Best Muzzleloaders (2026): 6 Picks for Muzzleloader Season

Muzzleloader season is the quiet stretch of deer season, and for a lot of hunters it's the best one. Fewer people in the woods, deer that haven't been pushed by weeks of rifle pressure, and one shot that has to count. The right muzzleloader makes that shot easier to get right and the rifle easier to live with between hunts.

"Muzzleloader season" is the top search tied to muzzleloaders right now, with hunters in state after state asking when theirs opens. We looked at the muzzleloaders Guns.com actually had new and in stock on October 8, 2026, and ranked six, from a FireStick break-action for about $420 to Thompson/Center's interchangeable Encore rifles. Every price is a real listing checked that day, and every spec comes from the maker or the listing. This is a research guide, not a hands-on test.

How we chose

Nobody at OSS America shot these rifles for this guide. We started with what hunters are searching for this month: "muzzleloader season," "CVA muzzleloader," "50 cal muzzleloader," "best muzzleloader" and "Traditions muzzleloader" lead Google's related searches, along with a wave of "when does muzzleloader season start" questions. Then we went through every new .50-caliber muzzleloader Guns.com had in stock on October 8, 2026, and pulled specs and list prices from Traditions, Thompson/Center and CVA.

We weighed ignition system (FireStick or traditional 209 with loose powder or pellets), barrel and twist, how easy the breech is to clean, fit, weight and real price. Guns.com's muzzleloader shelf was thin that day, and we'd rather tell you that than pad the list: the CVA Accura MR-X, CVA Wolf, Remington 700 Ultimate Muzzleloader and T/C Strike were all out of stock new, and Traditions' Buckstalker, Pursuit and Vortek showed only used listings. So every rifle below is one you can actually order today.

All six at a glance

Guns.com prices are the lowest new, in-stock listing we found for each model on October 8, 2026, all .50 caliber. Guns.com is a marketplace and prices change daily. List prices are Traditions' and Thompson/Center's for the same item number; the CVA Optima V2 is an older model with no current list price. *Weight from the Guns.com listing (Traditions and CVA don't publish one for these models); T/C publishes 8.25 lb for the FireStick and no muzzleloader-specific weight for the XT.

How to read the chart: the orange "percent below list" number is where the deals are. The Desert Web NitroFire was selling 36 percent under Traditions' list price, and the NitroBolt about 19 percent under. The newer T/C FireStick and the NitroFire Pro were close to full price. If you're flexible on finish, a discounted color is the cheapest way into a good muzzleloader this fall.

The 6 best muzzleloaders, ranked

#1

Traditions NitroFire VAPR Twist

Best muzzleloader overall

Guns.com, new: from about $420 (Desert Web finish) · Traditions list: $659.95 for that finish, $559.95 in black

If you've put off muzzleloader season because loose powder, fouling and stuck charges sound like a hassle, the NitroFire is the rifle that fixes most of that. It's built around Federal's FireStick: a sealed polymer capsule filled with Hodgdon Triple Eight powder that drops into the breech. You push the bullet down from the muzzle, slip in a FireStick, add a 209 shotgun primer and close the action. Traditions says the charge is "totally impervious to moisture," and when the hunt is over you can unload it by sliding the FireStick back out instead of firing the rifle.

The rest of the rifle is a straightforward break-action hunter. Traditions lists a 26-inch Ultralight chromoly barrel that's fluted, tapered and Cerakoted, a 1:24 "VAPR Twist" that it says stabilizes bullets better and widens your bullet choices, its Elite XT trigger with a rebounding hammer and cross-block safety, and a receiver that's drilled and tapped for a scope or sights. The NitroFire won American Hunter's 2021 Muzzleloader of the Year, according to Traditions.

Price is the other reason it's on top. On October 8, 2026, Guns.com had a new NitroFire in the Desert Web/Tungsten finish from about $420, more than a third below Traditions' $659.95 list price for that model. The plain black version was $520.99, and a black NitroFire packaged with a 3-9x40 scope was $591.99. Guns.com's listing weight for the rifle is 8.35 lb; Traditions doesn't publish one.

