buying a used muzzleloader

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Hey guys;
Any tips on what to look for with re: to buying a used muzzleloader? I see a lot of traditional style firearms in the used gun racks lately.....guess everyone is trading them in for inlines.

[quigleysharps4570]

Probably be best to take a drop-in bore light to check them out. If they're selling a fine traditional rifle off to get an in-line...I'm betting they weren't much on keeping a rifle clean.

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

Quigley gave you good advice: Check the bore for pitting or corrosion.

When I look over a used muzzleloader, I check the screw heads. If they are burred up, the bird head former owner did not know what he was about. Drop out the sidelock plate and check to see if former owner tried any adjustments of hammer/sear engagements. Reassemble and check the trigger pull. If the bore is ok, the lockplate stuff is ok and the trigger pull and set trigger function, then make an offer. Good hunting.

Adam

[rem 700]

Look under the rug--have a store employee take the stock off so you can check for rust, and maybe water damage to the stock.