Manual

19 Know the condition of your muzzleloading firearm before charging, prim-

ing or firing. Function the hammer and trigger of your gun to be sure that the parts are

working properly before loading a charge. Be sure the muzzleloading firearm is proper-

ly loaded. Use recommended loads of BLACK POWDER OR AN APPROVED BLACK

POWDER SUBSTITUTE, SUCH AS PYRODEX ONLY for your specific model and

caliber. Mark your ramrod as explained in this booklet and always be certain that the

ball, bullet or shot charge is seated properly on the powder charge. Be sure the barrel is

clear of obstructions (including excess oil, mud, dirt, snow or any foreign material).

WARNING: Failure to observe any of these rules may cause serious injury

and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.

20 Be physically fit and mentally alert when using your muzzleloading

firearm. The use of your muzzleloader involves forceful physical actions which require

strength and concentration. Never use alcoholic beverages or drugs before or when

shooting or handling your muzzleloader. Never use your muzzleloading firearm when you

are overly tired. If you use medication or have medical implants, consult your physician

before using your muzzleloading firearm.

21 At their very best, tree stands are potentially hazardous. Even with good

equipment, safety depends upon the age, health, dexterity and sound judgement of the

user. If you feel that you must use a tree stand, purchase a top quality brand only and fol-

low the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. WARNING: Never climb to or

descend from a tree stand with a primed muzzleloading firearm. Never raise

or lower a primed muzzleloading firearm to or from a tree stand. Failure to

follow this rule may cause serious injury and/or death to the shooter or by-

standers and damage to property.

22 Respect the muzzleloading firearm. Used properly your muzzleloader will give

you years of pleasure. Used improperly, carelessly or abused, your muzzleloading firearm

is a dangerous instrument and is capable of causing serious injury, death or property

damage. Always treat your muzzleloader as if it were loaded. Do not drop your muzzle-

loader or allow it to be struck a blow. Dropping or striking it may cause movement and/or

damage to internal parts in such a manner as to cause an accidental discharge. If the gun

is dropped it should be examined. WITH THE FIREARM UNPRIMED slide your ram-

rod into the bore to ensure that the barrel is not obstructed. Check your ramrod mark to

be certain that the projectile is seated firmly on the powder charge. Check the firearm for

external damage. Check the firing mechanism to be sure that hammer and trigger are

functioning properly.

Use extreme care in the selection and/or use of accessories, implements

or components. Thompson/Center muzzleloaders are manufactured to a controlled tol-

erance and are intended for use with accessories and implements of Thompson/Center

brand only. For example, Thompson/Center mold dimensions are carefully calculated to

produce cast (pure lead) round balls, Maxi-Balls

or Maxi-Hunters

of a proper size and