Caliber / ignition	.50, Federal FireStick + 209 primer
Action	Break action, fast action release button
Barrel	26 in chromoly, fluted and tapered, Cerakote, 1:24 twist
Trigger	Elite XT, rebounding hammer, cross-block safety
Sights	None on this model; drilled and tapped for scope or sights
Weight	8.35 lb (Guns.com listing)
List price	$659.95 (Desert Web), $559.95 (black)

Pros

• + FireStick charges load from the breech, stay dry and unload without firing
• + Lowest price in this guide on October 8
• + 1:24 twist widens bullet choices, per Traditions
• + Scope packages available for a ready-to-hunt setup

Cons

• − Works only with FireStick charges, which cost more per shot than loose powder or pellets
• − FireStick isn't legal in every state or season (check your rules)
• − Heaviest Traditions rifle here by the listing spec

See NitroFire at Guns.com →

#2

CVA Optima V2

Best budget pick for loose powder or pellets

Guns.com, new: from about $460 · Weight: 6.7 lb (Guns.com listing)

CVA is the brand hunters search for most after "muzzleloader season," and the Optima V2 is the classic CVA break-action: no special charges, no proprietary system, just a 209 primer behind loose powder or pellets. If your state requires traditional loading, or you simply want the cheapest powder per shot, this is the type of rifle to look at.

The Guns.com listing (CVA's own product text) describes a 26-inch 416 stainless barrel, a trigger-guard breeching lever, CVA's Quick Release Breech Plug that comes out by hand with no tool, a fully ambidextrous stock, a CrushZone recoil pad and a DuraSight one-piece scope mount, at 6.7 lb. CVA's current owner's manual for its break-action guns allows a "magnum" charge of up to 150 grains by volume (best with pellets) and recommends at least 50 grains.

Be clear on what you're buying. This is the older Optima V2; CVA has since redesigned the Optima (now with an adjustable comb and length of pull, from $454 on CVA's site). On October 8, 2026, the V2 was the only new CVA muzzleloader in stock at Guns.com, from about $460. The Accura MR-X and Wolf were listed but out of stock.

Caliber / ignition	.50, 209 primer, loose powder or pellets
Action	Break action, trigger-guard breeching lever
Barrel	26 in 416 stainless (listing)
Breech plug	Quick Release, hand-removable
Weight	6.7 lb (Guns.com listing)
Max charge	150 gr by volume (CVA manual for break-action guns)

Pros

• + Traditional loading, so you can use loose powder or pellets
• + Tool-free breech plug makes cleaning simpler
• + Light by the listing spec
• + Scope mount included

Cons

• − Older model; CVA's current Optima has more adjustability
• − Only one new listing in stock, so it may not last
• − No published current MSRP to compare against

See CVA Optima at Guns.com →

#3

Traditions NitroFire Pro Series

Best muzzleloader for a custom fit

Guns.com, new: from about $610 · Traditions list: $654.95

The NitroFire Pro is the same FireStick rifle with the three upgrades Traditions saves for its Pro Series: a cheekpiece you raise or lower with a screw, spacers that change the length of pull, and a threaded barrel so you can add a muzzle brake. If you'll run a big scope, hunt in a heavy coat some days and a light jacket others, or share the rifle with a smaller shooter, those adjustments matter more than they sound.

Barrel, twist and trigger match the standard NitroFire: 26-inch fluted and tapered chromoly with Cerakote, 1:24 VAPR Twist, Elite XT trigger. Guns.com's listing gives 7.6 lb. Traditions lists this Black/Tungsten version with a scope base at $654.95; on October 8, 2026 Guns.com had it new from about $610, and other Pro finishes and scope packages ran about $700 to $740.

Caliber / ignition	.50, FireStick + 209
Barrel	26 in chromoly, fluted, tapered, threaded for a brake, 1:24
Stock	Adjustable cheekpiece and length of pull
Trigger	Elite XT
Weight	7.6 lb (Guns.com listing)
List price	$654.95

Pros

• + Adjustable comb and length of pull
• + Threaded for a muzzle brake
• + All the FireStick benefits of the standard NitroFire
• + Close to list price in stock

Cons

• − About $190 more than the cheapest NitroFire
• − Brake sold separately
• − Same FireStick legality and cost caveats

See NitroFire Pro at Guns.com →

#4

Traditions NitroBolt

Best bolt-action muzzleloader

Guns.com, new: from about $950 · Traditions list: $1,169.95

If you hunt with a bolt-action centerfire the rest of the year, the NitroBolt will feel familiar. Traditions calls it the world's first FireStick-capable bolt action: a 60-degree bolt with three locking lugs, a three-position safety, a cocking indicator and a patented extractor that pulls the FireStick out of the chamber.

