The gun shop here has both the TC Black Mountain and the Knight Bighorn inline for sale. Washington State hunting regulations do not allow the more recent inlines that enclose the primer and 209s are not allowed for the muzzleloading special hunts. The TC is in stock with a 22" barrel and also 26". The Bighorn is a stainless 26".

From your experience which of these is the better choice for the application at hand? The shop owner recommended the 22" Black Mountain.

The Bighorn would be my bet. Green Mountain makes the barrels for Knight. They are outstanding barrels. Stainless steel would clean easy and not rust as easy as blued steel. Ron

I think it's a good law. If your going to call it a blackpowder season you ought to have to use blackpowder, and inlines should be strictly off limits.

Especially when the new Omegas and Encores shoot 150 grains of pryodex with a saboted bullet, these things make a 45-70 look like a freaking antique including the ballistics.

Most states do not call it a "Black Powder" hunt. In Arizona it is called a "Muzzleloader Hunt". The only restriction is that smokeless is not legal.

Why Oh why is it that any time anyone asks any kind of question about muzzle loaders that the inline bashing begins within moments of the post! They are what they are, and the people that buy them want them! I would much rather have a confident hunter and a clean kill than a Danel Boone lookalike that can't hit the broad side of a barn with an authentic, "meaning matchlock smooth bore with no sights" of coarse rifle.Perhaps a hand canon from China that shoots rock would be better!

My main reason for wanting an in-line doesn't have anything to do with traditional, but with functional aspects. The muzzleloader season in WA allows inlines, however the cap must be exposed to the elements. Sabots can be used however the bullet must be all lead.

I have a TC black mountain magnum traditional (non-inline)muzzleloader that I bought about 7 years ago. I'm concerned about the loud cocking noise it makes and also am having difficulties with the relatively long delay between the time the cap is snapped and the ignition of the powder load. Its like Ka ah ah Boom! After about 100 rounds I'm still having difficulties getting used to that with erratic off-hand shooting accuracy. Therefore I'm looking into getting an inline style.

There is a wealth of experience on this forum. I respect your opinions and advise. I understand the desire for the purist traditional hunt. Some states have special hunts available where the rifle has to be 1830's technology.

The new pro hunters feel great in hand and there are quite accurate. I also have a NEF huntsman and they are very accurate and durable. Cabelas has a few left. The downside is the ramrod is junk and needs replaced with a hubards.

PRW, I gave my opinion on the first question. Now you have opened the door again. You diden't ask for info but here it is. Repalce the nipple on the TC with a Hot shot. Then use Pyrodex P pistol powder. Cut back 10% and work up. Make sure the hole between the the nipple and the charge is very clean. When you pour the P down shake it or lean it to the side of the nipple and tap it. Powder should trickel out of the nipple.
It should be a faster lock time than you state.
I have TC Renegades with Green mountain barrels. They will shoot with any inline for accuracy. Side locks will hold there own but they have to be set up right. Mine go bang right now. If not I have done something wrong. Ron

Bought the Knight 26" Bighorn with SS barrel. Tried it out this afternoon. The breech plug has a large hole to the nipple. Ignition was as quick as with a cartridge rifle. Accuracy was good also. I will be experimenting with loads this summer. The trigger is excellent. I'm very pleased with the purchase.

Way to go! Again try the pyrodex P even in the inline. That stuff is great powder in my book. Good luck and let us know how it does. Ron

Good choice getting the knight.
Here in Michigan it is called muzzleloader season.
Shoot the one your most confortable with and acrite

You can also keep an eye out for a used White ML rifle (they are no longer in production, but they are around). You can run Pyrodex P in them or whatever substitute you like. They shoot conicals really well, and a lead conical is accurate and effective on elk. Size the conical to fit the lands, and they are very easy to load (they are slip fit in the bore). The ignition path is straight to the rear of the charge for faster ignition, and even percussion caps seal well in the rain. The ignition is open to the weather.

jim