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

Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1
Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1

Shooting Is Fun: How I Rediscovered the Benefits of Rimfire

A recent event at Range Ready in Robert, La., reminded us how much fun the simple rimfire firearm can be, whether in handgun, carbine or rifle form.

New for 2026: Daniel Defense MUTE30Ti & NULL9Ti Suppressors

Daniel Defense was one of the first manufacturers to employ additive manufacturing techniques in suppressor-making, and now, the company has expanded its line with the MUTE30Ti and NULL9Ti silencers.

The Fight for America’s Rifle

Despite the warning we’ll sue to protect commonly owned AR-type rifles, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed Senate Bill 749, which will make it illegal to sell, purchase, import, manufacture or transfer such firearms starting on July 1. 

Gun of the Week: Henry Repeating Arms SPD Predator

The new SPD Predator, an extension of Henry's magazine-fed Lever Action Supreme Rifle design, looks to extract the greatest possible degree of accuracy and precision from a modern lever gun.

The Armed Citizen® May 15, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Politically Incorrect Truth About the Armed Citizen

The Second Amendment doesn’t—and should not be treated as if—it ends at state lines. American citizens need the national reciprocity legislation that is now active in Congress.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.