Traditions packs in the features: a 24-inch fluted and tapered chromoly barrel with a 1:24 twist, threaded 3/4-24 for a brake (sold separately), a free-floating barrel in a pillar-bedded stock, a 12-position adjustable cheek piece and a length of pull that adjusts from 13.75 to 14.5 inches. It comes with a scope base, and the bolt comes apart with an Allen key for cleaning. Guns.com's listing weight is 6.5 lb, the lightest number on any rifle here.

Traditions lists it at $1,169.95. On October 8, 2026, Guns.com had it new from about $950, about 19 percent below list.

Caliber / ignition	.50, FireStick + 209
Action	Bolt, 60-degree lift, 3 lugs, 3-position safety
Barrel	24 in chromoly, fluted, tapered, 1:24, threaded 3/4-24, free-floated
Stock	Pillar-bedded, 12-position cheek piece, LOP 13.75 to 14.5 in
Weight	6.5 lb (Guns.com listing)
List price	$1,169.95

Pros

• + Bolt-action handling for centerfire hunters
• + Free-floated barrel and pillar-bedded stock
• + Adjustable cheek and length of pull
• + About 19 percent below list on Guns.com

Cons

• − Nearly double the price of the standard NitroFire
• − FireStick only
• − Brake sold separately

See NitroBolt at Guns.com →

#5

Thompson/Center Encore ProHunter XT

Best premium muzzleloader (traditional loading)

Guns.com, new: from about $1,040 · T/C MSRP: $1,149.99 (part #6022R)

The Encore ProHunter XT is the muzzleloader for a hunter who wants one frame for several seasons. It's built on Thompson/Center's interchangeable Encore platform, so after muzzleloader season you can swap in a centerfire rifle or shotgun barrel (sold separately) on the same frame.

T/C lists a 28-inch fluted stainless barrel with its Quick Load Accurizor false muzzle to make bullet starting easier, the Speed Breech XT plug that comes out by hand with a 90-degree turn, the Power Rod loading rod, 209 primer ignition and room for 150-grain magnum charges. Its FlexTech stock and LimbSaver AirTech pad are rated by T/C to cut felt recoil up to 70 percent, and the Swing Hammer rotates left or right to clear a scope. T/C gives 7 lb for the Encore ProHunter platform but no weight specific to this muzzleloader.

T/C's MSRP for the .50 XT is $1,149.99. On October 8, 2026, Guns.com had it new from about $1,040.

Caliber / ignition	.50, 209 primer, loose powder or pellets, up to 150 gr magnum charges
Action	Break action, interchangeable Encore barrels
Barrel	28 in fluted stainless, Quick Load Accurizor
Breech plug	Speed Breech XT, hand-removable
Recoil	FlexTech stock + LimbSaver AirTech pad (T/C: up to 70% less felt recoil)
MSRP	$1,149.99 (#6022R)

Pros

• + Swap barrels for centerfire or shotgun seasons on one frame
• + Hand-removable breech plug
• + Traditional loading with magnum charges
• + Recoil-reducing stock

Cons

• − Over $1,000
• − T/C publishes no muzzleloader-specific weight
• − Extra barrels add cost

See Encore ProHunter XT at Guns.com →

#6

Thompson/Center Encore ProHunter FireStick

Best premium FireStick muzzleloader

Guns.com, new: from about $1,150 · T/C MSRP: $1,179.99 (part #6028R) · Weight: 8.25 lb

Thompson/Center's newest muzzleloader puts the FireStick system on the Encore frame. You get the same sealed, pre-measured charges as the Traditions rifles, plus the Encore's interchangeable-barrel platform, Quick Load Accurizor muzzle, Swing Hammer and Flextech recoil reduction.

T/C lists a button-rifled, fluted stainless 28-inch barrel with a 1:24 twist, 8.25 lb and 42.5 inches overall. Its MSRP is $1,179.99; on October 8, 2026, Guns.com had it new from about $1,150, just under list. T/C's own page was still marked "coming soon" that day, so stock may be thin.

T/C is direct about the legal side: it says the Encore FireStick system "is not legal for use in all states or during all hunting seasons." Check before you buy.

Caliber / ignition	.50, FireStick + 209
Barrel	28 in fluted stainless, 1:24
Weight / length	8.25 lb, 42.5 in overall (T/C)
Platform	Encore, interchangeable barrels
MSRP	$1,179.99 (#6028R)

Pros

• + FireStick convenience on the Encore frame
• + Interchangeable barrels for other seasons
• + Recoil-reducing Flextech stock

Cons

• − Most expensive rifle here
• − Barely below list price
• − FireStick legality varies by state and season

See Encore FireStick at Guns.com →

Which should you buy?

