Safety & Instruction Manual WARNING: Black Powder or an approved black powder substitute are the only propellant powders that are safe to use in a muzzleloading firearm. Read the instructions and warnings in this manual CAREFULLY BEFORE using this Traditions™ firearm. Traditions™ Performance Firearms 1375 Boston Post Road P.O. Box 776 Old Saybrook, CT 06475 (860) 388-4656 www.traditionsfirearms.
Your Muzzleloading Rifle Congratulations on your purchase of a Traditions™ muzzleloader. You have selected a muzzleloading firearm designed and engineered to give today’s shooters the highest performance and optimum accuracy. When given the respect and care that any firearm demands, you can expect many years of reliable service and enjoyable hunting from your new Traditions™ muzzleloader.
WARNING! YOU MUST READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CAREFULLY. BE SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS BEFORE USING THIS OR ANY TRADITIONS™ FIREARM. FAILURE TO READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS PROPERLY MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU AND OTHERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. This SAFETY & INSTRUCTION MANUAL should always accompany this firearm and be transferred with it upon change of ownership or when the firearm is presented to another person.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. YOUR SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES…………….......5 2. SAFE STORAGE & TRANSPORTATION………......10 3. SAFETY RULES FOR YOUR TRADITIONS™ MUZZLELOADER………………………….....................12 4. LEARNING THE BASICS OF THE VORTEK STRIKERFIRE™………………………………………….15 5. FUNCTION TEST FOR THE VORTEK STRIKERFIRE™………………………………………….18 6. INTIAL CLEANING…………………………………….20 7. BASIC EQUIPMENT FOR SHOOTING THE VORTEK STRIKERFIRE™……………………………...22 8. SAFETY PREPARATION FOR FIRING……………..22 9.
1. YOUR SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES SAFETY IS YOUR NUMBER ONE RESPONSIBILITY!!!! No matter if you are at home, in the field, at the range, or anywhere; your primary concern as a firearm owner must always be safety. You must always apply the following safety rules in every situation with any kind of firearm regardless of setting. If you feel unsure about any aspect of your firearm or its operation, please contact Traditions™ before using it.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS AND ALL YOUR FIREARMS AT ALL TIMES. In owning a firearm, you have a constant responsibility for your firearm’s safety and security. You must always protect yourself and all others against injury or death from misuse of the firearm 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This responsibility is not something you can ever be neglectful of maintaining. ALWAYS TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS IF IT IS LOADED AND WILL FIRE.
NEVER LEAN A CHARGED AND PRIMED RIFLE AGAINST A TREE, A WALL OR ANY SURFACE WHERE IT MAY FALL OVER. Once a rifle has been charged and primed it is your responsibility to protect against any situation that may result in an accidental discharge. Failure to follow this rule may cause serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property. APPROPRIATE USE FOR YOUR FIREARM MEANS USING YOUR FIREARM FOR LEGAL PURPOSES.
BEFORE HANDLING ANY FIREARM, UNDERSTAND ITS OPERATION. Not all firearms are the same and some have features and mechanical operation unique to that specific firearm. Before using a firearm you should learn the mechanical features of that specific firearm you intend to use. If you feel unsure about any operational aspects of this firearm, please contact Traditions™ before proceeding with its operation.
USE TRADITIONS™ SCOPE MOUNTS ONLY. All current Traditions™ rifles come drilled and tapped for use with scopes. Traditions™ offers a wide variety of scopes, scope mounts, and rings in varying sizes and finishes to suit your needs. When mounting a scope use only Traditions™ mounts to ensure proper fit and function. Traditions™ mounts are specifically made to fit these predrilled existing holes in your firearm.
2. SAFE STORAGE & TRANSPORTATION WARNING: ALWAYS HAVE THE MUZZLE OF THE FIREARM POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AT ALL TIMES. WARNING: FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS IF THEY ARE USED AND/OR STORED IMPROPERLY. THEY POSE A RISK OF SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURIES. FIREARMS CAN BE ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS TO CHILDREN WHEN THEY ARE STORED IN AN IRRESPONSIBLE AND UNSAFE MANNER. FOR YOUR SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU KEEP YOUR FIREARM LOCKED AND UNLOADED IN A SECURE PLACE.
NEVER TRANSPORT A CHARGED OR PRIMED MUZZLELOADING FIREARM. When transporting your firearm it must be uncharged, unprimed and securely locked. Safe and secure transportation of your firearm is another important aspect of your responsibility as a firearm owner. NEVER STORE A CHARGED OR PRIMED MUZZLELOADING FIREARM. When storing your firearm it must be uncharged, unprimed and securely locked. Safe and secure storage of your firearm is one of your most important responsibilities as a firearm owner.
