Mag spark

[michacooks]

Has anyone tried the mag spark conversion kit for 209 primers, I have 209 primers but the #11's are hard to find in my area.

 

[deermanok]

Not me personally but I have seen posts from others that have. I guess they work pretty well. Kinda fiddly I think but if using one keeps you shooting then go for it.

 

[Papillon]

I have mag-sparks on several rifles. They work fine, but sometimes the spent primer gets stuck and you have to pry them out with a pocket knife or leatherman tool. Also, the cap is easy to loose, so be careful. They do sell spare caps.

 

[Grimord]

I have one of the earlier versions that uses a small rifle primer. I tried it for a while, but found that removing the cover after each shot, and prying out the used primer was a hassle. I guess it would be OK to use at the range if caps were not available, but I would never use one for hunting. Way to easy to drop the cap in the leaves to be gone but not forgotten. then you would be truly out of the shooting business.

 

[Old Hawkeye]

Depending on the gun, they may take away the ability to put the hammer in the half cock position as they sit much higher off the bolster or drum. But, they ignite powders very well.

 

[Papillon]

The currently sold Mag-Sparks use 209 shotgun primers. Usually they lift out, but can easily be removed with a small knife if stuck. The primers that sometimes stick for me are CCI Magnum. A spare cap doesn't cost that much.

 

[Eric Krewson]

I had one, like was mentioned prying out the spent primers was a chore, they expanded when fired to be stuck like glue in the device, it took a sharp knife and plenty of work t pry them out.

 

[bang]

My primary use for one is in high humidity or wet weather. Lot here talk about difficulty with it but if your placement is like it should be then it's a mute subject.
Second shot on large game with a muzzleloader is best served with a second barrel or second rifle.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Why use at all? If you are going to use old style guns don't fool yourself into believing you are having some of the old time experience by adding modern gimcrackies.

 

[Grimord]

My primary use for one is in high humidity or wet weather. Lot here talk about difficulty with it but if your placement is like it should be then it's a mute subject.
Second shot on large game with a muzzleloader is best served with a second barrel or second rifle.

Just un-loading the gun at the end of the day with this device is a royal pinta.

 

[nkbj]

Heads up.

I have an older GPR that the Mag-Spark does not fit. Didn't understand why until I found out the nipple length was changed at one point for the GPR's.

 

[nkbj]

I do have a target rifle (based on a TC Renegade) that will probably be rebored for heavy charges and heavy bullets of either .54 or .58 bore that will be worked up with a Mag-Spark.

Got a four lube groove 524 grain .54 caliber mold coming. Looking forwards to seeing how it shoots.

 

[Ninering62]

Why use at all? If you are going to use old style guns don't fool yourself into believing you are having some of the old time experience by adding modern gimcrackies.

I don't agree with that perspective at all. Everything is subject to modification & improvements.

 

[1950DAVE]

And thus, cartridge guns.

 

[Salty]

Why use at all? If you are going to use old style guns don't fool yourself into believing you are having some of the old time experience by adding modern gimcrackies.

Percussion caps being hard to find and 209s being somewhat more available.

 

[Siringo]

I have one that I use on my Pedersoli Hawken. Originally I bought it for the Missouri River 50 caliber fast twist and I wanted to use BH209 - just because. But in a side lock a traditional cap or musket cap will not set it off. The 209 adapter using a Federal 209A works perfect. It just makes the side lock more versatile. Although the Missouri River has been sold and I had the Rocky Mountain rebored to 58 caliber by Hoyt - just because. It is balances better.

 

[Old Hawkeye]

Why use at all? If you are going to use old style guns don't fool yourself into believing you are having some of the old time experience by adding modern gimcrackies.

In today's market, that for some means they can't get #11 caps, are you saying the OP is just supposed to stop shooting his muzzleloader? If you read his post, his reason for asking about the MagSpark is the difficulty finding any #11's, but that he has 209's that can keep him shooting through this cap shortage. I would think that approach would apply to those having no BP but having access to the harder to light substitute powders that need a more powerful ignition source, as well. Lighten up on the HC/PC BS & help the man shoot!

 

[Ninering62]

In today's market, that for some means they can't get #11 caps, are you saying the OP is just supposed to stop shooting his muzzleloader? If you read his post, his reason for asking about the MagSpark is the difficulty finding any #11's, but that he has 209's that can keep him shooting through this cap shortage. I would think that approach would apply to those having no BP but having access to the harder to light substitute powders that need a more powerful ignition source, as well. Lighten up on the HC/PC BS & help the man shoot!

Good post!

 

[ohio ramrod]

As others have stated they are not traditional, and they are bothersome to use. They do however allow people to continue to shoot percussion guns who can't get caps. My motto is:"If it works use it."

 

[SDSmlf]

Why use at all? If you are going to use old style guns don't fool yourself into believing you are having some of the old time experience by adding modern gimcrackies.

Kind of like using the internet for sharing and learning for your old time experiences instead of relying on the Telegraph and the Pony Express…..