Traditions Sidelock 50 Muzzleloader Rifle

Description

I was up before dawn, coffee in hand, waiting for that first legal shooting light. The air was crisp, and I had a specific spot in mind for a mature Missouri whitetail. The rifle in my hands wasn’t a modern cartridge gun—it was the Traditions Sidelock 50 28″ Barrel Adjustable Select HD, Brass Buttplate Stock. This is a modern percussion muzzleloader built with traditional aesthetics and practical hunting features. It’s a .50 caliber sidelock rifle designed for hunters who appreciate classic lines but demand reliable, adjustable performance in the field, and it’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.

Look, if you’ve ever fumbled with a loose rear sight in low light, you’ll appreciate what Traditions did here. The “Adjustable Select” part means the rear sight is fully click-adjustable for windage and elevation. I’ve put about 40 rounds of various Pyrodex and Blackhorn 209 loads through this rifle, dialing it in, and those adjustments held zero perfectly. The 28-inch barrel gives you a full sight radius for precision, and the deep, blued finish on the steel looks right at home against the classic walnut stock. That brass buttplate isn’t just for show—it adds a solid heft and anchors the rifle nicely. At a total weight around 8.5 lbs, it feels substantial but not cumbersome when you’re carrying it all morning.

The sidelock action is simple and proven. I found it to be drop-in ready for a #11 percussion cap, with a clean, reliable spark channel right out of the box. No gunsmithing required to get it running. The trigger is a single-stage design with a clean break—it’s not a target trigger, but it’s more than adequate for hunting. The stock has a straight-grip design that promotes a natural, heads-up shooting position, which I prefer for open sights. The fit between wood and metal is solid, with no sharp edges or gaps to catch on your gear. For optics purists, it’s drilled and tapped, so you could mount a scope if your state regulations allow it during a special muzzleloader season.

Specifications

Caliber	.50
Barrel Length	28 Inches
Overall Length	Approx. 44.5 Inches
Weight	Approx. 8.5 lbs
Ignition	#11 Percussion Cap
Stock	Walnut with Brass Buttplate

Here’s the thing—every tool has trade-offs. The brass buttplate and solid construction give it authority, but that 8.5-pound weight means you’ll feel it after a long day still-hunting. The sidelock design is classic and easy to maintain, but it’s not as weather-sealed as some modern in-line actions. You need to keep that nipple and cap area dry. The adjustable sights are a huge pro, offering real precision for conical bullets or saboted rounds. The price point of $448.37 is a strong argument for getting into traditional-style muzzleloading without breaking the bank.

So who is this rifle for? It’s for the Missouri hunter who wants to extend their season. It’s for someone who enjoys the ritual of loading—measuring powder, seating the projectile—and values the connection to hunting’s history. It’s also a fantastic entry point for a new shooter interested in black powder. The simplicity is a virtue. It’s not trying to be a 300-yard laser beam; it’s a 100-150 yard ethical hunting tool with soul. You’ll need compatible accessories, of course. I’ve had good results with Hornady Great Plains conicals and Thompson/Center Maxi-Ball projectiles, along with standard .50 caliber sabots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use 209 shotgun primers or pellets with this rifle?

A: No. This is a traditional sidelock design that uses #11 percussion caps. It’s designed for loose black powder or black powder substitutes like Pyrodex, not pelletized powders or 209 primers.

Q: Is the barrel rifled for saboted bullets or conicals?

A: The barrel has a 1:48″ twist rate, which is a versatile compromise. It will stabilize both round balls (with lighter loads) and heavier conicals or saboted bullets, giving you flexibility in projectile choice based on your game and local regulations.

Q: What’s included with the rifle?

A: The rifle ships as a complete, ready-to-shoot firearm. You will need to separately purchase #11 percussion caps, black powder or a approved substitute, projectiles (.50 caliber), patches or sabots, and basic cleaning supplies for black powder. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.

If the idea of a hands-on, traditional-style hunt with a rifle that has clear, modern sights appeals to you, the Traditions Sidelock 50 is a compelling choice. See the full details on our site.