Muzzle Loader

A muzzleloader is a type of firearm in which the shooter loads the gunpowder and projectile from the open end, or muzzle, of the barrel. This is different from modern firearms, which typically load from the rear. Muzzleloaders can be rifles or shotguns and often use a single projectile, a bullet, or multiple pellets (in the case of shotguns). They historically date back to the 16th century and are still used today for hunting and target shooting, especially in specialized competitions and during certain hunting seasons. Muzzleloading requires specific knowledge of safety and handling due to the unique loading process.