Traditions Black Powder Pursuit G4 Ultralight .50 Cal Muzzleloader

Description

I was halfway up a steep Missouri ridge, my lungs burning, when I truly appreciated the rifle in my hands. The Traditions Black Powder Pursuit G4 Ultralight .50 Caliber 26″ Tapered Fluted Barrel CeraKote Finish Williams Metal Fiber Optic Sights Black Stock isn’t just a name—it’s a blueprint for a modern muzzleloader built for the hunter who covers ground. It’s a purpose-built, lightweight in-line muzzleloader designed for the mobile hunter, combining modern materials and features to make carrying and shooting a black powder rifle less of a chore and more of a precise tool. At $299.10, it bridges the gap between traditional feel and contemporary performance.

Let’s talk about what makes this rifle stand out. The first thing you’ll notice is the weight—or lack thereof. The “Ultralight” designation is earned through a synthetic stock and that tapered, fluted barrel. That fluting isn’t just for looks; it shaves ounces and increases surface area for cooling, though that’s less critical in a single-shot. I’ve put a couple dozen rounds through one, and the balance is fantastic. It shoulders quickly and doesn’t feel muzzle-heavy, which is a common complaint with longer barreled muzzleloaders. The whole package comes in around 6.5 pounds, which makes a tangible difference after miles on the trail.

The CeraKote finish on the barrel is a serious upgrade for a rifle in this price range. Missouri weather can be unforgiving—morning fog, sudden rain, plain old humidity. This ceramic-based coating provides far better corrosion resistance than bluing. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it finish for the hunter who doesn’t want to baby their gear. Paired with that, the Williams fiber optic sights are a bright spot, literally. The green and red dots gather light incredibly well in low-light conditions common during dawn and dusk hunts. They’re a huge step up from traditional iron sights and are fully adjustable for windage and elevation. The rifle is drop-in ready from the box—just add your preferred #209 primers, powder, and bullets like Hornady SST-ML or Barnes Expander MZ to get shooting.

Caliber	.50
Barrel	26″, Tapered & Fluted
Overall Length	Approx. 42″
Weight	Approx. 6.5 lbs
Ignition	#209 Shotgun Primer
Sights	Williams Metal Fiber Optic

What I like: The weight is the headline feature—it’s a legitimate mountain rifle. The CeraKote is a practical, durable finish for real-world use. The fiber optic sights are excellent for fast target acquisition. The price is very competitive for a feature set that includes a coated barrel and premium sights. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.

What gives me pause: The 26-inch barrel is great for ballistics but can still feel a bit long in thick brush compared to some 22-inch models. As with any muzzleloader, you’re committing to the cleaning ritual—it’s not a bolt-action you can toss in the safe. The synthetic stock is functional and light, but won’t have the aesthetic appeal of a walnut stock for traditionalists.

So who is this for? It’s for the hunter who participates in Missouri’s special muzzleloader seasons and wants a dedicated, modern tool for it. It’s for the person who hunts from a stand but has a long walk in, or the hunter pursuing elk or deer in the Ozarks where every ounce counts. It’s also a great entry point for someone new to black powder who doesn’t want to start with a replica; this is a no-fuss, high-function option. It’s not for the pure traditionalist who wants a sidelock and percussion cap experience—this is a modern hunting implement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What type of powder and bullets does this rifle use?

A: It uses loose black powder or black powder substitutes like Pyrodex or Triple Seven, measured by volume. For projectiles, it’s designed for modern saboted bullets, such as the popular .50 caliber sabots from Hornady or Barnes that hold a smaller pistol bullet. Always consult the manual for specific load recommendations.

Q: Is the barrel threaded for a muzzle brake or suppressor?

A: No, the barrel is not threaded. The muzzle is crowned to protect accuracy, but the design does not accommodate muzzle devices. Recoil is very manageable with the rifle’s weight and modern stock design.

Q: Can I mount a scope on this muzzleloader?

A: Yes. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope base. You’ll need to purchase a base and rings separately. Many hunters opt for a low-power variable scope or a dedicated muzzleloader scope to take full advantage of the rifle’s potential accuracy.

Look, if you’re after a lightweight, reliable muzzleloader that gets you into the special seasons without weighing you down, the Traditions Pursuit G4 Ultralight deserves a close look. Check its current availability on our site.