Knight Ultra-lite Question

[Brendan]

Looks like I am ready to jump on a Knight Ultra-lite. Basically I need a one-size fits all muzzy that will do the job for everything from scoped whitetail hunting out east, to Colorado or other western state Elk hunting.

My current thought - buy the "Western Legal" setup with iron sights, then add in a 209 Primer conversion, scope mounts and a scope. If I have a trip planned where I need to switch to iron sights or a peep - I can deal with that in the future.

First question - anyone see anything wrong with my plan?

Second Question - any preference towards a full plastic jacket v. bare primer conversion?


Thanks!

 

[robby denning]

Not sure if you saw the series I just did on the Rok Blog? I'd do exactly the opposite of your plan as far as sights.

I'd go scope first so you can develop your load with scope which is always best... and being you're more likely to be legal out east with a scope, you'd be ready this fall. Then proceed to the sight system I wrote about for Western hunting.

Ignition system is second on my list and I've found accurate loads with T7 shooting both 209s then switching to musket caps.

I can's say on full plastic jacket vs bare primer as I've only used bare primer...

Sabot loader will chime in with some good info too.

Good luck and keep us posted, your gun of choice is a good one.

 

[OG DramaLlama]

Highly recommend Robby's series....I'm in same boat as you.

Been looking extensively at the UL and talked to Knight a couple times already. Not sure where you are going to buy, but one aspect to consider is the pricing directly with Knight is much higher than what you can get at retail location.

Sportsman's has the UL for $899 at my location, Boise.

Not what you asked but Im in similar boat and don't want to have to fork out extra dollars if needed.

Good Luck. Would love to know how it all works out for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[pete]

Sent you a pm, I know where you can get one locally.

 

[Brendan]

Not sure if you saw the series I just did on the Rok Blog? I'd do exactly the opposite of your plan as far as sights.

I'd go scope first so you can develop your load with scope which is always best... and being you're more likely to be legal out east with a scope, you'd be ready this fall. Then proceed to the sight system I wrote about for Western hunting.

Hey Robby,

Definitely saw your series - but here's what I meant by that. Not every UL is drilled for iron sights, only the Western version from what I can tell. My thought was buy the western version so it's drilled for iron sights, and then put the scope and rings on when I got it. Use that to do all my load development and my hunting out here, and only switch back to iron sights if I needed it. The one thing I need to confirm would be if the western version is drilled / tapped for scope rings?

 

[Brendan]

Follow up question.

Just talked to a shop locally over the phone (Thanks, Pete) and they said they have a "Knight Ultra-Lite Extreme" (That's what the tag says) with a "Brown Flecked" composite stock. Now, they are not a shop who specializes in Muzzleloaders, and they are pretty much out of the business. They just have this lying around. The salesman knows probably nothing about them.

Any way to tell if this is an Ultra-lite without going in? They're not all that close to me, so I'm looking at 2 hours of driving round trip to find out if it's an U/L. It also is drilled for scope mounts, but not for iron sights. If I ever want them I'd need to get a gunsmith to do that, or send back to Knight and have them do it.

Thoughts?

 

[OG DramaLlama]

Follow up question.

Just talked to a shop locally over the phone (Thanks, Pete) and they said they have a "Knight Ultra-Lite Extreme" (That's what the tag says) with a "Brown Flecked" composite stock. Now, they are not a shop who specializes in Muzzleloaders, and they are pretty much out of the business. They just have this lying around. The salesman knows probably nothing about them.

Any way to tell if this is an Ultra-lite without going in? They're not all that close to me, so I'm looking at 2 hours of driving round trip to find out if it's an U/L. It also is drilled for scope mounts, but not for iron sights. If I ever want them I'd need to get a gunsmith to do that, or send back to Knight and have them do it.

Thoughts?

Every Knight I have looked at recently (UL, Disc Extreme, Mountaineer) has had the name/model/serial number/caliber imprinted on the barrel.

Important distinguishing feature on the UL is the Kevlar stock with the aluminum bedding.

If it were me, get pictures of the barrel/action/stock/bedding. The UL will be unique in these areas and you should be able to determine if you hit gold.

Also, every UL i have looked at, all western ready, have been tapped for mounts and have the Williams fire sights.

