Manual

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 As-

sociation, The National Muzzleloading Rifle Association and state Hunter Safety

Programs offer approved courses which teach safe gun handling and proper hunt-

ing 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 on the nip-

ple 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 re-

moved 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 oppo-

site 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 book-

let before attempting to use it.

4 Use Black Powder or 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 Pow-

der or Pyrodex or overloading may cause serious injury and/or death to the

shooter or bystanders and damage to property. See section on “Black Pow-

der and Pyrodex” in this booklet.

Thompson/Center muzzleloaders are de-

signed and intended to be used only with a commercially manufactured Black

Powder or Pyrodex propellant of the specific granulation or type called for in this

booklet. By Black Powder we mean a powder which is manufactur

ed specifically

for use in muzzleloading firearms as opposed to smokeless powder which is man-

ufactured for use in metallic cartridges or shotshells. NO smokeless powder, even

those which appear black in color, should ever be used in a muzzleloading firearm.

Be sure you know what type and granulation of powder you are loading. Never

buy or use powder unless you have seen it poured from the original manufactur-