First Impressions of Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket
The world of muzzleloaders can be a fascinating yet finicky one. To extract peak performance, you need the right components working in perfect harmony. That’s why I was intrigued when I first came across the Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket. It promises to allow the use of readily available 209 shotgun primers in several popular Knight Rifles models, potentially simplifying ignition and improving reliability.
I’ve been a muzzleloader enthusiast for over a decade, hunting everything from whitetail deer in the dense Pennsylvania forests to elk in the expansive Montana backcountry. Consistent ignition is crucial, and traditional percussion caps can sometimes be unreliable, especially in adverse weather. I was hoping the Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket would offer a more consistent and reliable ignition system.
Upon receiving the package, the first thing I noticed was the straightforward, no-frills packaging. Inside, the jackets themselves are small, lightweight, and made of what appears to be a durable polymer. They seemed well-manufactured, but without user feedback available at the time, I was hesitant to trust initial impressions completely.
I considered other conversion systems for my Knight rifle but chose the Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket because it seemed like the simplest and most direct solution. Some systems involve complex modifications, while others utilize proprietary primers. This promised a drop-in solution for using standard 209 primers, which are easy to find at any sporting goods store. My initial excitement was tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism, eager to see if they would live up to the promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket to the Test
First Use Experience
I decided to put the Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket to the test at my local shooting range. The temperature was a brisk 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight drizzle – perfect conditions to test ignition reliability. I was using my Knight DISC Extreme muzzleloader, a rifle I’ve come to rely on over the years.
Loading the Full Plastic Jacket was simple; the 209 primer seated snugly within the jacket. The jacket then loaded into the breech plug just like a standard Knight primer disc. I fired ten rounds, and to my surprise, every single one ignited flawlessly. There was a noticeable improvement in ignition speed and consistency compared to the standard percussion caps I typically use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial range session, I continued using the Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket over several weeks of practice and hunting. Throughout that time, I fired over 100 rounds, and I only experienced one misfire. This occurred after a particularly wet range session. Even then, the second attempt resulted in reliable ignition.
The polymer jackets themselves have held up well, showing no signs of cracking or deformation. Cleaning the breech plug after each shooting session is straightforward. The Full Plastic Jackets have become an integral part of my muzzleloading setup. The Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket has impressed me with its ease of use and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket
Specifications
The Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket is designed to allow the use of 209 shotgun primers in specific Knight Rifles muzzleloaders. These models include the MHS DISC Extreme, DISC Extreme, Wolverine 209, Bighorn, TK2000, and USAK (manufactured after 2003). Each pack contains 100 individual Full Plastic Jackets. The product’s purpose is to provide a more reliable and readily available ignition source than traditional percussion caps.
The caliber is determined by the muzzleloader itself, as the Full Plastic Jacket simply holds the 209 primer. They are constructed from a durable, heat-resistant polymer. This polymer is designed to withstand the pressures and temperatures generated during firing. The overall weight is negligible.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket is to improve ignition reliability and consistency. In my experience, it accomplishes this goal effectively. Using 209 primers provides a hotter and more consistent spark. This leads to quicker and more reliable ignition, even in adverse weather conditions.
The main strength is the increased reliability compared to traditional percussion caps. The primary weakness is that it is only compatible with specific Knight Rifles models. It is imperative to consult the manufacturer’s specifications to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket is simple yet effective. It’s a small polymer cup designed to securely hold a 209 shotgun primer. The ergonomic considerations are minimal, as the user simply loads the primer into the jacket and then loads the jacket into the breech plug. The ease of use is a significant advantage, requiring no special tools or modifications.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction seems durable enough to withstand repeated use. Proper cleaning of the breech plug after each shooting session is recommended to ensure consistent performance. Regular inspection of the Full Plastic Jackets for any signs of damage is also advisable. With proper care, they should last for many shooting sessions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket does not come with any accessories beyond the 100 jackets included in the pack. There are no customization options for the Full Plastic Jacket itself. The primary “customization” comes from selecting the specific 209 primer that best suits your needs and rifle. The Full Plastic Jacket simply facilitates the use of that primer.
Pros and Cons of Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket
Pros
- Increased ignition reliability, especially in wet or cold conditions.
- Simple and easy to use, requiring no special tools or modifications.
- Utilizes readily available 209 shotgun primers.
- Durable polymer construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Provides consistent ignition, improving accuracy and reducing misfires.
Cons
- Only compatible with specific Knight Rifles models.
- Requires regular cleaning of the breech plug to maintain optimal performance.
Who Should Buy Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket?
The Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket is perfect for muzzleloader hunters and target shooters who own a compatible Knight Rifles model. Anyone looking for a more reliable and consistent ignition system than traditional percussion caps will benefit greatly. It’s especially useful for hunters who frequently encounter adverse weather conditions.
This product should be skipped by individuals who do not own a compatible Knight Rifles muzzleloader. Those who prefer traditional percussion caps or are unwilling to perform regular maintenance should also avoid this product. A must-have accessory is a good breech plug cleaning tool to ensure consistent performance and prevent fouling.
Conclusion on Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket
Overall, the Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket is a worthwhile investment for owners of compatible Knight Rifles muzzleloaders. It offers a significant improvement in ignition reliability and consistency. The simple design and ease of use make it a user-friendly upgrade.
The price of $37.99 is justified by the improved performance and the convenience of using readily available 209 primers. I personally recommend the Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket to anyone looking to enhance their muzzleloading experience. If you own a compatible Knight Rifle, this is a simple and effective upgrade that will give you confidence in the field. Stop leaving your hunt to chance. Upgrade your ignition system with the Knight Rifles Full Plastic Jacket today!