First Look: Traditions Firearms NitroFire Muzzleloader

by
posted on January 20, 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. **
traditions-nitrofire-muzzleloader-main.jpg
The advent of black powder changed the world forever, and in the ebb and flow of firearm technology through the years, one unchanging constant is the muzzleloader—handguns, rifles and shotguns of the type continue to see use today. Additionally, for hunters, these traditional muzzleloading arms provides extended seasons and opportunity centerfire-rifle shooters won’t have.

Aficionados already know, but for the new modern shooter, the thought of delving into muzzleloading arms can be overwhelming—the gear, the know-how and techniques used can be complicated to learn. To address this reality, a joint effort between Traditions Firearms, Federal Premium and Hodgdon Powder Company has birthed one of the most efficient and simple-to-use muzzleloading systems the industry has seen.



New for 2020, the aforementioned companies are set to offer a .50-cal. muzzleloader featuring a fluted and ultralight 26” chrome-moly steel barrel with 1:28” twist rifling—the Traditions NitroFire. Equipped with the company’s new Elite XT trigger system designed for precision shooting with redundant safety features built-in—a rebounding hammer, captive half-cock along with the addition of an intuitive and manual crossbolt safety.

Separating the new Traditions NitroFire from others of the like, is the all-new Firestick priming system loaded with Hodgdon’s new Triple 8 clean-burning powder. Two pre-loaded FireStick charge levels are available: 100-grains or 120-grains . Users can expect projectile velocities equal to or better than what they are getting with equivalent loads from other types of in-line muzzleloaders. Learn more about Hodgdon’s new Triple 8 muzzleloader powder by visiting hodgdon.com.

     

Using the FireStick system allows for a loading and shooting process that is dramatically easier, safer and more consistent.

How the system works:

1. Load your sabot projectile. Push it down the barrel and seat it on the shelf within the barrel. You’ll feel the bullet stop with resistance. This provides a consistent starting point every time.
 
2. Break open the action on the NitroFire with the release button located near the trigger guard and insert the Federal Premium FireStick into the breech area.
 
3. Place a 209 primer into the primer pocket of the Federal Premium FireStick. Close the NitroFire, and your muzzleloader is fully loaded.



The Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) currently categorizes Traditions NitroFire muzzleloader rifle as one that does require an ATF Form 4473 to be completed and approved for purchase.

NitroFire MSRP range is $499 to $699, depending on model variation. For more on the Traditions NitroFire .50-cal. muzzleloader, please visit traditionsfirearms.com.

Latest

Smith & Wesson K-22 Masterpiece
Smith & Wesson K-22 Masterpiece

I Have This Old Gun: Smith & Wesson K-22 Masterpiece

Smith & Wesson's rimfire K-22 Masterpiece revolver proved that quality costs, but it also sells.

CZ Discontinues Three Major CZ 75 Models

CZ announced it will conclude production of three longstanding members of the CZ 75 family: the CZ 75 B, CZ 75 BD and CZ 75 Compact.

Review: Mantis TitanX Training System

You don’t have to go all the way to the range to enhance your shooting skills.

Radical Update: The Benelli M2-G1 Tactical Shotgun

For 2026, Benelli has given its tactical M2 shotgun a radical update with the new M2-G1 version.

President’s Column | President Meets President

I am quite certain, that for the first time in NRA history the President of the United States met with the NRA president, the NRA president asked for his support for national Right-to-Carry (NRTC), and then, on a national stage, President Trump called out the NRA president’s name and pledged his support for national Right-to-Carry legislation. But that’s exactly what happened at a rally near Allentown, Pa., in late June.

Gun of the Week: TriStar Arms KR.22

Semi-automatic .22 rifles have been a staple in the firearm marketplace for decades, and the TriStar Arms KR.22 brings yet another lightweight, affordable option that accepts Ruger 10/22 rotary magazines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.