if you don't want to discourage your son or grandson with a complicated muzzleloader ,give them something simple to load and clean ..a break-open is hard to beat for a starter ,also very save less moving parts ,easy to clean ,i always say keep it simple and functionel ,once he is hoked on blackpowder hunting he can always get a flintlock ,loose powder ,and measure up his own loads ,if that is whatHE wants ..ex. the other day i was hunting with my friends and one of them had a KNIGHT the old model bolt action ,with the red inserts ,way too complicated for my grandson ..

A few months ago I e-mailed Knight Rifles about using one of the new breach plugs that they now offer that do not require the red plastic insert.
They do offer one that fits the LK 93 its # 900045 and cost $19.99. I agree with you on the plastic insert they could be a problem for some youth to deal with. If my Grandson has a problem with mine I will try one of the new breach plugs.

WV Mountaineer

Well simple muzzleloaders are all fine and good, but never overlook the simple cap lock traditional rifle as a young person's first rifle. They are easy to operate, easy to clean, and it limits their range which helps them to understand the concept of muzzleloading.

My grand daughter like my T/C Hawkins, boy it is smoky grandpa she says as she sucks in a breath of air. Next she says lets go look to see if I hit the target. Can I cut the next patch grand pa?
She is hooked on one of the simpliest muzzle loaders on the market.
Nope won't shoot pellets worth a hoot nor many of the subs. But the cheapsetsimplest and fastest to clean MLI have ever seen.

Al

My oldest 2 kids got their first muzzleloader last year ( at ages 9 and 10). It's a traditional 32 cal. caplock. Perfect for learning,plinking or hunting rabbits. Sure it takes time to help them learn to measure loads, practice , help them clean it,etc. But the time spent doing all that with them is worth it. I would rather help them learn than just give them a gun that is so simple they don't need me.

They grow up so fast and every day you miss spending time with them is lost forever. I feel some of the bond is torn away also when you feel you don't have time for them..