Recommend the weaver mounts so you can easily change between sights and scope. Saves trouble and cost of mounting the rear sight. You should be able to find a local smith to instal the front post, no need to go to Knight IMO. XS and Williams will be able to point you in right direction for front post. Depending on the peep/iron sight you go with.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GrantMan]

Hey Robby,

Definitely saw your series - but here's what I meant by that. Not every UL is drilled for iron sights, only the Western version from what I can tell. My thought was buy the western version so it's drilled for iron sights, and then put the scope and rings on when I got it. Use that to do all my load development and my hunting out here, and only switch back to iron sights if I needed it. The one thing I need to confirm would be if the western version is drilled / tapped for scope rings?

IMO you have the right plan. At least for the ultra lights its easier to put a scope on the western edition. I looked at an ultra light at my local sportman's and it wasn't drilled for a front sight which makes no sense since Nevada only allows iron sights.

 

[sabotloader]

Looks like I am ready to jump on a Knight Ultra-lite. Basically I need a one-size fits all muzzy that will do the job for everything from scoped whitetail hunting out east, to Colorado or other western state Elk hunting.

My current thought - buy the "Western Legal" setup with iron sights, then add in a 209 Primer conversion, scope mounts and a scope. If I have a trip planned where I need to switch to iron sights or a peep - I can deal with that in the future.

First question - anyone see anything wrong with my plan?

Second Question - any preference towards a full plastic jacket v. bare primer conversion?


Thanks!

Question #1... Seems like a very solid plan - same thing that I do!

Question #2... I would highly suggest the Bare Primer bolt and breech plug...

I would love to show a few pictures of my setup - but Photobucket is not cooperating at all tonight. I will try to get them up tomorrow...

mike

 

[MuleyFever]

I got the UL western last year and mounted a scope to the 2 piece mounts to find the best load then moved to a peep. I just called knight and told them I wanted to buy the conversion to 209 and they shipped it right out.

 

[robby denning]

Hey Robby,

Definitely saw your series - but here's what I meant by that. Not every UL is drilled for iron sights, only the Western version from what I can tell. My thought was buy the western version so it's drilled for iron sights, and then put the scope and rings on when I got it. Use that to do all my load development and my hunting out here, and only switch back to iron sights if I needed it. The one thing I need to confirm would be if the western version is drilled / tapped for scope rings?

I don't know on the drill/tap but that's nothing for a gunsmith if needed. As I said in the series, you need max sight radius for max accuracy so even if they are drilled/tapped, you might want that rear sight farther back anyway. Sabotloader will post up some pics then we'll know for sure.

 

[sabotloader]

Brendan

Ok think I can help some now.

You are correct, a regular Knight Ultra-Lite is not drilled or tapped for barrel sights. The Western edition of course is and equipped with sights.

Here are some pictures of how I have set mine up...

This is my Ulite set up for Western hunting



I use a NECG peep sight mounting a Warne Scope block for the rear sight.



Then on the front I remove the factory sight and install a Williams streamlined ramp, fire site and fire sight hood...



Then when I choose to do so I remove the rear peep with the provided thumb screw and drop a scope on the rifle.



This is one of the first targets I shot with the NECG peep installed



Any other questions post them up.... plus I hope some of this information helps...

mike

 

[Brendan]

Thanks Everyone. Mike - big help with everything posted there!

I think I'm going with a Western Legal from Sportsman's. I will buy the bare 209 conversion kit from Knight. Any recommendations on anything else I should get from Knight if I'm placing and order with them anyways?

I'm a big fan of just duplicating something that someone else has proven to work so I will probably go with bases similar to what Mike posted, but any recommendations on rings? Scope will likely be a Nikon Monarch 2.5-10x42, as I have one on hand (Unless it goes with a rifle I have for sale first).

Next up will be dealing with bullets and propellant, but I know there's a lot of reading here on that already.

Thanks!

 

[CoHiCntry]

Maybe I'm missing something but... You can buy the western that has sights and the 209 bare primer conversion. You don't have to buy one with the wrong ignition only to go and purchase the conversion from Knight. Although I'm sure Knight would prefer you do that so they can sell you some extra stuff

 

[Brendan]

Maybe I'm missing something but... You can buy the western that has sights and the 209 bare primer conversion. You don't have to buy one with the wrong ignition only to go and purchase the conversion from Knight. Although I'm sure Knight would prefer you do that so they can sell you some extra stuff

The reason is - eventually I want both. 209 and a scope where it's legal, but I put in for tags every year in a variety of states. I sold my last muzzy at the end of last year (TC) with the goal of replacing it with one that I could use in any state for any game. This way - I can get set up for both, do my load development and shooting both ways, so it's one thing less to worry about if/when I draw a tag...

