Traditions™ NitroFire Muzzleloader - First Impressions

Our team just got back from SHOT Show 2020, where we were able to handle the brand-new Traditions NitroFire muzzleloader. This gun generated an impressive amount of attention both at the show and online, with many top writers in the industry praising this new muzzleloader. While we have still not tested this gun at our local range, we were able to talk to many people who shot this gun, as well as some of the Traditions people that were part of the development of this muzzleloader.

The basic premise of the Traditions NitroFire is to make muzzleloading simpler, safer, and easier to get into. Many beginner muzzleloading hunters find that there are an immense amount of accessories and knowledge needed to get comfortable in the sport. The NitroFire takes a lot of the guesswork out of loading and shooting your muzzleloader, while also increasing the safety. The patented technology used in the NitroFire allows for the powder charge to be loaded from the breech, while still having to load the bullet down the barrel. Because the bullet cannot be loaded from the rear, this keeps the gun in line with the definition of a muzzleloader.

Loading the Federal FireStick from the rear of the gun has several distinct advantages. First, the NitroFire doesn’t have or need a breech plug, which is one less component to clean, as well as potentially cause hang-fires. Second, the pre-measured charges prevent the NitroFire from being over-charged with excess powder. This helps make this muzzleloader safer than many others on the market. Next, Federal FireSticks come in two different configurations, so you’ll need fewer accessories and have a simpler time cleaning and loading the NitroFire. Another great advantage of the NitroFire’s use of the FireStick is that cleaning the gun is incredibly simple. Because the powder is contained in the FireStick, there is no dreaded crud ring and almost all of the residue stays in the spend FireStick. Loading a follow-up shot will be easy and efficient, with no risk of an excess spark in the barrel to ignite the powder you’re loading. Finally, the premeasured charges of the Federal FireStick produce more accurate and consistent groupings that are not changed with adverse weather conditions.

The NitroFire is extremely comfortable and lightweight, with a balanced feel that makes the gun feel even lighter than the 6-pound total weight. Built on the Pursuit G4 frame, this gun has a compact design with a 26-inch barrel, which makes it a great all-around gun for both longer distances and maneuverability in the woods. One of the features that we like most about the NitroFire is the double safety system. Not only does this muzzleloader have a trigger safety, but there is also a hammer safety as well. With many muzzleloaders on the market with just a hammer safety, our team really likes the additional trigger safety.

As far as fit and finish are concerned, the NitroFire has a nice look, with several different camo patterns and CeraKote options that will fit anyone’s taste. Side by side with many other muzzleloaders, you won’t notice much of a difference, as all of the technology is inside the barrel of the NitroFire. Traditions did a great job of putting this combination together in a platform that is familiar, comfortable, and versatile. The Burnt Bronze CeraKote with the RealTree Edge seems to be the most popular choice so far.

In summary, our team took a lot of time to think about the applications for the Traditions NitroFire, and we really see a place in the market for this muzzleloader. While this gun will certainly not fit every muzzleloader hunter out there, it will certainly be a great option for many. Shooters that like to tune their powder charges and spend a lot of time on the range may not be as interested in the NitroFire, but anyone new to the sport or a casual muzzleloading hunter will like the simplicity of the gun, as well as the increased safety features. We are excited about the NitroFire and plan on doing some testing on it as soon as possible.

If you’re interested in more information about the Traditions NitroFire, please reach out to our customer service team at 1-855-236-5000, or email at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.