3. SAFETY RULES FOR YOUR TRADITIONS™ MUZZLELOADER In addition to the general Firearm Safety Responsibilities covered so far in this manual, there are additional guidelines specific to black powder muzzleloading firearms that must be adhered to at all times to ensure the safety of the shooter and others. NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE USE SMOKELESS POWDER OF ANY TYPE OR IN ANY QUANTITY IN A MUZZLELOADING FIREARM, AND NEVER MIX POWDERS.
primed muzzleloader, percussion caps, primers, priming powder or supply of powder may cause premature firing of the firearm or an explosion of the powder can, horn, or flask causing serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property. DO NOT LOAD A MUZZLELOADER WHICH IS HOT FROM PREVIOUS FIRING. ALWAYS ALLOWS THE BARREL TO COOL BEFORE YOU BEGIN RELAODING YOUR MUZZLELOADING FIREARM BEFORE YOU BEGIN LOADING, MAKE SURE YOUR MUZZLELOADING FIREARM IS NOT ALREADY CHARGED.
NEVER PRIME YOUR MUZZLELOADING FIREARM UNTILYOU ARE READY TO FIRE IT. Your muzzleloader should remain unprimed until the instant before firing. After you prime the firearm, your full attention should be on the target and firing of the firearm. NEVER PASS A CHARGED MUZZLELOADING FIREARM TO ANOTHER PERSON. Once charged, a muzzleloading firearm requires your complete attention. Never charge the firearm and then hand it to another shooter.
4.
Gun Model designation on frame Serial number marking on frame Propellant marking on barrel Caliber designation on barrel 16
Striker button in the “at rest” and de-cocked position Striker button in the cocked and ready to fire position SAFETIES INCLUDED WITH THE VORTEK STRIKERFIRE™ Your Traditions™ Vortek Strikerfire™ break-action muzzleloader comes equipped with dual safeties. The first safety is an internal striker block safety that blocks the striker from being released and hitting the primer unless the trigger has been pulled. This prevents the striker from hitting the primer in the case of a drop or sudden impact.
5. FUNCTION TEST FOR THE VORTEK STRIKERFIRE™ WARNING: ALWAYS POINT THE MUZZLE IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND TREAT THE FIREARM AS IF IT WAS LOADED AND CAN FIRE. WARNING: CONFIRM THE FIREARM IS UNCHARGED AND UNPRIMED BEFORE CONDUCTING ANY OF THE FUNCTION TESTS. Now that you are familiar with the parts of the Vortek StrikerFire™ a function test can be performed on the rifle to ensure that all parts are operating as intended.
Function testing the Vortek StrikerFire™ system 1. Push forward on the striker button until it locks forward in the cocked position. You should hear an audible click when it locks into the cocked position and a red line should be visible in the striker button channel. 2. Press down on the striker de-cocking button on the top of the striker button to de-cock the striker.
Function testing the trigger system 1. Press forward on the striker button to cock the rifle. 2. Press the safety button ensuring you feel it lock into place and hear a metallic click. There should be no red ring visible when the safety is engaged. 3. Pulling on the trigger you should feel the resistance of the safety and should not hear the striker firing. 4. Press on the opposite side of the safety button till you feel it lock into place and hear a metallic click.
Note: If using the Northwest Edition model you will have to use the supplied wrench to remove the breech plug, refer to Section 15 on instructions of how to do perform this step. 3. Remove the ramrod from the thimbles. 4. With the action closed, unscrew the forend screw using the supplied 4mm wrench and remove the forend from the barrel. 5. Remove the barrel from the receiver by pushing the barrel catch lever in. When the action starts to open lift the barrel up and out of the receiver.
7. BASIC EQUIPMENT FOR SHOOTING THE VORTEK STRIKERFIRE™ In order to shoot your Traditions™ muzzleloader, you will need the following accessories or equipment listed below: WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHOOT OR LOAD YOUR MUZZLELOADING FIREARM UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THIS MANUAL COMPLETELY AND FULLY UNDERSTAND IT. FAILURE TO READ AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.
ALWAYS WEAR ADEQUATE AND PROPER EAR PROTECTION SPECIFIED FOR FIREARM USE to prevent permanent damage to your hearing. Make sure any and all bystanders that are nearby are wearing ear protection as well. ALWAYS WEAR PROPER EYE PROTECTION SPECIFIED FOR FIREARM USE. Regardless of whether you are outdoors or indoors you must always wear proper eye protection as it will protect your eyes from debris and particles that are associated with the firing of a muzzleloader.
