SHOT Show Highlight: Traditions NitroFire Muzzleloader

by
posted on January 24, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
standa_05a_traditions_nitrofire-gun.jpg

Traditions Performance Firearms has teamed up with Hodgdon and Federal Premium Ammunition to take inline muzzle loader hunting rifles to a whole new level of convenient and reliable operation with the new Nitrofire series.

The genius of this new system is the weather proof design of the polymer Firestick powder charge, which is manufactured by Federal. It is completely sealed in order to keep the Hodgdon Triple Eight powder perfectly dry. A black polymer wad keeps the water out at the business end of the stick while a thin polymer membrane protects the flash hole in the primer pocket. A Firestick has been soaked in water for 5-hours and then fired with no ill effects.

The easiest way to appreciate how this rifle works is a quick walkthrough of the loading process. It begins by driving a saboted bullet into the barrel with a ram rod on to an empty chamber. A ledge atop the chamber prevents the bullet from being seated too deeply.

With the cross bolt safety in the SAFE position, open the action. Insert the polymer Firestick powder charge into the chamber and then place a 209 shotgun shell primer into the primer pocket of the Firestick. Close the action and the muzzle loader is ready to fire.

That’s all there is to it! It’s only two steps away from being a simple to operate as a break-action, single-shot rifle or shotgun. Because the primer pocket is incorporated into the disposable Firesticks there’s no small parts to remove or clean. Just run a bore brush through the wide open breech and the rifle is ready to go.  

Tradition’s Nitrofire rifle collection includes no less than 10 new .50-caliber models with suggested retail prices ranging from $549 to $1,220. For more information, please visit traditionsfirearms.com.

Latest

Armasight Operator thermal riflescope
Armasight Operator thermal riflescope

New for 2026: Armasight Pro Series Thermal Platform

Armasight launches a professional-grade thermal-imaging platform designed to perform.

KelTec Launches KelTec Direct

KelTec begins its 35th anniversary celebration by launching KelTec Direct.

New for 2026: CVA Scout XP and XP-SB Rifles and XP Pistol

CVA expands its Scout line to include two single-shot rifles and a single-shot pistol.

Preview: Winchester After Hunt Dog Bed

Named after John Olin’s famed hunting dog, the King Buck product line exists within the larger Winchester Pet brand to showcase the company’s most deluxe offerings, and the After Hunt Dog Bed is a prime example of the line’s quality.

Review: CZ USA P10 Ported

CZ expanded its popular line of P10 handguns with a specially configured model that features integral barrel ports just behind the muzzle to aid in recoil management.

Keeping The Wilderness Quiet: Bergara's BTi30 Suppressor

Bergara joined the growing crowd of suppressor manufacturers in 2026 with its BTi30 design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.