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Posted: 8/3/2026 4:30:13 PM EDT
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Color me stupid, but looking at the newly published hunting season dates has me staring at the muzzleloader season. I don't yet have a muzzleloader, but was thinking picking one up in the next year wouldn't be a bad idea. My problem is after shooting suppressed the past year, I have no desire to shoot anything unsuppressed if I can help it (besides shotgun). Other than the reality of first load powder & projectile, then install suppressor, then cap, anything else to think about? I know it's going to be dirty, but for 1-2 shots a year, I don't anticipate that being an issue. |
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Silencerco’s Maxim 50 was the “no paperwork” integral muzzle loader assumedly referenced above. Maxim 50 Attorney James Bardwell had written ATF many many years ago asking if a silencer for a black powder rifle or antique rifle would not be considered NFA. Based off that old opinion letter, and the logic that an antique firearm ISN’T a firearm having to be restrained by GCA / NFA limitations, there’s some wiggle room legally here. |
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It can be done but is almost never done. First make sure it’s legal to hunt with. Everywhere is different so get that figured out first. It seems like traditional/muzzle loader rules are usually very strict. It will make a huge mess. |
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People who don't like motorcycles are just... weird.
Normal people like motorcycles. Real people like motorcycles.
People who don't like motorcycles are just... weird.
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Originally Posted By kel: Silencerco’s Maxim 50 was the “no paperwork” integral muzzle loader assumedly referenced above. Maxim 50 Attorney James Bardwell had written ATF many many years ago asking if a silencer for a black powder rifle or antique rifle would not be considered NFA. Based off that old opinion letter, and the logic that an antique firearm ISN’T a firearm having to be restrained by GCA / NFA limitations, there’s some wiggle room legally here. I remember when those came out. It's the same idea as how some air rifles have suppressors on them, as it's not a firearm. I think the issues with the Silencerco's one was loading and cleaning. Not sure how you got the power and bullet past the welded on suppressors, down into the barrel. Maybe it was sort of an integral suppressor, with holes drilled into the barrel so it would be the same diameter all the way down. |
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Originally Posted By 1stID: I remember when those came out. It's the same idea as how some air rifles have suppressors on them, as it's not a firearm. I think the issues with the Silencerco's one was loading and cleaning. Not sure how you got the power and bullet past the welded on suppressors, down into the barrel. Maybe it was sort of an integral suppressor, with holes drilled into the barrel so it would be the same diameter all the way down. |
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Originally Posted By graysonp: Silencerco tried it, but it didn't sell well. Now with a $0 stamp and some factory threaded muzzleloaders, it probably has potential. You'd most likely want to use one of the 45 cal servicable cans for it. I'd be interested in one with a tri lug mount, intended to be removed between shots in order to reload. Hmmmmm. |
I don't see no Americans. I see trespassers.
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I had the maxim 50, the load they recommended was subsonic thus pretty lethargic for hunting. It was a real pain to clean as black powder and most substitutes are corrosive and super nasty. I sold it after a season. I now have a CVA 45-70 that has been converted to shoot smokeless powder as a muzzleloader. It can be suppressed but I haven’t messed with it. You either have to take the can off to load or get a long tube to load through. Check out Hankins Custom muzzle loaders and his forum and you will find a lot of guys that suppress smokeless muzzle loaders. |
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Originally Posted By 1stID: I remember when those came out. It's the same idea as how some air rifles have suppressors on them, as it's not a firearm. I think the issues with the Silencerco's one was loading and cleaning. Not sure how you got the power and bullet past the welded on suppressors, down into the barrel. Maybe it was sort of an integral suppressor, with holes drilled into the barrel so it would be the same diameter all the way down. Originally Posted By 1stID: Originally Posted By kel: Silencerco’s Maxim 50 was the “no paperwork” integral muzzle loader assumedly referenced above. Maxim 50 Attorney James Bardwell had written ATF many many years ago asking if a silencer for a black powder rifle or antique rifle would not be considered NFA. Based off that old opinion letter, and the logic that an antique firearm ISN’T a firearm having to be restrained by GCA / NFA limitations, there’s some wiggle room legally here. I remember when those came out. It's the same idea as how some air rifles have suppressors on them, as it's not a firearm. I think the issues with the Silencerco's one was loading and cleaning. Not sure how you got the power and bullet past the welded on suppressors, down into the barrel. Maybe it was sort of an integral suppressor, with holes drilled into the barrel so it would be the same diameter all the way down. I bought one when they clearanced them fairly cheap. You drop in a short piece of copper tube for loading. It is horribly inaccurate with the recommended Hornady FPB bullets, they go through the target sideways at 25 yards. It's a freaking laser with Powerbelt Aerolites though. The downside to those is the plastic belts break up in the suppressor and the pieces drop back into the barrel. I need to remove the breech plug after every shot or the next one might not ignite because the flash hole is covered with remnants of the last bullet's belt. Haven't shot it in years and might accept a low ball offer. |
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