Adobe .PDF - Thompson Center Arms

Pulling a ChargeNever attempt to remove a charge from any muzzleloading firearm untilyou are absolutely certain that the firearm is unprimed. (Caplock; percussioncap removed from the nipple, hammer at half-cock. Flintlock;Frizzen open and pan wiped clean with hammer at half-cock). Do not attemptto pull a charge from any gun until the powder charge has been renderedinert (barrel removed and its breech section submerged in water forat least one-half hour) as explained in the following text dealing with pullinga charge. AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE CAN CAUSE INJURYAND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAM-AGE TO PROPERTY.PULLING A CHARGE FROM A MUZZLELOADING RIFLEOR PISTOLUnder normal conditions a muzzleloading rifle or pistol is unloaded simplyby firing it into a suitable and safe backstop. There are, however, some conditionsunder which the firearm cannot be fired and the charge must be pulled.SOME OF THE MOST COMMON CONDITIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:1. If the ball or bullet is not seated firmly against the powder charge -Stop immediately! Do not attempt to fire the rifle or pistol. You must pullthe charge and clean the barrel.2. If the rifle or pistol is loaded in a proper manner, yet fails to fire afterrepeated repriming and clearing of the ignition ports (as explained in the“Ignition” section).3. If you are at a location that is unsuitable for discharging the firearmbefore transporting it.Keep the muzzle downrange and remove all priming from the firearm.Carefully remove the forend wedge and disengage the barrel from the stock.Lay the charged barrel on the ground using extreme care to ensure that itsmuzzle is always pointed in a safe direction. Secure a pail of water (hot ifpossible) and submerge the breech section of the barrel into the water. Makecertain that at least 8 inches of the breech section is under water and allow thebarrel to remain submerged for at least one-half hour. The barrel should betransported only after water has totally saturated the powder charge and renderedit inert.The charge should be pulled by using a Thompson/Center Ball and BulletPuller as follows:56