Thompson/Center Arms Company has added a fixed barrel muzzleloader to their Encore line: the Pro Hunter FX. “Designed around the popular Pro Hunter platform, the new muzzleloader combines the advanced features of the Pro Hunter rifle with Thompson/Center’s solid reputation for durability and performance in the field. Separating it from the other muzzleloaders in the line, the Pro Hunter FX is standard with a fixed .50 caliber barrel that is not interchangeable with other barrel configurations. Instead, the muzzleloader sports a 26-inch fluted barrel with patented QLA (Quick Load Accurizer) for enhanced accuracy.” Bottom line: it’s cheaper. We’re talking $549 msrp. And less fearsome . . .
Other notable features include the muzzleloader’s improved handling and recoil reduction system made possible by the FlexTech stock and forend. Inside the FlexTech stock, four Energy Burners™, along with the recoil pad, allow the stock to slightly compress when firing, helping to reduce felt recoil by forty-two percent.
But wait! There’s less! Less hassle.
Additional features of the Pro Hunter FX muzzleloader include the Speed Breech 3, a new triple-lead hand-removable breech plug. Through the use of the anti-seize Speed Breech 3, no tools are required for removal, allowing shooters to take out the breech plug by hand. The new muzzleloader is also standard with fiber optic sights, along with a Swing Hammer® that can be conveniently positioned toward either side of the frame, enabling easier access to the hammer once an optic has been mounted.
And you can do it in the pissing rain.
To protect the muzzleloader against inclement weather, Thompson/Center has added its tough-as-nails finish, Weather Shield. When applied to the barrel, receiver and other critical parts, the Weather Shield adds an extra level of protection against corrosion, extending the durability and lifetime of each muzzleloader. Weighing in at seven pounds, the Pro Hunter FX measures 42 ½ inches in overall length and features a 14-inch length-of-pull. The new muzzleloader is available in either black composite or Realtree AP Camo.
Now, if only they could invent some way for the powder, shot, and primer to be bundled together in one package so that you could just push it all down the barrel at once. That would certainly speed things up.
Oh, and maybe they could invent some way to load it into the side of the barrel that is closest to the shooter. Now that would be fast.
Lets not get too sci-fi about it!
Meh, I’d much rather have the Pro Hunter with the interchangeable barrel.
The interchangeable barrel is a nice feature but glad they make an option without. I have 2 rifles and could not afford to pay the extra for a feature I would most likely never need or use. That is what is great about the option to buy it with or with out the interchangeable barrels. If you are looking for a solely black powder gun don’t pay the extra cash for an unnecessary feature. If you prefer to have all your options open and money is not an issue they make one for you as well. I’m super pleased with mine so far!
This is an awsome gun but i live and hunt in washington state and the 209 primer is not aloud during muzzleloader season. Do they make a percution cap version of this gun?
I do not agree. Read http://www.westernsportsman.com/2012/02/gun-review-thompsoncenter-prohunter-xt/
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