9. CHARGING YOUR TRADITIONS™ VORTEK STRIKERFIRE™ WARNING: ALWAYS POINT THE MUZZLE IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND DO NOT HAVE ANY PART OF YOUR BODY OVER THE MUZZLE WHEN LOADING. PREPARING TO LOAD THE CHARGE: WARNING: Wear proper eye protection for entire loading process. Prior to loading, you must first that ensure the gun is uncharged, unloaded, and the barrel is free of any obstructions.
To test and clear the ignition channel follow these steps. Point the rifle down towards a safe area on the ground and load a primer into the 209 primer pocket of the breech plug or if using the Northwest Magnum model a musket cap onto the nipple. Fire one or two primers to blow out any oil or residue from the fire channel. Point the muzzle at a leaf or blade of grass to see if it moves. If it moves, you have a clear channel. If not, fire additional primers or check the breech plug for obstructions.
2. Adjust your Traditions™ powder measure to the desired correct charge for the type of powder you are using based on the powder manufacturer’s recommendations. 3. Pour powder from your Traditions™ flask into the desired powder charge. Pour powder from the powder measure down the barrel. Warning: Never load powder into a gun directly from a can, powder horn or flask. Always use a separate calibrated powder measuring device.
LOADING THE PROJECTILE: TRADITIONS™ SMACKDOWN SABOTED BULLETS: The plastic material used in our Traditions™ sabots is self-lubricating; therefore you do not need to pre-lube your bullets or sabots. 1. Insert the base of the bullet into the sabot, making certain the bullet is firmly & fully seated against the bottom of the sabot. 2. Place the assembled projectile into the muzzle. 3. Start the projectile with your thumb. 4.
5. Push the projectile deeper into the bore using the longer shaft of the ball starter until it hits the muzzle. 6. With the loading jag on your ramrod, position the ramrod on top of the bullet inside the bore. Holding the ramrod no further than 6” over the bore apply firm pressure downward until the bullet is on seated against the powder. (Holding the ramrod any higher will increase your chances of breaking your ramrod.) Note: If you are using pelletized powder do not crush them when loading the bullet.
TRADITIONS™ FULL BORE BULLETS: Note: Full Bore bullets do not require any lube for loading. 1. Place the projectile into the barrel using the ball starter and ramrod. Follow the same procedures as shown with the saboted bullet loading described previously. Note: Patches are not to be used with Full Bore bullets; these bullets are made to full bore size. It is critical that the Full Bore bullet is the correct size to your bore.
10. PRIMING THE TRADITIONS™ VORTEK STRIKERFIRE™ WARNING: DO NOT PRIME YOUR MUZZLELOADER UNTIL IMMEDIATELY BEFORE YOU ARE PREPARED TO FIRE. The 209 shotgun primer is very popular because of its features and benefits for superior ignition. The 209 shotgun primer is exactly as it is named, a shotgun primer, the same primer used in a shotgun shell. The 209 primer has three main benefits over the #11 cap and the musket cap.
11. FIRING THE TRADITIONS™ VORTEK STRIKERFIRE™ WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEYOND IT. WARNING: BE SURE TO WEAR PROPER EYE AND EAR PROTECTION ANYTIME YOU FIRE YOUR FIREARM. ALSO MAKE SURE ALL BYSTANDERS IN THE AREA ARE WEARING PROPER EYE AND EAR PROTECTION AS WELL. WARNING: NEVER SOLELY RELY ON THE MECHANICAL SAFETY OF YOUR FIREARM FOR YOUR OR OTHER’S SAFETY.
12. DEPRIMING YOUR MUZZLELOADER AFTER FIRING: 1. Press the barrel catch lever and open the action to expose primer. When you press the barrel catch lever the striker button will return to it’s at rest de-cocked position. 2. Using either a de-priming tool or finger, remove the spent primer. Note: If using the Northwest Magnum model either use a depriming tool or your fingers remove the musket cap from the nipple. 13.
2. Verify that the action is free of debris. 3. Try a new primer. If the primer fires but the main charge does not: 1. Keep the muzzle pointed at your down-range target for at least one minute with the action closed. Press the safety button to engage the trigger block safety. After waiting one minute, then remove the primer while still keeping the barrel pointed in a safe direction. Using a cleaning pick, verify that the hole in the breech plug or nipple is clear of any obstruction. 2.
