Greetings. I haven't hunted anything in over 15 years but my oldest son, 13, wants to hunt. His grandpa, my dad, is a huge hunter and we will all go hunting together in 2014 so it should be a good time. The seven deer I did take way back when were all with modern firearms; first with a .44 rifle and open sites and the others with a 270 Winchester. Most were 100 yards or more away and it all seemed just a tad bit too easy. I tried bow hunting once but lost a deer after tracking blood trail for over six hours and never tried it again. I've always wanted to hunt with black powder but never did try. So, for several reasons, I've decided that if we are going to hunt we are going to hunt black powder. If he wants to hunt modern firearm later in life I've got a sweet 270 he's more than welcome to use.

I've done a ton of research and decided on https://www.traditionsfirearms.com/p...on-black-blued for him for Christmas. From what I've read about it it seems like a decent and reliable rifle for a very reasonable price. It's legal in both Colorado, where we live, and Washington state, where my father lives, so we can hunt in either location. It's a side lock, which I like since it's a bit more traditional than the inlines. I went with synthetic simply because he likes the "looks" of synthetic stock rifles so I figured I'd throw him a bone on that one.

After all of that, what are some good ways to introduce a kid to muzzleloading in general? I've mentioned the idea to him and he seems interested, but I also know it might not seem as cool or hip as modern rifle. I'm thinking about finding some black powder shooting events / competitions he can get involved in if I can find any around here, that would help. What kind of loads should I start him out on? Full hunting load or something lighter to get him acquainted? He's shot my 12 gauge several times and a few other rifles and pistols so he's accustomed to recoil and what to expect.

Anyone else first introduce their kid to hunting via black powder? Any tips, advice, etc?

Thanks,
Owen

P.S. Great site. Have used it a ton while researching both hunting in Colorado and hunting with black powder.

Well I think your doing a great thing with your child. As for making the muzzleloading interesting and fun for him and you, be sure you know how to prepare, load, clean, and fix small problems with your rifle. Nothing is more frustrating then going to the range and shooting a rifle that will not shoot.

So know your rifle. And take your son some place where you both can shoot at your own speed. Besides paper targets, take some cans, charcoal briskets, balloons, etc. Make shooting fun and challenging at the same time.

Most important don't over load the rifle in the begining. Let him shoot a nice moderate load. The rifle you picked has a 1-48 twist. It will shoot roundball. Start out with 60 or 70 grains of Pyrodex RS and a .490 patched ball. Let the boy shoot and enjoy the pleasure of shooting the rifle. At the same time you can tell him of the challenge deer hunting will be with that rifle.

Most of all have fun at the range. The rest will take care of its self.

Now I might add... the price listed on that web page I think is outrageous for that rifle. I would look on line for a Lyman Trade Rifle. A much better rifle and still follows the same guidelines you need, with about the same cost factor.