Plus - doing it this way is probably still cheaper than ordering direct from Knight, even after adding in the conversion.

 

[sabotloader]

Thanks Everyone. Mike - big help with everything posted there!

I think I'm going with a Western Legal from Sportsman's. I will buy the bare 209 conversion kit from Knight. Any recommendations on anything else I should get from Knight if I'm placing and order with them anyways?

I'm a big fan of just duplicating something that someone else has proven to work so I will probably go with bases similar to what Mike posted, but any recommendations on rings? Scope will likely be a Nikon Monarch 2.5-10x42, as I have one on hand (Unless it goes with a rifle I have for sale first).

Next up will be dealing with bullets and propellant, but I know there's a lot of reading here on that already.

Thanks!

As CoHiCntry has suggested if you are getting your rifle from Sportsman WHSE. you may be able to purchase a Colorado legal Western Edition ML from them. They probably will not have it available in your area but the warehouse should be able to get one for you. They are made for the state of Colorado. What ever you do - do not buy one directly from Knight - the price would far exceed the price of the rifle from Sportsman's and Knight know this - they can not under sale their distributors!

For your rings question I would suggest the Warne QD rings or the Leupold Weaver style QRW rings (medium height).

The rings on the scope in my pic are Warne. I also have some Leupold on another scope

Leupold Quick Release Weaver Style QRW Rings | Best Rated 49853

Propellant - if you are not planning on hunting in the Pacific Northwest - I would suggest you get BH-209. I shoot 120 gr. of Triple Seven 2f powder for all of my hunting mainly because of the fact I have to use percussion caps during ML season. Also - I am cheap - BH is to expensive for 10 ounces as compared to a pound of T7. You will get slightly better velocity with the BH which is a plus and you will have less loading problems with BH. You will need to clean the 'flash channel' in the breech plug during extended range sessions.



Primers - with the Lehigh/Knight breech plug you will get a better fit with a W209 primer (less blow back if any) and in this BP the w209 ignites BH just fine.

Projectiles - Right now I would suggest 3 different bullets to you for hunting...

1. Lehigh/Knight Bloodline - .458x275 - this bullet is a great all-around shoot everything well bullet.
2. Lehigh/Knight Bloodline - .458x300 - this bullet is certainly an overkill on any deer class animal but outstanding on elk



Bloodline reading info



Another bullet that I can suggest is the Lehigh Defense .458x305 gr. DOA



http://www.lehighdefense.com/collec...ed-fracturing-305gr-bullet?variant=1073755480

These bullets are good for most all of the states you might hunt but during ML season in Colorado you will need a full bore bullet. Choices are somewhat limited there but with time and experience you will or can come up with a good bullet for that also.

Also I would add - buy a box of reloading bullets and companion sabots to do your sight in work and recreational shooting, I use a Sierra .458x300 HP and a MMP HPH 457/458x50 Orange sabot.

Also when you can take a look at this thread. This is a new bullet that will be coming from Lehigh

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/muzzleloader/52935-lehigh-452x265gr-cf-ml-bullet.html

 

[CoHiCntry]

The reason is - eventually I want both. 209 and a scope where it's legal, but I put in for tags every year in a variety of states. I sold my last muzzy at the end of last year (TC) with the goal of replacing it with one that I could use in any state for any game. This way - I can get set up for both, do my load development and shooting both ways, so it's one thing less to worry about if/when I draw a tag...

Plus - doing it this way is probably still cheaper than ordering direct from Knight, even after adding in the conversion.

Ok, gotcha... I bought a new UL last year and have hunted with it a couple times already this year. I love the gun and glad I went with it. Good luck!

 

[mod700]

Checked out the UL at Sportsmans Warehouse yesterday , very nice!, I own a long range hunter, and the weight difference is substantial, nice balance too.
Mike

 

[Nateinia]

I did what you were talking about and in hind sight I would do what Robbie has stated. When I went to put a peep sight on I used one of the scope mounts so it wasn't needed to have the iron sight since I never used it anyways. Carried the ultra--lite for 6 days in Colorado. Loved it.

 

[COLOelkman]

One comment on the discussion about having a gunsmith drill and tap a Non-Western UL (because I have one), I found out that if you have it drilled and tapped by someone other than Knight, it would void your warranty. I sent mine to Knight and had them add the holes for iron sights and they didn't even charge me for it so all it cost me was the shipping.