Finally went and did it.... I own a muzzleloader

[Ronald_55]

Well after missing a CVA a while back, I met a guy today to buy what he said was a Knights Mk-85. Turns out it is. MML T-5 in 50 cal. Reading tells me this was Knights try at cheaper in lines back in the 90's. This is made in Italy. Price I paid still makes me feel ok. I got the tool and a partial tin of #11 caps with it. Nobody laugh, I paid $75 and it has a Simmons 3x9 scope with peek under rings. I did not notice until home that the ramrod looks short, maybe was broken???  Opinions?

Now I have to figure out what the h3ll I am doing. Never used BP before, but since I am trying to get back hunting, it will help me extend my season. I already know I am useless with a bow.

Anyone had one of these? A forum said Knights told them they are the same as the Wolverine. I downloaded the generic manual from Knights, but woulkd like some more info. Any idea how long the ramrod should be? I think the info said it was a 22 inch barrel. Looks like Numrich sells an aluminum one that is 22 inches and threaded at each end for $5. 

I am still looking around, but any input would be nice. 

Oh and the bad side, I barely missed a sweet Ruger Security Six .357 he had up for sale with a bunch of accessories.... Can't win them all. 

Pics:

 

[quietguy]

I had a LK-93, which I believe was the American-Made replacement, IIRC. I think I bought mine in 93 or 94.   

Did you get a breech plug wrench?  If not, you will need one, or you can make something to remove the breech plug and nipple.  The rod does look short.  All three of the Knights I have owed had a threaded insert on each end of the rod.  

Now the good news.  Knight is located in Athens, TN, and their customer service is fantastic.  Just contact them and they may be able to tell you a little more about that model and may have the parts you need.  My Disc Extreme came with the wrong breech plug.  I had been working with one of the techs, and mentioned that I would be in the area on business, so he suggested that I bring it by.  The tech met me in the lobby with the correct breech plug, a hat, and a little goody bag. 

As far as using it, my LK-93 shot best with 90gr of loose Pyrodex, and a 245gr .45 in a sabot, using a #11 cap.  

I never tried the pellets in LK-93, but that is all I use in my Disc Extreme.  

 

 

 

 

[gregintenn]

You can find a generic fiberglass ramrod at WalMart, Academy, etc., and cut to the proper length.

You'll also want a cleaning jag, a patch puller, capper, and a bullet starter.

My advice is to clean all metal surfaces well with hot soapy water quickly after you shoot it. When it dries, oil it. Then check for rust in about a week or so, and take care of that if you find any.

[Ronald_55]

Thanks Quietguy and Greg.

Hope to get some time to play with it thos weekend, though that will not be shooting. I want to pull it all apart and clean it up good. 

I did get a wrench, actually 2. 

I will see what I can pick as a rod. What length would be normal with a 22 inch barrel?

[gregintenn]

2 hours ago, Ronald_55 said:

Thanks Quietguy and Greg.

Hope to get some time to play with it thos weekend, though that will not be shooting. I want to pull it all apart and clean it up good. 

I did get a wrench, actually 2. 

I will see what I can pick as a rod. What length would be normal with a 22 inch barrel?

I find the fiberglass ramrods vastly superior to the wood and aluminum rods. You put in the thimbles and measure how much you need to cut off to make it even with the end of the barrel.

Another tip: Always shoot it with the ramrod placed in the thimbles, as you will shoot to a slightly different spot with the ramrod not there.

If you do get a cut to length rod, you might want to buy a spare and leave it full length to use at home for cleaning. Also, you'll have it in case you break or misplace the other one.

Edited December 15, 2017 by gregintenn

[xsubsailor]

If you're after a range/cleaning rod, I can't recommend this one enough. All of mine are traditional style rifles but this will serve you well.

 

http://possibleshop.com/g-c-cleaning-rod.html

[Ronald_55]

5 hours ago, gregintenn said:

I find the fiberglass ramrods vastly superior to the wood and aluminum rods. You put in the thimbles and measure how much you need to cut off to make it even with the end of the barrel.

Another tip: Always shoot it with the ramrod placed in the thimbles, as you will shoot to a slightly different spot with the ramrod not there.

If you do get a cut to length rod, you might want to buy a spare and leave it full length to use at home for cleaning. Also, you'll have it in case you break or misplace the other one.

So do the fiberglass rods have ends to put on to add jags and brushes?

[gregintenn]

1 minute ago, Ronald_55 said:

So do the fiberglass rods have ends to put on to add jags and brushes?

The ones I've seen are threaded on one end to accept these accessories and come with a cleaning jag.

https://www.knightrifles.com/product-category/muzzleloader-shooting-supplies/muzzleloader-ram-rods/

https://www.amazon.com/Blackpowder-Products-Universal-Caliber-Fiberglass/dp/B000R9WNWW

https://www.amazon.com/Thompson-Center-Arms-Accessory-Caliber/dp/B000N8LMZ6/ref=pd_sim_200_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=3AZVKKK2A8XHM52SZTFF

Here are a few options.

[Ronald_55]

11 minutes ago, gregintenn said:

The ones I've seen are threaded on one end to accept these accessories and come with a cleaning jag.

https://www.knightrifles.com/product-category/muzzleloader-shooting-supplies/muzzleloader-ram-rods/

https://www.amazon.com/Blackpowder-Products-Universal-Caliber-Fiberglass/dp/B000R9WNWW

https://www.amazon.com/Thompson-Center-Arms-Accessory-Caliber/dp/B000N8LMZ6/ref=pd_sim_200_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=3AZVKKK2A8XHM52SZTFF

Here are a few options.

Greg

Cool, thanks. Trying to understand it all before I go off just buying stuff.

Btw, what powder do you use?

[quietguy]

Quote

If you do get a cut to length rod, you might want to buy a spare and leave it full length to use at home for cleaning. Also, you'll have it in case you break or misplace the other one.

That is really good advice.  You want a longer rod for cleaning vs loading.  

[gregintenn]

5 hours ago, Ronald_55 said:

Greg

Cool, thanks. Trying to understand it all before I go off just buying stuff.

Btw, what powder do you use?

I use Pyrodex in my side hammer muzzleloader, and 777 pellets in my in line. I think you'd want to use the pellets only if your muzzleloader took shotgun primers. I think percussion caps are better suited for igniting loose powder. Regular black powder is hard to beat if it's available locally.

[Sunfish]

If Knight sells a conversion for 209 primers instead of those musket caps it would be money well spent. Also if you don't have a little tube of anti-seize already you need a little to put on the threads of the breech plug. 

[gregintenn]

2 hours ago, Sunfish said:

If Knight sells a conversion for 209 primers instead of those musket caps it would be money well spent. Also if you don't have a little tube of anti-seize already you need a little to put on the threads of the breech plug. 

Grease will also work, but don't ever screw the breechplug in dry.

[Ronald_55]

15 minutes ago, gregintenn said:

Grease will also work, but don't ever screw the breechplug in dry.

Good advise in lots of pursuits in life. 

2 hours ago, Sunfish said:

If Knight sells a conversion for 209 primers instead of those musket caps it would be money well spent. Also if you don't have a little tube of anti-seize already you need a little to put on the threads of the breech plug. 

I might look at that, but depends on price. For now not willing to put a ton into it until I see if I like it. I think those kits run about as much as I paid for the rifle. 

[RED333]

Just one?

[Ronald_55]

Well I am trying to slow my purchasing. Family budget has changed. May have more later. My Dad has a few now, but we never had them or bows growing up. 

In a pinch my 12ga break action can act as a smoothbore. So there is that.