Cap lock Question

[ald55437]

It has been 15 years since I have hunted with a muzzleloader. I repurchased a TC New Englander because that is what I first used. Up until now it has been fired on the range.

This year I'm using it for ML season. I assume you put it on half-cock after capping it so make it "safe" while in your stand or spot & stalking. So here is my question: Do I 1) bring it to full cock, cap it and let the hammer down slowly and then back up to half-cock or 2) put it on half cock, pull the hammer back slightly, cap it and return it to half-cock rest?

BTW, any other safety advice is more than welcome as it's been awhile.

Thanks.

 

[Rebel]

If your New Englander is like the one i had you can't cap it at half cock, not enough room. I always capped at full cock and them lowered the hammer back down to half cock. If i really wanted to play it safe i had a piece of fairly thick leather attached to the trigger guard with a leather tie. I would place the leather over the capped nipple and let the hammer all the way down on top of it. Just remember to make sure the leather falls away when you cock the gun to shoot at a deer. Sometimes it doesn't, i know from experience. :grin:

 

[renovato]

A .54 New Englander is the gun I've hunted the most with. Good choice. I can't cap mine at half cock either. I always cocked it, capped it, then carefully lowered the hammer before putting it at half cock. I saw a little brass gadget at Dixie that would be perfect. It covers the cap and acts as a "safety". It can be tied to the gun.

 

[ldykeman]

I cut down a .22 magnum fired case and place this over the capped nipple, then lower the hammer on it. Just make sure that when you remove the case to fire, that the cap doesn't fall off also.
Larry