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

Long Beard TSS Beauty 2
Long Beard TSS Beauty 2

Turkey Loads 101

Seemingly simple, selecting the proper turkey load is anything but a grab-and-go proposition nowadays. Instead, it requires consideration of key load characteristics, purpose and value, all of which are covered in this article.

New for 2026: Kings Camo XKG Summit Series Packs

Kings Camo has launched its all-new XKG Summit Series Packs. Engineered for versatility, comfort and load-hauling capability, this pack systems offer modular performance suitable for a wide range of adventures, from streamlined day hunts to extended backcountry trips.

New for 2026: Real Avid Ratchet Rest Adjustable Height Shooting Bags

Real Avid has announced the Ratchet Rest—Adjustable Height Shooting Bags designed to give shooters exact elevation control, faster target alignment and repeatable shooting performance.

MDF Invested $48.3 Million for Conservation in 2025

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) mobilized a total of $48.3 million for mule deer and black-tailed deer in 2025, its second-best year on record. Across 153 projects in 17 states, MDF helped restore more than 537,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat, benefitted 129 deer herds and eliminated or converted 149 miles of hazardous fence to restore safe movement corridors for wildlife.

Behind the Bullet: .17 Mach 2

Ever heard of the .17 Mach 2? Go behind the scenes on this hot little rimfire round with resident ammo guru Phil Massaro.

Tuo Curates Specialized Turkey Hunting Collection

For the 2026 spring season, Tuo has architected a technical system specifically curated to meet the demands of turkey hunters. While engineered for maximum versatility, the Tuo ecosystem has developed a particular following in regions where the early season isn't defined by green leaves and lilac blooms, but by the high-contrast skeletal timber and grey-scale of the early spring woods.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.