The Traditions R2030 Deluxe Kentucky is a flintlock muzzleloader in .50 caliber with a 33.5-inch octagonal rifled barrel and a 49-inch overall length. The barrel is cut for patched round ball, the blued finish is matched with a color case hardened lock running a V-type mainspring for quick lock time, and the full-length select hardwood stock is trimmed in solid brass. Sighting is a blade front and fixed notch rear across the full barrel length, and a double set trigger gives target-style control.

Connecticut's muzzleloader deer season opens December 9 for firearms of .45 caliber or larger, and this .50 flintlock qualifies for it on private land and on state land, where shotguns and muzzleloaders are the only firearms permitted. It is the traditionalist's pick: no scope, no primer, flint and patched ball, with the long sight radius doing the work. Practice before the season, because a flintlock rewards a steady follow-through.

Key features

• .50 caliber flintlock, 33.5-inch octagonal rifled barrel
• Built for patched-ball loads
• Blade front sight, fixed notch rear
• Double set trigger
• Color case hardened lock, hardwood stock, brass furniture

It ships to a Connecticut FFL dealer of your choice, who completes the transfer before you take it to the range.