First time ML shooter. No BANG!

[BRL]

Went to the range with someone and shot their ML. I really enjoyed it. After the 4th shot though, the "pause" from the time the trigger was squeezed until the gun fired got longer. Click_bang, click__bank, click_________bang, click. The last shot the load did not ignite. I waited several minutes, then took the primer out and left it pointing down range the remainder of the range session, 1 hour. They gave the ML to me to take home (it was being loaned to me to hunt this season). I was told that it wasn't cleaned the last several seasons. I was going to take it home, with the manual, clean it and shoot it again a few times before season.

When I go back to the range, should I put a new primer in it and try to shoot the load out of it? Or, should I use the rod/tool and pull the bullet out the muzzle and start over?

Thank you!!

[ms]

START OVER .

[Semisane]

Well, for one thing you've got to get that charge out of the barrel before you can begin cleaning it.  What make and model of gun are we dealing with?

[flintlock]

If it's an inline, remove the breach plug and push out the powder and bullet from the breach end...If you were cleaning between shots it sounds like you were using patches that were too wet...

If it's a side hammer, stop up the nipple or touch hole and pour about 3-4 ounces of water, solvent, rubbing alcohol down the barrel and leave upright for an hour or so...This will seep into the powder so she doesn't fire when pulling the ball...

Then take your range rod, install the jag and ball puller and simply screw the ball puller into the led ball and pull out...Then clean and lube the barrel...

[mechanic]

If this is an in-line, you need to pull the breech plug and clear the barrel, clean thoroughly and start over.

If this is a traditional, with the percussion cap off, remove the nipple and be sure it is open.  If not clean it with a nipple pick, some wire, or a straight pin.  Replace the nipple when clear and try to fire off the load.  Be sure the ball is fully seated on the powder.

Then thoroughly clean and start over.  You need to brush and damp patch the barrel every 2 or 3 shots when shooting at the range.

[BRL]

Guys, thank you.

It's a CVA Stag Horn Magnum. It's not very old but seems to be in rough shape. Outside of the barrel is showing some rough spots and rust. The bolt is also quite rusted. I doubt that it was ever cleaned, but probably not shot much either.

It's going to take some work after that load is gone.

[simonkenton]

When you say the gun was not cleaned for a couple of years, do you mean that it was fired during that time, but not cleaned?
A muzzleloader that was fired a couple of times, and not cleaned for 2 years is one screwed up muzzleloader.
It may be too damaged to even mess with.

Might be a good reason why it is free, because it is worthless.

Pick up this bad boy for $109, one of the great classic inlines, the Knight Wolverine.

http://www.yeoldearcheryshoppe.com/knight-wolverine-p-7166.html

This is a $275 rifle, they quit making them a few years back, so this is a closeout sale.

Muzzleloaders are a pain in the ass to get shooting right. Centerfire rifle, you buy a box of shells. Every time you pull the trigger, it goes BANG. You don't need to clean it. Burn up 15 shells sighting in, and take the last 5 shells and go hunting.

With a muzzleloader, especially if you are new to the sport, you can easily spend $109 just getting the thing to go BANG and to get sighted in.

Do yourself a big favor and get a good rifle.