What is a recommended practice regarding the storage of a muzzleloader?

Storing a muzzleloader without powder in it is the safest practice to prevent accidental discharges and ensure the firearm remains in a safe condition. By removing the powder, the potential for a misfire is significantly reduced, which is crucial for safe handling and storage. This practice aligns with general firearm safety principles, which emphasize the importance of ensuring that firearms are unloaded when not in use.

Other storage practices, such as keeping a muzzleloader loaded with powder or even keeping it disassembled, do not adhere to best safety guidelines. Storing it loaded poses a risk of accidental discharge, while disassembly can be cumbersome and does not inherently make the firearm safer unless all components, including powder and caps, are also properly removed. Storing the muzzleloader in a cool, dry place is important for preservation, but it assumes that the firearm is already in a safe condition, which underscores the necessity of not keeping any powder in it during storage.