By the 1950's, the ranks were swelling and several gun makers were selling replicas of the old guns once again. It was safer, easier to use and more reliable than anything previously made. A national organization with 200 chapters in all fifty states and 21,000 members was born. International competitions and rendezvous attract hundreds of thousands of participants every year. Also coming full circle, was a new breed of hunter, seeking greater challenge and longer seasons.
Most states now offer special primitive firearm seasons.
Today, Knight Rifles makes over 80 models with literally hundreds of options and accessories. But it's not companies that drive this fervor for primitive firearms it's individuals who appreciate the history, craftsmanship and shooting skills associated with muzzleloading. Times have changes a lot since then and when Knight Rifles introduced their new smooth bore, full-choke shotgun, I went looking for a turkey hunt of my own. I drew a tag for a restricted hunt in South Dakota along the Missouri River. Joining me is Mike Murphy, marketing director for Knight Rifles who's on his first muzzleloader turkey hunt too.