Knight Rifles and Muzzleloaders

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About Knight Rifles

Knight Rifles was founded in 1985 by Tony Knight, a master gunsmith from rural Missouri who revolutionized the muzzleloading industry.

Tony Knight recognized that traditional muzzleloaders had changed little in over a century and set out to create a truly modern front-loading firearm.

The company introduced the groundbreaking MK-85 in-line rifle system in 1985, pioneering what became known as the "Great Blackpowder Revolution."

Knight Rifles perfected the modern percussion in-line ignition system, placing the nipple directly behind the powder charge for dramatically improved reliability.

Today, the company continues Tony Knight's legacy from their headquarters in Athens, Tennessee, maintaining their commitment to American-made quality and innovation.

 

Popular Knight Rifles Features

Revolutionary In-Line Ignition System

  • The nipple is positioned directly behind the powder charge for dramatically improved ignition reliability compared to traditional side-mount designs.

Patented Double Safety System

  • Features both primary trigger safety and secondary safety on the rear of the hammer/bolt, requiring both to be in fire position for discharge.

209 Full Plastic Jacket System

  • Knight claims to be the only company offering 100% waterproof muzzleloaders when combined with their proprietary 209 system.

Premium Green Mountain Barrels

  • All rifles feature handcrafted American-made barrels available in blued or stainless steel with optimized twist rates.

Fully Machined Components

  • No cast components are used - all parts are fully machined for superior strength and reliability.

100% American Manufacturing

  • Every component from the smallest screw to the stock and barrel is manufactured in the United States.

 

Best-Selling Knight Rifles Models

MK-85

  • The original and most famous Knight rifle, selected by Field & Stream magazine as #37 of "The 50 Best Guns Ever Made" - the only muzzleloader to make the list.

Mountaineer Series

  • Available in Forest Green, Shadow Gray, Coyote, and Jacara finishes, this premium series represents Knight's modern craftsmanship.

Ultra-Lite Series

  • Lightweight rifles including .45 caliber models designed for hunters who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance.

DISC Extreme

  • Available in 52 caliber with thumbhole or straight stock options for hunters seeking maximum power and accuracy.

Vision Break-Action

  • Features break-action design for easy loading and cleaning while maintaining Knight's legendary reliability standards.

Long Range Hunter

  • Specifically designed for extended range shooting scenarios where precision at distance is critical.

Peregrine

  • Advanced modern design incorporating the latest innovations in Knight's muzzleloader technology.

 

Popular Uses for Knight Rifles

Whitetail and Mule Deer Hunting

  • Knight rifles provide the accuracy and reliability needed for successful deer hunting during regular and special muzzleloader seasons.

Elk and Large Game Hunting

  • The power and precision of Knight muzzleloaders make them ideal for hunting elk, black bear, and other large North American game.

Primitive Weapons Seasons

  • Knight rifles are perfect for states with special muzzleloader-only hunting seasons that require non-cartridge firearms.

Competitive Shooting

  • Knight Rifles won the prestigious Manufacturers Match at NMLRA Range in Friendship, Indiana six consecutive years, proving their competitive accuracy.

Long-Range Shooting

  • Modern Knight rifles are effective at ranges exceeding 200 yards, making them suitable for hunters who need extended reach.

 

Knight Rifles FAQs

QUESTION: What makes Knight Rifles different from traditional muzzleloaders?
ANSWER: Knight pioneered the in-line ignition system that places the nipple directly behind the powder charge for dramatically improved reliability over traditional side-mount designs.

QUESTION: Are Knight muzzleloaders waterproof?
ANSWER: Knight claims to be the only company offering 100% waterproof muzzleloaders when using their 209 Full Plastic Jacket system.

QUESTION: What warranty does Knight Rifles offer?
ANSWER: Knight Rifles provides a Limited Lifetime warranty with extended service policy through their authorized warranty centers.

QUESTION: Where are Knight Rifles manufactured?
ANSWER: All Knight Rifles are 100% American-made with components manufactured entirely in the United States.

QUESTION: What calibers are available in Knight muzzleloaders?
ANSWER: Knight rifles are available in various calibers including .45, .50, .52, and .54 depending on the specific model.

QUESTION: How often do Knight muzzleloaders need cleaning?
ANSWER: Knight rifles must be cleaned after each day's shooting due to the corrosive nature of black powder and substitutes.

QUESTION: What type of scope bases do Knight rifles use?
ANSWER: Round receivers use Remington 541 style two-piece or Weaver 45 one-piece scope bases, and all receivers come drilled and tapped.

QUESTION: Can Knight rifles shoot black powder substitutes?
ANSWER: Yes, Knight muzzleloaders accept black powder and all industry-approved black powder substitutes.