HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

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Module 06 - MUZZLELOADERS 101

MUZZLELOADER COMPONENTS

 

Flash pan:

This is a small indent that’s cut into the firing mechanism to hold the priming charge.

Touch hole:

This is the hole located at the edge of the flash pan through which the sparks from the primer access the black powder.

Frizzen:

A piece of steel that covers the priming charge in the flash pan and creates sparks when struck by the flint.

Flint:

A hard object (usually made of quartz) that’s positioned in the hammer and creates a shower of sparks when it strikes the frizzen.

Hammer:

The part of the action that strikes the flint (or compresses the cap) and ignites the primer.

Butt plate:

A metal plate that’s attached to the butt end of a gunstock.

Buttstock:

The part of the stock that extends from the receiver to the butt.

Sight:

An aiming device that’s located on top of the barrel.

Nipple:

The part of the firearm on which the percussion cap is placed.

Percussion cap:

A small, metal cup that’s placed over the nipple of a percussion firearm.

Barrel:

The metal tube that ammunition travels through when the muzzleloader is fired

Muzzle:

The opening at the end of the barrel where the ammunition emerges after firing.

Ramrod

A wooden or metal rod used to push the wad and bullet down the barrel (be careful with woodies—they’ve been known to break).

Forestock:

The forward part of a one or two-piece stock.

Trigger:

When squeezed, the trigger will release the part of the action that fires the ammunition.

Patch box:

A small compartment in the butt of the muzzleloader that’s used to store patches, wads or other small items.