black Powder Substitute, such as Pyrodex,”
in this booklet.
Thompson/Center muzzleloaders are designed and intended to be used
only with a commercially manufactured Black Powder or an approved Black Powder
Substitute, such as Pyrodex propellant of the specific granulation or type called for in this
booklet. By Black Powder we mean a powder which is manufactured specifically for use