14. UNLOADING AND UNCHARGING YOUR RIFLE There are two different methods for removing the projectile and charge: Method 1 Note: It is recommended to use either a Traditions™ range rod or ramrod extension for this method. 1. Make sure the muzzle of the barrel is pointed in a safe direction at all times. 2. Open the action and carefully remove the primer from the breech plug or musket cap from nipple. 3. Using your fingers, rotate the Accelerator Breech Plug™ counterclockwise.
15. CLEANING & MAINTENANCE WARNING: Confirm there are no powder charges, primers or projectiles are present or available during any disassembly, reassembly, or function test procedures. Note: Reference the exploded view diagram in this manual to help identify part names and numbers.
Reference M50022GG 56026 20016 71019 30 31 32 Description Trigger Spring Support Pin Striker Spring Striker Striker Retention Pin 56122 33 Striker Nut 56040 37022 34 Striker Button Pin 560031 40105 35 Striker Button M56002 40104 36 M56012 Safety Button Spring Safety Button M56015 37 510032 38 11 Striker Retention Spring M56018 39 12 Rubber O-Ring (Safety) Striker Stop 50016 40 41 Striker De-cocking Button Spring Striker De-cocking Button Sling Swivel Stud – Front Sling Swivel
Vortek StrikerFire™ Northwest Magnum Vortek StrikerFire™ Northwest Magnum breech plug Musket Nipple Breech Plug 37
Description Butt Stock Butt Pad Butt Stock Screw Butt Stock Screw Washer Sling Swivel Stud – Rear nut Sling Swivel Stud – Rear Pistol grip Cap Screw (2 units) Pistol Grip Cap Reference M5002-2GG 56026 20016 71019 31 32 33 34 Description Striker Striker Retention Pin Striker Nut Striker Button Pin 56122 35 Striker Button M56002 37022 36 M56012 40105 37 40104 38 M56015 39 510032 M56018 40 41 50016 42 13 Safety Button Spring Safety Button Striker Retention Spring Rubber O-Ring (Safety) St
RANGE CLEANING AND ADVICE WHILE SHOOTING A systematic routine of cleaning while shooting is strongly advised to aid in avoiding problems while loading and to optimize accuracy. 1. When cleaning the bore, use Traditions™ EZ Clean™ cleaning patches rather than shooting patches. Shooting patches are too small for cleaning and can be lost in the bore. 2.
FIELD CLEANING & DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURE The field disassembly procedure is most often used for general cleaning, lubrication and inspection of your rifle. It must be completed after each time you complete your shooting session. This procedure allows for quickly cleaning, lubricate and inspect of most all important parts and assemblies. The field disassembly procedure outlined below will keep your rifle shooting safely and reliably for years to come. Carefully follow this 4 easy step process.
Step: #3 Rifle Cleaning & Lubrication: 1. Apply Traditions EZ Clean™ to barrel brush and cleaning patches to clean both interior and exterior of barrel. 2. Dry barrel interior with several dry bore patches. 3. Lubricate with Wonderlube™ to help protect both interior and exterior surfaces of both barrel and receiver from rust and to ease loading. 4. Lightly oil inside of receiver. 5. Lightly grease frame pivot pin (#26) and barrel catch surface on barrel (#50) 6.
Step: #2 Rifle Detailed Disassembly: 1. Remove Ram Rod from rifle (#55). 2. Remove forend stock screw (#40) and forend (#41) from barrel assembly using the 4mm Allen wrench provided with your rifle. (TIP-Use the forend to store parts so you will not lose them) 3. Remove Barrel (#50) from Receiver (#27). 4. Locate Safety Button (#10). Using your 4mm Allen wrench as a punch slowly push Safety Button (#10) from left to right and remove it from the Butt Stock (#1).
5. Lightly oil striker assembly. 6. Lightly oil inside of Receiver (#27). 7. Lightly oil Trigger (#17), Sear (#15) and Striker Stop (#13) and Mechanism Pins (#22). This is best accomplished by applying one drop of quality gun oil to each side of the referenced parts pivot points. (Caution-Do not over lubricate) 8. Apply Traditions EZ Clean™ to barrel brush and cleaning patches to clean both interior and exterior of barrel. 9. Dry barrel interior with several dry bore patches. 10.
IMPORTANT: Perform a function test as described earlier in this manual to confirm your rifle is fully operational and reassembly was correctly completed. NOTE: Store your rifle in a cool, dry, secured area. Storage in a gun case should be avoided as it may hasten condensation and corrosion. During long periods of storage, periodically check for signs of pitting or rusting on the surface and in the barrel bore.
