VortekStrikerfire Northwest Magnum / Vortek Northwest Magnum
Owner’s Manual Addendum
Northwest Accelerator Breech Plug™
The Northwest Accelerator Breech Plug allows for easily removalinjust three turns. Thiseasy-out design makes cleaning, maintenance and inspection of the barrel fast and simple. This addendum willinstruct you on the proper use & care for your Northwest breech plug and replaces pages 20, 21 & 22 of the Vortek owner’s manual orpages 44, 45 & 46 of your Strikerfire owner’s manual.
BEFORE CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR HANDLING YOUR MUZZLELOADER, MAKE SURE THE GUN IS NOT LOADED OR CAPPED!
Disassembly, Cleaning & Lubrication of the Northwest Accelerator Breech Plug™.
- Open the action and rotated breech plug counter clockwise to remove from barrel. Please note the 12 o’clock position of the open ignition system (accel. breech plug wrench can be used to remove)
Correct alignment Breech plug removal
- Use EZ Clean II™ solvent and a soft bristle brush remove the factory oil, grease or fouling from the threads and face of the breech plug. Clean the inside of the musket nippleand breech plug with a pipe cleaner and clean the flash-hole with a nipple pick to remove any fouling or carbon build up that may be present. Dry all parts before applying lubrication. (Please note that musket nipple is permanently attached to the breech plug and is only factory removable)
- Inspect the O-ring to be sure it is not worn or damaged. Replacement O-rings are available for purchase from your local Traditions™ dealer or online at .
(Please be sure to clean O-ring groove during replacement)
- Clean the rifle bore as per instructions in your owner’s manual.
- Lubricate the breech plug threads, and O-ring surface with Traditions breech plug grease or appropriate anti-seize grease. Not using the recommended lubricant will cause O-ring damage, breech plug seizure. Never apply lubrication to face of breech plug or musket nipple. Never obstructing communication hole.
Note:
If plug is difficult to remove, spraying penetrating oil down the muzzle and let stand for an hour.
Additional leverage can also help by remove barrel from frame and placing in a padded vice.
Insert post of the spanner wrench into the hole or notch on the breech plug and turn the handle counter clockwise.
Reassemblyof the Northwest Accelerator Breech Plug™
- Properly install the breech plug by aligning theopen ignition system notch with the symbol located on the right hand side of the barrel. This will help insure the breech plug will come to rest in the 12 O’ clock firing position after tightening. Use the provided breech plug wrench to tighten if necessary.
Caution:Always be sure the open ignition system is properly aligned at the 12 o’ clock
firing position. Do not fire your rifle if the breech plug is misaligned.
- You can now close the action of your rifle.
Correct starting alignment Incorrectfinish alignment
Note:
If breech plug does not thread smoothly or seat fully, remove it and visually inspect the O-ring for
wear and the threads on the plug and inside the barrel for fouling or obstructions. Also, if the breech
plug is not seated all the way the gun may not close all the way.
Traditions™ recommends removing, cleaning and re-lubing the breech plug every 10-15 shots. With
proper maintenance and care the O-ring will last many years. The O-ring is in place as a gas check
and helps to block fouling from reaching the threads. The plug can still be used without the O-ring but
may become difficult to remove due to the fouling.
Before firing, be sure to inspect and function test your rifle to determine at it is in safe working order.
Safe firearms handling of this or any firearm is the responsibility of the shooter.
Contact Traditions Customer Service if you have any questions, need help or support.
860-388-4656 or
Utilizing the Cleaning and Lubrication Receiver Hole
Warning: If the striker or firing pin is protruding from the breech face STOP IMMEDIATELY!
If there is a cap on the nipple remove it immediately. Closing the action with a capped nipple and a protruding striker or firing pin can result in a discharge. Follow all Cleaning, lubrication and function testing procedures as outlined in your owner’s manual or addendum.
Additional Maintenance Recommendations:
- The Northwest magnum rifle utilizes a cleaning and lubrication hole located at the top of the receiver forward of the striker button (#35) or Hammer (HH) to help keep their rifles functioning safely and reliably
- During extended firing, fowling can build up inside the striker or firing pin channel. When proper cleaning cannot be executed in a timely manner as per the owner’s manual. Gun Scrubber or other cleaners should be used to help remove excess powder fowling from inside the Striker or firing pin channels in both Strikerfire and Vortek Northwest models.
