This was originally published Dec. 17, 2024.
There is a reason why blackpowder deer rifles, or muzzleloaders, are jokingly referred to as “smoke poles.”
Once I was deer hunting during the Maine blackpowder season from a tree stand. It was one of those windless, fog-shrouded afternoons that come about following a warming period after a snowfall. Just before the end of legal light, a respectable 8-pointer presented itself within shooting range.
Kapow! The .45-caliber Connecticut Valley Arms muzzleloader barked, shooting a flame into the mist-laden air. Immediately, there was so much smoke lingering in the fog that there was no telling whether I had shot the buck. After a suspenseful interlude, the smoke wafted away and I could see the 8-pointer piled up right where he had stood.
Hunting deer with a single-shot blackpowder gun is both challenging and fun.
And, because there is a learning curve with muzzleloaders, as well as a wide array of makes and models of smoke poles, it pays to do your homework and get started early.
My first muzzleloader was a .50-caliber Thompson Center Scout. Eventually, I passed this gun on to my son who bagged a handsome buck with it in Winterport a few years back. A relatively inexpensive .45-caliber CVA inline muzzleloader is my muzzleloader of choice today.
Unlike the Thompson Center Scout that uses the conventional blackpowder, which must be measured and poured down the barrel, the CVA uses two hard, 50-grain cylindrical pellets that are dropped into the barrel. This is a most convenient feature, and I believe it cuts down on misfires in damp or rainy weather.
Like any gun, prices vary. CVA muzzleloaders start around $700. Maine’s well-known big buck hunter Hal Blood hunts with a blackpowder gun made by Woodman Arms. These are quality guns with many special features. Blood likes the balance and the way they carry and come to the shoulder for a quick shot.
These guns start in the $1,000 area, and according to Blood, are back-ordered, so you may have a wait.
When selecting a muzzleloader rifle, it’s essential to consider brands renowned for their quality, reliability and performance. Here are some other top brands to consider:
1. Connecticut Valley Arms: CVA offers a diverse range of muzzleloaders, from entry-level to high-end models. Their Accura series, particularly the Accura LR-X, is praised for its accuracy and advanced features like the quick-release breech plug and premium Bergara barrels. It generally goes in the $600-$700 range.
2. Traditions Performance Firearms: Traditions is known for producing both traditional and modern inline muzzleloaders. The Vortek StrikerFire VAPR model stands out for its hammerless design and faster twist rifling, enhancing bullet stability and long-range accuracy. They range from $400 to $600, according to the company website.
3. Thompson/Center Arms: Thompson/Center has a long-standing reputation in the muzzleloading community. Models like the Impact! SB are user-friendly and come in comprehensive packages, making them ideal for beginners. It sells for $250-$300. This company was purchased and is debuting its new line of blackpowder guns in 2025.
4. Knight Rifles: Knight Rifles specializes in precision-engineered muzzleloaders. The Disc Extreme model is notable for its reliability and performance, especially in adverse weather conditions. Prices can range from $300 used to just a little more than $800 new.
5. Pedersoli: For enthusiasts of traditional muzzleloaders, Pedersoli offers high-quality replicas of classic firearms, such as the Kentucky Flintlock Rifle, known for its craftsmanship and historical authenticity. That gun can go for close to $1,000.
When choosing a muzzleloader, consider factors like your hunting requirements, Maine hunting regulations and personal preferences regarding traditional vs. modern designs. It’s advisable to handle different models to determine which feels most comfortable and suits your specific needs.
V. Paul Reynolds is editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal. He is also a Maine Guide and host of a weekly radio program “Maine Outdoors” heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on The Voice of Maine News-Talk Network. He has written three books. Online purchase information is available at www.sportingjournal.com.
