A modern inline muzzleloader looks like most modern firearms and is quite popular today. Some inline muzzleloaders are equipped with a safety, and certain models even allow the attachment of a telescopic sight. Some are also equipped with an electronic ignition: here a tiny spark is produced in the breech and ignites the gunpowder more rapidly than a percussion cap would.
The major difference between inline and caplock muzzleloaders is where the nipple is attached. In an inline muzzleloader, the cap is in-line with the hammer and the barrel. The inline has the nipple attached to the barrel at the breech and accessed by a bolt or break action. The inline model also has a removable breech plug to facilitate cleaning.
An inline percussion muzzleloader’s firing mechanism consists of the following parts:
Stock The stock supports the action and the barrel of a firearm. It is made out of either wood or synthetic material.
HammerThe hammer strikes the percussion cap, producing a spark.
SafetyWhere available, the safety is a pivot-style device connected to the frame of the firearm and can block either the trigger or the hammer.
NippleThe nipple is a small, tapered metal tube that screws into the breech plug. The percussion cap is pushed onto the nipple and is held on by tension.
TriggerThe trigger is the small lever on the firearm that releases the hammer and strikes the percussion cap when pulled.
RamrodThe ramrod is used to push the bullet down a barrel until it is seated on top of the charge. It is also used to determine whether the firearm is loaded. On traditional muzzleloaders, the ramrod may be made of wood, whereas modern muzzleloaders will have a fiberglass or composite ramrod.
