October Gear: Stuff You Want

by
posted on October 9, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Some muzzleloading enthusiasts emulate Jeremiah Johnson, while others hit the woods looking more like George Jetson. Regardless, here are a few items that'll make a buck resemble Steak Diane.

CVA’s In-Line Muzzleloading Outfit contains everything you need except powder to load your muzzleloader in a hurry, shoot it accurately then put it away until next season.  Includes PowerBelt bullets. ($64)

Because the above kit includes everything you could possibly need, all you need now is a place to keep it all. Cabela’s Full-Grain Leather Possibles Bag is as perfect as a kangaroo’s pouch if you’re a joey—or a Jeremiah. ($49)

Your ML’s accuracy potential starts with consistent ignition from the primer. That’s why Thompson/Center Arms recommends Fusion 209 primers. Handy rubber holder is included. ($9)

You’d likely have to pry Jeremiah’s Hawken from his frozen hands, but bet your shorts he’d trade his old black powder for a substitute like Black MZ. Why? Because it’s more consistent and doesn’t foul bores like the old stuff, and for that ol’ JJ might swap you a swig off the jug. ($29 per 1-lb. bottle)

The Traditions Vortek Reaper .50 caliber pistol is shorter than its name by nearly a foot. This break-open, muzzleloading pistol features a CeraKote finish, an extending ramrod and an Accelerator breech plug for easy cleaning. Even with a full-power load, it exhibits no recoil on your shoulder. (No guarantees about your hand.) Available in camo/synthetic or traditional wood stock. ($459)

Leupold’s VX-3 2.5x-8x-36mm Handgun scope is one of the best available with its Xtended Twilight Lens system, Diamond Coat 2 lens coatings, precise click adjustments and extended eye relief so your fancy new muzzleloading pistol doesn’t hit you upside the head. ($499)

Latest

W H2026 07 Hardware W3832 TAH 1596Leadlayered
W H2026 07 Hardware W3832 TAH 1596Leadlayered

Hardware Review: Steiner ePredator LRF & ePredator 8 Riflescope

Looking for a surefire solution for long-range shooting? Look no further. Check out our review of the Steiner ePredator line.

Buckmasters’ New Record Book Reveals Hot Spots, Revamped Rankings

Deer hunters will have the rare opportunity to decipher the current state of whitetail deer when Buckmasters releases the ninth edition of its record book this fall. The 600-page tome shows where, when and by what means these world-class whitetails—25,000 in total—came to be included.

Clean 'em Up—Gun Cleaning 101 for Hunters

Ever wonder how often to clean your gun? How about what to clean it with? How about what to clean it with if you're hunting at 40-below? Phil Massaro answers all these questions and more, in this clean-freaks primer.

Hunting Show Attendance Shattering Records

Attendance records have been shattered at this year’s major hunting shows. The latest, Ducks Unlimited’s DUX (Ducks Unlimited Expo), set a new high-water mark in Memphis, Tenn. According to the Commercial Appeal, the July to Aug. 2 event attracted roughly 30,000 attendees. The 2025 event, also held in Memphis, drew a crowd that numbered nearly 20,000.

The Colonel’s Caliber in an Interesting Rifle—.35 Whelen

“Only accurate rifles are interesting.” Townsend Whelen

New for 2026: Beretta A400 Solo

Beretta USA has launched the A400 Solo, a new semi-automatic shotgun engineered for hunters who demand performance in the harshest conditions. Built on Beretta's A400 platform and packed with the company's latest advancements, the A400 Solo combines Beretta's B-Link Pro gas-operating system, Steelium barrel technology and Kick-Off Plus recoil reduction system into one dependable platform.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.