Removal of the Breech Plug: 1. Insert the larger end of the breech plug wrench over the breech plug and make sure it is fully seated. 2. Insert the handle into the hole at the rear of the breech plug wrench and unscrew the breech plug counter clockwise. It may require some extra force to remove the breech plug after shooting. 3. If for some reason you are unable to remove the breech plug or nipple, please refer to the page 45 for tips. Cleaning of the Breech Plug and Nipple: 1.
Installation of the Accelerator Breech Plug™: Note: Before attempting to install the Accelerator Breech Plug™ be sure to inspect the fire channel of the breech plug to make sure it is clean and free of any obstructions. Place the breech plug in the barrel and thread the breech plug into the barrel using your fingers and rotating the breech plug in a clockwise rotation. Continue to do so until the Accelerator Breech Plug™ makes contact with the barrel and seats firmly.
To adjust: Move the rear sight in the direction you want the bullet to go. To adjust the sight use a flat tip screwdriver to turn the windage (left or right) and elevation (up or down) adjustment screws on the sight. Note: Traditions™ recommends while sighting in your muzzleloader that you clean the bore between each of your shots. By doing this you are starting out with a fresh, seasoned bore that will help prevent some shooting errors such as powder build up that could cause poor inaccuracy.
Note: When purchasing black powder make sure that the granulation or type is clearly marked on the manufacturer’s container so you can assure you are purchasing the correct powder for your application. FG (also referred to as 1Fg or Single “F”) This is a very coarse black powder best suited to very large bore rifles and shotguns (10, 8, 4 gauge) that were produced in the past. This powder is one that you will not find very much use for and as such is not often seen for sale.
Note: If using the Northwest Magnum model make sure to choose a powder that is compatible with a musket cap as its ignition source. Some black powder substitutes are offered in differing granulations similar to black powder, while others are only offered in one granulation. It is important that you select the appropriate powder and granulation for your specific application and firearm. In addition most black powder substitutes relate closely to black powder on a volume to volume basis but not by weight.
Follow the safe handling and storage precautions printed on the manufacturer’s container and never purchase or use any powder that has been removed from their manufacturer’s original container. WARNING: NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE USE SMOKELESS POWDER OF ANY TYPE OR IN ANY QUANTITY IN A MUZZLELOADING FIREARM, AND NEVER MIX POWDERS. The use of any smokeless powder at all could result in a detonation or explosion which could cause injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.
18. SUGGESTED LOADS FOR VORTEK STRIKERFIRE™ WARNING: NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE USE SMOKELESS POWDER OF ANY TYPE OR IN ANY QUANTITY IN A MUZZLELOADING FIREARM, AND NEVER MIX POWDERS. The use of any smokeless powder at all could result in a detonation or explosion which could cause injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property. WARNING: NEVER EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM BLACK POWDER OR BLACK POWDER SUBSTITUTE CHARGE LISTED IN THIS BOOK OR BY THE POWDER MANUFACTURER.
BLACKHORN 209, BLACK MZ, PYRODEX, TRIPLE SEVEN, BLACK POWDER SUBSTITUTES WARNING: Powder charges measured in volumetric units, not by weight. Bullet Weight 250 gr. Smackdown 250.gr. Smackdown 350 gr. Full Bore 350 gr. Full Bore 250 gr. Smackdown 250 gr. Smackdown 300 gr. Smackdown 300 gr. Smackdown 250 gr. Smackdown 250 gr. Smackdown 300 gr. Smackdown 300 gr. Smackdown 250 gr. Smackdown 250 gr. Smackdown Sabot/Bullet Dia.
19. WARRANTY & SERVICE LIMITED LIFETIME MECHANICAL WARRANTY Traditions™ will warrant this muzzleloading firearm (or parts in a kit to be built) to be free of mechanical defects in materials or craftsmanship for the life of the firearm, while in the possession of the original owner except wooden plastic stocks and finishes. Traditions™ will repair or replace, at its own option, product or parts which are returned at owner’s expense to the Traditions™ Customer Service Department.
Do call us and describe the problem. Chances are we can either guide you to a solution right over the phone or when possible send you the parts you need to correct the problem. Should your gun need factory service, we will give you instructions about where to ship it and issue you a Return Merchandise Authorization number. All firearms must have a factory issued Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA#) before returning to Traditions for warranty service.
________FOR YOUR RECORDS_______________ Important: Please record information here and keep for your record. Model No. ____________________________________________ Serial No.
NOTES PREFERRED CUSTOMER WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD Referencing the label on the end of the carton, please write in the last 5 digits located on the right half of the UPC code into the boxes below.
P.O. Box 776 Old Saybrook, CT 06475-0776 Place Postage Here. Or for additional security enclose in a envelope.
