Manual

General Rules for Use and

Handling of Thompson/Center

Black Powder

Muzzleloading Firearms

1 If you are unfamiliar with muzzleloading firearms seek professional

instruction.

Qualified organizations such as local gun clubs, The National

Rifle Association, The National Muzzleloading Rifle Association and state

Hunter Safety Programs offer approved courses which teach safe gun han-

dling and proper hunting procedure. Those who are unfamiliar with muzzle-

loading 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

on the nipple of a cap lock rifle or the pouring 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 priming 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 pro-

pellant 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 differ-

ent 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 ex-

plained in this booklet before attempting to use it.

4 Use Black Powder or Pyrodex only to load your muzzleloading fire-

arm. WARNING: The use of smokeless powder, or a mixture of smoke-

less and Black Powder (duplex loads) or the wr

ong type or granulation

of Black Powder or Pyrodex or overloading may cause serious injury

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

section on “Black Powder and Pyrodex” in this booklet. Thompson/Cen-

ter muzzleloaders are designed and intended to be used only with a commer-