VortekStrikerfire NWM Vortek NWM
Additional Cleaning and Lubrication Procedure:
- Using a can of firearms spray cleaner and plastic straw,into the cleaning and lubrication hole located on the top of the receiver. Be sure the cleaner exits from front of the breech face. Allow to dry for a few minutes, then apply a drop or two of high quality gun oil into the hole (don’t not over lubricate). This procedure will help keep any fowling present in the channel suspended and allow the striker or firing pin to operate and function properly. (Note: be sure to test spray cleaner before using on camouflage coated guns)
Clean and lubricating firing pin channel
Firing Pin & Striker Maintenance Warning
WARNING: If the firing pin or striker has not retracted fully and is protruding
through the breech face, STOP! Do not close the action! Remove
themusket cap from the nipple and follow these instructions.
Closing the action with a capped nipple and a protruding firing pin can result in a discharge!
Firing pin/striker protruding forward. Firing pin/striker fully retracted
WARNING: Black powder and black powder substitutes are corrosive! If your firearm is not
properly cleaned and lubricated after use, it may become rusty, corroded, pitted
and may ultimately fail to function properly.
Due to the open ignition system, proper shooter maintenance is important for safe and reliable operation of your rifle. We recommend cleaning the firing pin/striker and firing pin channel every 15 to 20 shots. Please follow the firing pin/striker cleaning instructions in your manual or in this addendum.
Vortek Northwest Magnum
Firing Pin Removal
NOTE: This information is designed to supplement the Traditions Vortek Manual.
The Vortek Northwest Magnum was designed for use with a musket
caps only. It cannot be used safely with a #11 percussion caps or
209 primers.
Remove the firing pin and firing pin spring from the channel by using the screw on the right side of the frame. Clean the channel, firing pin and spring and re-install. Re-check for proper function of the firing pin by following the function test below.
- With the rifle pointed in a safe direction, make sure the rifle is unloaded and there is no cap on the nipple.
- Check the hammer and trigger function by cocking the hammer and pressing the trigger to releasing.
- Check the function of the firing pin by squeezing the trigger and pushing the hammer forward with your thumb. The firing pin should protrude through the breech face.
- Check the firing pin return by releasing the trigger and the hammer, the firing pin should now retract fully.
- Pushing only on the rear of the hammer with your finger off the trigger, the hammer should not contact the firing pin.
Quick-T™ Ramrod HandleOwner’s Manual Addendum
Your new Quick-T™ Ramrod Handle is designed to provide easy and quick loading of your Traditions™ muzzleloader. This handle is designed to be stored on your ramrod for easy access. The Quick-T™ Ramrod Handle incorporates a palm saver and a jag to thread into the handle so it functions as a work/cleaning rod.
How to use your Quick-T ramrod handle:
- Your Quick-T™ Ramrod Handle will come installed on the ramrod of your new rifle. Simply remove your rifle’s ramrod to remove the Quick-T™ Ramrod Handle.
- The Quick-T™ Ramrod Handle can be used in two ways.
1)When being used as a palm saver:
Using only the plastic “T” piece of the Quick-T™ Ramrod Handle, place the T-handle over the end of the threaded side of your ramrod. This is a quick and easy way to push your projectile down the barrel and protect your hand from the end of the ramrod.
2)When being used as a work/cleaning rod:
Screw the brass jag into the threaded pocket of your Quick-T™ Ramrod Handle. This allows the Quick-T™ Ramrod Handle to thread directly onto the 10/32 threads on your ramrod, providing a fully functional cleaning rod for maintaining your rifle in the field or at the range.
If you over-tighten the jag into the Quick-T™ Ramrod handle, the hole in the screw-in brass jag will assist you in removal or tightening. Use a small Allen key through hole if needed.
CAUTION
Always follow the manufacturer’s loading and shooting instructions. Be sure to read the owner’s manual prior to using your rifle.
Never fire your rifle with the Quick-T™Ramrod Handle threaded on your ramrod installed in the barrel thimbles.
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