Affordable 50-Cal Muzzleloaders: Knight Vs. Thompson/Center

Muzzleloading has enjoyed unprecedented growth over the last 20 years—unprecedented not just compared to its own prior popularity, but also compared to shooting sports in general. As of today, we have an estimated 3.5 to 4.5 million muzzleloading enthusiasts in the United States. Along the way, we have had offering of both good and bad equipment—some additions that have made the sport safer, more enjoyable, practical, and effective, and more than a few attempts that have not.

The current story has its roots back in 1985, when railroad man William Anthony "Tony" Knight named his first muzzleloading rifle the "MK-85" after his daughter Michelle, and sought to modernize the sport. It…