This will be my first season with an ML. I've lurked around this forum a bit and posted only a question or two. Thanks for the info thus far...a lot of you really know your stuff!

I want to try to do a lot of still hunting this year. When it's cold, I can't handle sitting at a stand site for 5 to 6 hours straight. Plus, it'll be a good way to improve my woodcraftsmanship.

Are there any of you who would have reservations about still-hunting with a ML? I have done it with my slug gun and my rifle while chambered, but they both have good safeties. With my T/C Omega, there is no safety, but obviously when the hammer is not c0cked, it is blocked and cannot move forward to strike the firing pin. But, the firing pin is exposed and you can move it with your finger if you try, but I feel like there is no chance of something being able to get into that small of a space with enough force to hit that pin into the primer and ignite it.

Really, the only reason I'm asking is because there seems to be a strong emphasis on not having a ML primed until you're in your stand, though I'm sure the emphasis on not having a centerfire chambered until then is just as strong.

Also, I'm about to pull the trigger on a scope for my ML. I cannot decide between a 2-7 x 33 or 3-9 x 40. I like the idea of more magnification and a wider field of view, but I feel like having the scope on 2x for still hunting will give me a quicker shot. I've not hunted with a 2-7 x 33 before, so I'm not sure how the reduction in FOV translates in the field. I also wonder if the difference between 2x and 3x for close encounters is worth fretting over.

Thanks in advance.

I've still hunt with muzzle loaders for many years with no concern. An Omega is about as safe as you can get with the hammer un-c0cked. You've got to be a lot more careful with sidehammer guns when busting brush. I usually leave the hammer on half c0ck, but sometimes put a double patch over the cap and let the hammer rest on that cushion. As always, safe gun handling and knowing where that muzzle is pointed is #1.

I have a Leupold VX-II 2x7 on a Browining 1885 45-70 and a 3x9 on a B-78 25-06, and just looked through both of them. At 20 yards the difference in field of view is noticable, but not enough to be important in a hunting situation.

I almost always carry my ML primed and ready. Just use common sense for when it's a good idea to unprime.
The 2-7x would be my choice. Less is more.

I carry mine primed just like I would with a modern rifle. As long as the gun is safe when loaded, which they all should be, I see no reason not to carry loaded.

As for the scope, I have always hunted with 3x9 and 3.5x9 scopes and never have a problem with too much magnification. I don't think you need to worry about going lower than 3x.

If you're climbling into a treestand I'd not have it primed... If I was walking to a ground stand it would be primed...


The hammer is your safety!

When you get to your fortys you want as much scope as you can. I use Leupold 3-9x40 shotgun/MZ scopes...sometimes a 2-7 isn't enough...

I killed my first deer with a muzzleloader by still hunting, it was a flintlock...

I had her primed and ready, loaded with a .45 patched ball and 75grs of FFF Goex...I was moving across a little ridge in a swamp and sighted 7-8 does about 45 yards ahead...I stopped beside a tree, got the hammer back and the trigger set...I picked one out, took a rest on the tree and hit her with a high shoulder shot...She went down, the ball went through the left shoulder blade, through the spin, the right shoulder blade and was found under the hide on the off side...

This was in 1977...The problem is most of today's hunters are a generation removed from using a hammer gun...I grew up using a single barrel shotgun...Just keep the muzzle pointed in a safe directions and don't pull the hammer back until you are ready to shoot and you'll be fine...

On the scopes, I have 3x9x40 Leupolds on both my centerfire and Knight...I seldom turn a scope down below 4X even when hunting in the woods...

i often still hunt with a muzzleloader. My favorite still hunting gun is my old .50 CVA StagHorn with its Weaver 3-10X40 Grand Slam scope. The guns weighs 7 pounds with scope. Killed a lot of deer and hogs with that gun.

Still hunting is a lot of fun. In December when muzzleloader season is around, not many hunters want to brave the cold, winds, and snow. I get out there with my rifles primers, capped, or what ever. I have never considered myself unsafe. Besides I always have the barrel pointed in a safe direction. (its a lot better then catching a goof ball one year on the property with a 30-30 that was ****ed. Needless to say, I pointed out the fence line real fast to him. Now granted he was a young man, but he should have been taught better) Find a fresh track in the snow and start to follow. Its a good way to hunt. Although the drag out is normally a lot longer...

Ain't gonna happen.

I enjoy still hunting as well. Just keep the hammer unc0cked until you are ready to fire. Practice bringing the rifle up and c0cking it quickly so it is a natural motion for you.

I've got a couple deer still hunting with the ML. It's a lot of fun!