The Field Muzzle Loader

The Field Muzzle Loader (FML) is a concept gun that I have been dreaming up for some time. It is a muzzle loading rifle that boasts several modern innovations that will help the hunter/target shooter be that much more sucessful.

I wanted to avoid calling it something like "The Muzzle Loading Scout" because the Scout was designed on a different set of goals. The Scout is an improvement over existing cartridge rifles used for sport and defense. The FML is an improvement over the sporting muzzle loader. I know that many Scout Rifle enthusiasts are dismayed at the overuse of the term "Scout" applied to many rifles. I don't want to be another to perpetuate the mis-use of the Scout name.

Obviously the best platform for the GPML would be an in-line muzzleloader. Perhaps the Remington muzzleloader would be the most perfect, as the Burris Scout Scope Mount would be an almost exact fit. The more modern action and safety mechanism is a lot more user friendly than the old sidehammer. Still, for reasons of aesthetics and the fact that I already owned it, the Lyman Deerstalker was chosen for the task. The Lyman Deerstalker is a hawken style rifle of .50 caliber with a more modern stock design,blackened hardware, and a rubber butt pad. The flat octagon barrell will make scope mounting easy. I enjoy shooting it and I cannot wait to see how the improvements work out.

The first and most obvious innovation on this rifle is the scope. It is mounted far forward, like the Scout rifle. This is done not only for the very good reasons the scout has an extended eye relief scope, but for several Muzzle Loading specific reasons:

• First the forward scope clears the hammer completely. Scopes mounted near the chamber have to be mounted either on an offset or on a very high mount. Both types of mounts will slow down the gun mount and provide a suboptimal sighting system. The forward mount is low on the bore and more in line with the stock.

• Second the forward mounted scope will not need to be removed if the rifle is to be cleaned in a pail of hot water. You can sit the barrel in the bucket and the scope stays dry.

• Third the scope will be better protected from the various residue and debris from firing. On a standard caplock or in-line muzzleloader, scope tubes get wear and powder residue when the rifle fires. The forward mounted scope will avoid most this wear. At worst, a clear cap may be required to protect the rear lens.

The other innovation is the three point Ching Sling. Slings are difficult to permanently attach to a muzzle loader's forend. That is because the ramrod gets in the way. Typically the sling attaches to a stud attached to the barrell itself. I never liked that because when the sling is used as a shooting sling, the pressure on the barrell affects point of impact. Currently I am working on two different mounting systems. I'll report back on the one I like best.

How will it work out? I'm pretty positive the rifle will be a gem. I'll let you know when I have it up and ready. Right now I'm working on getting the scope mounted and rounding up some flush sling swivels. Back to Shooting Articles

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