Which of the following describes safe handling of a muzzleloader?

A. Wear eye and ear protection when shooting a muzzleloader.

B. Load a muzzleloader with several charges at a time.

C. Prime a muzzleloader well before firing.

D. Blow down the muzzle to clear powder residue.

Answer

The correct answer is A. Wear eye and ear protection when shooting a muzzleloader.

Explanation:

A. Wear eye and ear protection when shooting a muzzleloader.

This is a safety guideline that is crucial when handling any firearm, including muzzleloaders. Protecting your eyes and ears helps prevent injuries from possible misfires, debris, and the loud noise generated by firing.

B. Load a muzzleloader with several charges at a time.

This is unsafe. Loading multiple charges can lead to serious accidents and is strongly discouraged. A muzzleloader should be loaded one charge at a time to maintain control and ensure the safe operation of the firearm.

C. Prime a muzzleloader well before firing.

This could be misleading. While priming is necessary, doing it "well before" firing could lead to the priming compound degrading or the flash channel becoming obstructed. Priming should be done immediately before the shot.

D. Blow down the muzzle to clear powder residue.

This is also unsafe. Blowing down the muzzle can introduce moisture and increase the risk of a misfire. It is better to use a cleaning rod or other appropriate tools to clear any powder residue safely.

Overall, wearing protective gear is the best practice among the options provided for safely handling a muzzleloader.