PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:09 PM Page 1 Break-Open Muzzleloader Owner’s Manual BREAK-OPEN MUZZLELOADER IMPORTANT! Thoroughly read and understand all of the instructions and warnings in this manual before using your Traditions firearm. If you do not understand any aspect of this manual seek black powder firearm instruction from a qualified, professional instructor BEFORE you handle, load or use this firearm. Traditions Performance Firearms 1375 Boston Post Road P.O.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:09 PM Page 3 FOR YOUR RECORDS Important: Please record information here and keep for your record. Model No. ____________________________________________ Serial No.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:09 PM Page 5 XV. XIV. XIII. XII. XI. X. IX. VIII. VII. VI. V. IV. III. II. I. RECOMMENDED LOADS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 SIGHTING IN AND SCOPE MOUNTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 REMOVING THE PROJECTILE (SHOT) AND POWDER CHARGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 HANGFIRES & MISFIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 DECAPPING AFTER FIRING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PURSUIT Manual.
4:09 PM Page 9 Break-Open Shotgun - AW Composite PRO MODEL 6/3/04 Break-Open Rifle - AW Composite ALLOY MODEL DESCRIPTION PURSUIT Manual.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:09 PM NOTES Page 11 I. THE SPORT OF MUZZLELOADING More and more sportsmen have discovered the challenges and enjoyment of muzzleloading in the past years. For both hunting and target shooting, muzzleloading guns have helped a modern generation recapture and enjoy an important aspect of our nation’s sporting past. Traditions Muzzleloaders are firearms that represent the latest developments in this unique part of the shooting sports.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:09 PM Page 2 II. GENERAL SAFETY RULES WARNING! This muzzleloader, like other firearms, is potentially a lethal weapon that can cause serious injury, death or damage to property if handled improperly. Firearms safety is YOUR responsibility! There is no such thing as a “safe” or “foolproof” firearm, as firearms, by their very nature, are inherently dangerous.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:09 PM Page 4 4. Be sure of your target, and what is around and beyond it. The bullet fired from your rifle can travel over one mile, and has the potential to kill or seriously injure someone at that distance! Once you pull the trigger, you cannot call the bullet back, so you must positively identify your target before you fire.
6/3/04 4:09 PM Page 6 firearms when you are ill, exhausted, upset or preoccupied with other concerns - safe firearms handling requires your full attention, and all of your abilities, unimpaired by other factors. PURSUIT Manual.qxd 9. Before firing any firearm, be sure it is in good working order and that the barrel is clear of dirt, grease, water, excess oil, rust, corrosion or any other obstruction. 12.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:09 PM Page 8 SAFETY RULES AND PRECAUTIONS FOR FIRING AND USE OF YOUR TRADITIONS FIREARM WARNING! Keep the safety engaged in the “Safe” position until you are aimed at a proper target and have decided to fire. Failure to do so could cause serious injury or death. WARNING! Use the safety on this rifle, but don’t trust or rely on it as a substitute for safe gun handling practices. The safety is a mechanical device which could fail.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:09 PM Page 10 open. A suitable carrying case should be used to transport or carry your unloaded rifle to and from the range or other safe shooting area. Check the laws to determine and follow legal requirements in transporting a firearm in your jurisdiction. Close the rifle’s action and load the rifle only when you are at the range or other safe shooting area, ready to begin shooting.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:09 PM Page 12 Read completely, fully understand and follow all instructions and warranty limitations in this booklet before attempting to shoot your new Traditions break open muzzleloader. 10. Use only cotton or linen shooting patches when loading round lead balls. Do not use any type of plastic patches. Never take drugs and/or drink alcoholic beverages before and during shooting. 1.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:09 PM Page 14 17. Never load a muzzleloading firearm indoors. Only load your firearm in a location where it is safe to shoot. 18. Be certain that anyone firing this muzzleloader understands and is willing to follow the instructions and precautions in this manual and the fundamentals of safe firearm handling. 19. Always make certain that the safety is in the “on” position and the hammer is in the “at rest” position when installing the primer. 20.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:10 PM Page 16 V. MAKE SURE THAT THE MUZZLELOADER IS UNLOADED BEFORE PROCEEDING. To check if the muzzleloader is unloaded, remove the ramrod, unscrew the jag and re-attach at the opposite end of the jag. Place the ramrod down the barrel. The ramrod should sit 3/4" below the muzzle. You should also be able to hear a metallic sound of the brass jag hitting the face of the breech plug.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:10 PM Page 18 CAUTION: With the safety set in the “Fire” (F) position and with the hammer pulled back to the fully cocked position, the gun is now ready to fire. Never rely totally on the firearms mechanical “safety” device. The word “Safety” describes a firearms trigger block mechanism. This mechanical device is designed to place your firearm in a safer status.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:10 PM Page 20 TIPS FOR STUCK BREECH PLUGS: IMPORTANT: b. a. If you still cannot remove plug, contact Traditions Customer Service Department. Remove the barrel from the receiver. Pour some hot water into the barrel and let it soak for about 1/2 hour. Secure the barrel in a padded vise. Position the wrench onto the breech plug and remove. Be careful not to scald yourself with the hot water.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd Or 1. 6/3/04 4:10 PM Page 22 An alternative to the Wonder Wads® is a modern commercial one-piece plastic wad/shot cup, such as the Winchester® AA shot cup. Traditions highly recommends this approach for faster, easier loading and better patterning. SHOT SELECTION: Use LEAD SHOT ONLY in your muzzleloading shotgun! Firing steel shot will damage the shotgun and void your warranty. Traditions recommends using #4, #5 or #6 lead shot. Copperplated lead shot may be used.
