The Traditions Shedhorn: A Mix of old and new in the latest from Traditions

In recently released product listings, muzzleloading enthusiasts are getting a first glimpse of a new line of rifles from Traditions, the Traditions Shedhorn. Known for their longstanding committment to traditional, sidelock muzzleloaders and modern muzzleloaders, Traditions is bringing some modern features to their line of sidelock rifles.

The Traditons Shedhorn with a Veil Camo Stock

The Traditions® ShedHorn Muzzleloader is musket cap ignition rifle that is loaded with features. The Shedhorn™ muzzleloader is capable of firing both loose powder and easy-to-use pellets thanks to the removable Breech Plug. The breech plug allows for an incredibly consistent in-line ignition, and removing the rear breech plug makes cleaning the muzzleloader as easy as modern inlines. 

Traditions® ShedHorn™ Percussion Rifle is not your typical muzzleloader. The ShedHorn offers a double-set trigger, enabling a pull of a few ounces to accomplish the work that normally requires a pull of several pounds. The 24” fluted Cerakote™ barrel with 1:28 twist is equipped with Williams™ fiber optic metal sights, and an aluminum ramrod with brass loading jag features a premium blued finish. A stronger, improved musket nipple produces a solid, dependable spark and ignition. A beautiful hardwood stock and sling swivel studs are included. 

Cerakote™ is not only a superior corrosion protectant it also acts as a gun lubricant. Compared to other lubricants, it attracts less unwanted debris such as dirt, dust, and other particles. Keeping your rifle cleaner and functioning optimally. Cerakote™ is also optimal for those who live in wet and humid conditions, efficiently protecting your rifle from corrosion and oxidation, so if you tend to sweat a lot in the hotter seasons or live on a coast, Cerakote keeps your firearm dry.

The Traditions™ Shedhorn is a Northwest Legal muzzleloader as it utilizes a musket cap ignition and open breech system that is required in Idaho and Oregon. Traditions continues to make using a percussion muzzleloader easy with better spark and more consistent ignition. Cleaning is simple too. Just remove the rear breech plug, and cleaning becomes a snap, so you can enjoy more of your time shooting or hunting.

The Traditions Shedhorn with a black plastic stock

The Traditions Shedhorn in Hardwood Stock with a Blued Cerakote Finish.

Traditions Shedhorn Caliber

Our first look at this muzzleloader shows it being offered exclusively in .50 caliber, but other caliber options could come down the road.

Traditions Shedhorn Cost

First reports indicate the Traditions Shedhorn will start at $419.00 for the base level model, increasing to $479 for a Veil Camo stock and topping out at $499 for the hardwood and Cerakote finish.

Traditions Shedhorn Release Date

While we don’t know a release date just yet, these are certainly some welcome features for muzzleloading enthusiasts wanting the look and feel of a traditional muzzleloader, but want something easier to clean and better at shooting modern projectiles.

Northwest Legal

It’s interesting that the Traditions Shedhorn is finding a new way to fulfill the famous Northwest Legal requirements for muzzleloaders. Rather than taking a modern inline back in time, the Shedhorn brings features we typically see in modern inlines to a traditional Tradition's “Hawken” platform.

This isn’t suprising, coming from the company that pioneered the “Nitro Fire” Rifle, I wonder if any states will raise issue with this rifle being used in traditional muzzleloader seasons. The provided text above makes me think Traditions has worked closely with the written hunting rules in states to make this rifle as complient as possible. Either way, it will be interesting to watch.

Do traditional muzzleloaders need these features?

I don’t claim to be a voice for anyone but myself here and depending on how you look at muzzleloading the Shedhorn might seem like a new release to keep a company going. If you are a beginner in muzzleloading though, the features of the Shedhorn could be quite attractive. Cleaning a traditional muzzleloader is one of the #1 reasons people have difficulty with them. There are hundreds of ways to clean a muzzleloader, and everyone has their ‘best’ method. The Cerakoted barrel should make clean up a breeze and help prevent corrosion.

Having spent some time behind modern inline rifles with a removeable breech plug, this will be a huge attractant for newcomers. Being able to get visible confirmation of a clean bore means a lot to newcomers, and quiets a lot of fear about cleaning muzzle loaders.

Positive Outlook

I’m not sponsored or paid to report on news like this, I find it by browsing the web just like many of you. I admire Tradition’s continued development focusing on ease of introduction into muzzleloading for new hunters and shooters. Much of their line is focused on the beginner and that’s not something we see from everyone. Regardless of if you shoot your Traditions muzzle loader for a few seasons or much of your life, the companyis dedicated to getting people started affordably and effectively.