Manual

25
Understanding The ThunderHawk
®
Trigger & Striker Mechanism
The ThunderHawk
®
muzzleloading firearm is a modern cap lock rifle that
combines both the functional aspects of an old-time cap lock with the looks of
a modern bolt-action rifle. The ThunderHawk
®
has several design features
which are different than traditional muzzleloading firearms, and must be un-
derstood before you attempt to use and fire your ThunderHawk
®
.
The striker mechanism consists of 5 parts which reside within the receiv-
er. When in the “Fire” position, the striker is released when the trigger is
pulled. allowing the striker to move forward quickly under spring tension and
strike the percussion cap that was placed on the nipple by the shooter.
To lock the striker into the “Safety” position, pull the striker handle fully
rearward and press the striker handle down into the striker handle retaining
notch of the receiver. The striker handle will now be in line with the green dot
on the stock. Pulling the trigger while the striker is in this position will not
release the striker. The “Safety” position is the condition that the
ThunderHawk must be carried in, with no cap on the nipple. While the strik-
er handle is in this “Safety” position. a percussion cap can be placed on the
nipple immediately prior to moving the striker into the “Fire” position and fir-
ing the ThunderHawk
®.
Never prime your ThunderHawk
®
until you are ready to fire it. Your muz-
zleloading rifle should remain unprimed until the instant before firing.
After you prime your ThunderHawk
®
, your full concentration should be
on the target and the act of firing. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS RULE
CAN RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE WHICH CAN CAUSE
INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.
Place Your 
Thumb on 
the Receiver 
End Cap to 
Gain Leverage
From the "Fired" Position: 
Pull The Striker Handle 
Rearward With Your Index 
Finger.

From the "Safety" Position:
Pull the Striker Handle
Rearward and Up With Your
Index Finger.
To Operate The ThunderHawk
®
Striker Handle Easily & Quietly