6/3/04 4:10 PM Page 24 4. Lubricate the threads of the choke tube with Traditions breech plug/choke tube grease. Do not use a thin gun oil, as it will provide insufficient lubricity. Lubricate the inside and outside of the choke tube to keep choke from rusting. Always lubricate after cleaning. PURSUIT Manual.qxd 5. Replace the choke tube into the barrel by screwing clockwise until completely seated. Do not force or overtighten the choke tube.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:10 PM Page 26 1. Black powder, Pyrodex®, Pyrodex® pellets or Triple 7® powder & pellets are the only safe propellants to use in this muzzleloading rifle. Maximum charges of Triple 7® should be reduced by 15%. This means that the maximum amount of Triple 7® powder that can be used is 130 grains. If you have any questions regarding powder velocities and pressures please contact the manufacturer of the propellant. 2.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:10 PM WARNING: Page 28 Tap the side of the barrel to settle the powder into the breech area. Never load powder into a gun directly from a can, powder horn or flask. Always use a separate calibrated powder measuring device. A remaining spark or ember in the barrel may cause injury or death to you, bystanders and destroy the firearm. d. When loading pelletized powder (Pellets): a. Drop the desired amount of pellets into the barrel with the igniter side down.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:10 PM Page 30 Note: When using conical bullets or patched round ball, it is recommended to use loose powder only. 1. Lubricate the projectile with Wonderlube 1000 Plus. CONICAL BULLETS: 2. Place the projectile into the barrel, using the ball starter and ramrod. Follow the same procedures as shown with the saboted bullet loading. Note: Patches are not to be used with conical bullets, these bullets are made to full bore size.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:10 PM Page 32 1. Remove the primer while keeping the barrel pointed in a safe direction. Using a cleaning pick, verify that the hole in the breech plug is clear of any obstruction. If the primer fires but the main charge does not: Hangfire 2. Tap the butt pad of the rifle with your hand to direct the powder into the ignition channel. If you are using pellets this process will not help. XIII. HANGFIRES & MISFIRES A hangfire is a delayed ignition.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:10 PM Page 34 NOTE: It is also possible to drive the projectile out of the muzzle after the powder has been removed. However, an extra long bench rod or a standard ramrod with an extension will be needed to accommodate the added length of the receiver. 4. 3. 2. 1. Continue turning the ramrod until you can determine that the ball puller screw is well anchored into the projectile.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:10 PM Page 36 The maximum powder load for the break-open muzzleloaders when using Pyrodex® powder is 150 grains. The maximum powder load for the break-open muzzleloaders when using Triple 7® loose powder is 130 grains. RECOMMENDED POWDER AND PROJECTILES Velocity 1871 Energy 1900 Energy 1943 Energy 1699 Velocity 1764 Energy 1921 Velocity 2062 Velocity 1698 Energy 2156 Energy 1125 Velocity 1799 Velocity 1592 Every muzzleloader shoots differently.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:10 PM Page 38 NOTE: It should never be necessary to hammer or excessively force a projectile down the bore. Projectiles should load firmly against the powder charge with a series of short strokes. If the projectile is the proper size, unusual resistance usually indicates the need to swab the bore with a treated cleaning patch. Use EZ Clean™ solvent if barrel is heavily fouled.
PURSUIT Manual.qxd 6/3/04 4:10 PM Page 40 WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISSASSEMBLE RECEIVER. THIS INCLUDES ANY PINS HOLDING THE RECEIVER TOGETHER. CLEAN AS A UNIT. 10. Lightly coat outside and inside of barrel and all other metal parts with Wonderlube 1000 Plus. Apply Traditions breech plug grease to the threads of the breech plug. 11. Clean all residue from inside and outside of the stock. 12. Reassemble the muzzleloader. NOTE: Store your rifle in a cool, dry, secured area.
