Every year Field and Stream tests the new rifles that have come out prior to season. This year in the black powder group there are some exceptional choices.
Once again topping the list is a new rifle by Traditions. It is known as the Traditions Pursuit II XLT. Traditions has done an incredible job of refining the quality and features of its break-action muzzleloaders. This model, with the new Accelerator Breech Plug, is easier and faster to clean thatn any other blackpowder gun we know of; three revolutions of the breech allow you to remove the plug and start cleaning. A Soft-Touch rubberized stock helps you grip the firearm under any conditions. With a 28-inch ported and fluted nickel barrel, and a quality recoil pad, the gun handled and shot extremely well. It achieved the tightest groups and was clearly the winner.
Weight: 7.5 pounds
Barrel length: 28 inches with 1:28 inch twist rifling
Barrel: Blued
Overall length: 44 inches
Stock: Soft-Touch camouflage
Action: Break open
Ignition: 209 shotgun primer
The other top choices were:
CVA Accura 209 Magnum
Weight: 7.3 pounds
Barrel length: 27 inches with 1:28 inch twist rifling
Barrel: Fluted Bergara Barrel, in either blued or stainless with Bullet Guiding Muzzle
Overall length: 14.5-inch length of pull
Stock: Ambidextrous, solid composite stock available in standard or thumbhole
Action: Break open
Maximum load: 150 grains
Ignition: 209 shotgun primer
Knight Shadow
Weight: 7.0 pounds
Barrel length: 26 inches with 1:28 inch twist rifling
Barrel: Green Mountain barrel in blued or stainless steel
Overall length: 42-inches, length of pull 14-inches
Stock: black composite
Action: Break open
Maximum load: 150 grains
Ignition: 209 shotgun primer
Special feature: magnetic breech plug
Traditions Pursuit LT Northwestern
Weight: 6 ¾ pounds
Barrel length: 26 inches with 1:28 inch twist rifling
Barrel: nickel
Overall length: 42 inches
Stock: synthetic
Action: Break open
Maximum load: 150 grains
Ignition: No. 11 or Musket cap
Special feature: exposed breech for hunting in several Northwest states
