Abstract: A breech plug having a cylindrical body with a nipple on one end for receipt of a percussion element, and a stem on the other end with a length of constant uniform diameter, and a flash bore that extends longitudinally through the nipple, cylindrical body, and the stem.

Abstract: A breech plug having a cylindrical body with a nipple on one end for receipt of a percussion element, and a stem on the other end with a length of constant uniform diameter, and a flash bore that extends longitudinally through the nipple, cylindrical body, and the stem.

Abstract: A muzzleloading firearm with a barrel having a rearward end with a breech plug fastened to the rearward end of the barrel, a nipple that extends rearwardly from the breech plug, a receiver positioned rearward of the barrel and having an opening for receiving a firing element, and having an elongated bore extending through from a forward end to a rearward end, the rearward end receives the percussion element and the forward end receives the nipple such that a forward end of the percussion element is in alignment with the nipple.

Abstract: A muzzleloading firearm with a barrel having a rearward end with a breech plug fastened to the rearward end of the barrel, a nipple that extends rearwardly from the breech plug, a receiver positioned rearward of the barrel and having an opening for receiving a firing element, and having an elongated bore extending through from a forward end to a rearward end, the rearward end receives the percussion element and the forward end receives the nipple such that a forward end of the percussion element is in alignment with the nipple.

Abstract: A muzzleloading firearm with a barrel having a rearward end with a breech plug fastened to the rearward end of the barrel, a nipple that extends rearwardly from the breech plug, a receiver positioned rearward of the barrel and having an opening for receiving a firing element, and having an elongated bore extending through from a forward end to a rearward end, the rearward end receives the percussion element and the forward end receives the nipple such that a forward end of the percussion element is in alignment with the nipple.

Abstract: A muzzleloading firearm with a barrel having a rearward end with a breech plug fastened to the rearward end of the barrel, a nipple that extends rearwardly from the breech plug, a receiver positioned rearward of the barrel and having an opening for receiving a firing element, and having an elongated bore extending through from a forward end to a rearward end, the rearward end receives the percussion element and the forward end receives the nipple such that a forward end of the percussion element is in alignment with the nipple.

Abstract: A breech plug for a muzzleloading rifle has an elongated body with external threads and having rearward and forward ends. A circular depression is formed in the rearward end of the body and is surrounded by an annular rim. The annular rim has an inner diameter slightly less than the diameter of a bore of the barrel of the rifle. The depression has a tapered bottom surface that slopes inwardly and rearwardly and terminates in a first center bore extending longitudinally along a center axis of the body. A narrow diameter bore connects the first center bore with a second bore having a diameter substantially the same as the first center bore. The second center bore terminates in an enlarged bore portion adapted to receive a propellant material. The first center bore provides an expansion chamber for a large percussion element to be ignited in the depression.

Abstract: A muzzleloading shotgun has a barrel with a constant inside diameter that flares outwardly a short distance from the muzzle to a constant diameter. The muzzle end of the barrel has exterior threads which receive the interior threads of a choke. The choke has an internal diameter that tapers inwardly as it progresses from the end of the barrel to the end of the choke. The flared portion of the shotgun barrel allows the shot pattern to expand as it approaches the discharge end of the barrel. The shot within the constant diameter portion of the barrel becomes condensed as it moves outwardly through the choke to achieve the desired concentrated shot pattern. Because the choke is tapered from the enlarged diameter created by the flared portion of the barrel, to a narrower portion at the discharge end thereof, the effective internal diameter of the choke at its discharge end is still large enough to permit the shotgun to be reloaded through that end without the removal of the choke from the shotgun barrel.

Abstract: A muzzleloading shotgun has a barrel with a constant inside diameter that flares outwardly a short distance from the muzzle to a constant diameter. The muzzle end of the barrel has exterior threads which receive the interior threads of a choke. The choke has an internal diameter that tapers inwardly as it progresses from the end of the barrel to the end of the choke. The flared portion of the shotgun barrel allows the shot pattern to expand as it approaches the discharge end of the barrel. The shot within the constant diameter portion of the barrel becomes condensed as it moves outwardly through the choke to achieve the desired concentrated shot pattern. Because the choke is tapered from the enlarged diameter created by the flared portion of the barrel, to a narrower portion at the discharge end thereof, the effective internal diameter of the choke at its discharge end is still large enough to permit the shotgun to be reloaded through that end without the removal of the choke from the shotgun barrel.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a muzzleloading rifle has a firing hammer pivotally mounted on the rifle and is movable between a rearward cocked position and a forward firing position, and is releasably held by a trigger mechanism in the cocked position when manually moved to the cocked position. The firing hammer includes an arm portion extending away from the pivotal connection between the hammer and the rifle. An elongated safety bolt is slidably mounted in a transverse direction in the rifle and is movable between an outer safety position and an inner non-safety position, and is located within a pivotal path of the arm portion of the hammer to engage the arm to prevent the forward rotation of the hammer to move to the firing position if the hammer is released for forward pivotal movement by the trigger mechanism.