• You want the easiest, cleanest loading for the money: Traditions NitroFire.
• Your state requires loose powder or pellets, or you want the cheapest shots: CVA Optima V2 or the T/C Encore ProHunter XT.
• You need the stock to fit you or a family member: NitroFire Pro or NitroBolt.
• You hunt with a bolt gun the rest of the year: Traditions NitroBolt.
• You want one frame for several seasons: T/C Encore ProHunter XT or the Encore FireStick.

What to look for in a muzzleloader

• Your state's rules first. Muzzleloader regulations vary by state and sometimes by season: ignition type, optics, projectiles and powder can all be restricted. Thompson/Center itself warns that the FireStick system isn't legal in every state or season. Check your state wildlife agency's current regulations before you buy.
• FireStick vs. traditional 209. FireStick charges load from the breech, stay dry and come out without firing, but you're tied to one charge type. Traditional rifles take loose powder or pellets, which cost less per shot and work in more places, but take more care to load and clean.
• A breech you can clean. Hand-removable breech plugs (CVA's Quick Release, T/C's Speed Breech XT) make after-hunt cleaning faster. Clean after every outing as your manual directs; our gun cleaning kit guide covers the basics.
• Twist and bullets. The NitroFire, NitroBolt and T/C FireStick all use a 1:24 twist. Pick a bullet the maker recommends for your rifle and practice with the exact load you'll hunt with.
• Glass. Several of these rifles ship without iron sights. A plain, low-power hunting scope is plenty for most muzzleloader distances; see our rifle scope guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best muzzleloader for the money?

For most hunters, the Traditions NitroFire. On October 8, 2026, Guns.com had it new from about $420 in the Desert Web finish (Traditions lists that model at $659.95). It uses Federal FireStick charges, which load from the breech and can be removed without firing. If you'd rather shoot loose powder or pellets, the CVA Optima V2 was from about $460.

When does muzzleloader season start?

It depends on your state, and many states set separate early and late muzzleloader seasons. Dates and rules change every year, so check your state wildlife agency's current hunting regulations for exact dates, legal ignition types, optics rules and tag requirements.

What kind of powder can cause serious injury in a muzzleloader?

Smokeless powder. CVA's manual says never to use any amount of modern smokeless powder in any muzzleloader, alone or mixed, because it creates dangerously high pressure that can cause severe injury or death. Use black powder, an approved substitute or your rifle's designed charge only.

Is a .50 caliber muzzleloader good for deer?

Yes. .50 caliber is the most common muzzleloader caliber for deer hunting, and every rifle in this guide is a .50. Shot placement, a bullet suited to your rifle, and practice at your hunting distance matter more than the rifle brand.

What is a FireStick muzzleloader?

Federal's FireStick is a sealed polymer charge of Hodgdon Triple Eight powder that loads into the breech of a compatible rifle, like the Traditions NitroFire or NitroBolt, while the bullet still loads from the muzzle. Traditions says it's impervious to moisture and can be removed without firing. Thompson/Center notes it isn't legal in every state or season.

How far can you shoot with a muzzleloader?

Your effective range depends on the rifle, bullet, charge, optic and above all your own practice. Many hunters keep shots well inside the distance where they can consistently hit a small target from a field position. Check your state's optics rules too, since some states limit scopes during muzzleloader season.

Is CVA or Traditions better?

Both are major muzzleloader makers. On October 8, 2026, Guns.com's in-stock selection leaned heavily Traditions (NitroFire, NitroFire Pro, NitroBolt), while the only new in-stock CVA was the older Optima V2. Choose by ignition system and fit first: FireStick (Traditions NitroFire family) or traditional 209 loading (CVA).

Do I need a scope on a muzzleloader?

Not always, and some states restrict them during muzzleloader season. Several rifles here ship without iron sights; the Traditions models are drilled and tapped for a scope or sights, and a few Traditions versions come packaged with a 3-9x40 scope.

The bottom line

Buy the Traditions NitroFire if you want the simplest, cleanest muzzleloader for the money and FireStick is legal where you hunt. Buy the CVA Optima V2 or the T/C Encore ProHunter XT if you need traditional loading. Whatever you choose, read your state's regulations, sight in with the exact bullet and charge you'll hunt with, and never put smokeless powder in a muzzleloader. If you're still choosing a centerfire for rifle season, see our best deer hunting rifles guide, and our hunting essentials list covers the rest of the pack.

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