Mk 85 stainless

[pyrodex209]

Hey guys I have a chance to buy an mk 85 stainless .54 for $200. Want to use it for Colorado Elk. I've never had a knight and I'm not familiar with their breech plugs. The seller doesn't know but sent me a pic.

If anyone can tell me if this takes those 209 plastic adapter things. I've never used those. If anyone has used those how do those work. Do they all attach to a primer holder for quick loading etc.
Thanks

 

[CoHiCntry]

MK-85 is an older style rifle from Knight. They take a #11 cap not a 209. If your using it for Colorado, I personally think there are better options out there.

 

[pyrodex209]

From what I've seen online and the conversion kits you buy that breech plug looks like the 209 primer breech plug that takes those red plastic primer holders.

What would be better for Colorado Elk?

 

[CoHiCntry]

What would be better for Colorado Elk?

Something with a sealed breech that shoots 209's & BH powder. That MK-85 will get the job done though. Just wouldn't be my first choice. I do own one though. If it turns your crank go for it.

 

[dotman]

Maybe it's just me but with how dirty that breech plug is I'd be wondering about barrel condition. Just a thought when I see that pic.

 

[pyrodex209]

Yea I know I am taking a chance on that, but the seller said there's no rust so we shall see.

 

[elkguide]

Yea I know I am taking a chance on that, but the seller said there's no rust so we shall see.

I'd be nervous if a stainless rifle looks like that on the outside.....................

I like the MK85 a lot (I own 3) but I would be hesitant without removing the breech plug and running a patch down the barrel.

 

[Jackelope]

Pull the plug and shine a light down the barrel. Have a look and see before purchasing. Maybe Sabotloader knows some info on those rifles.

 

[pyrodex209]

Pull the plug and shine a light down the barrel. Have a look and see before purchasing. Maybe Sabotloader knows some info on those rifles.

Yea I'm not going to have that chance. $175 sight unseen and his word for it.

 

[Jackelope]

Yea I'm not going to have that chance. $175 sight unseen and his word for it.

Yikes. Can you get some sort of 3 day inspection clause? Satisfaction guarantee? That's iffy from what I have seen some muzzleloaders look like on the inside.

 

[dotman]

Yea I'm not going to have that chance. $175 sight unseen and his word for it.

Still not enough, you could of bought a brand new from knight disc in .54 for $300 w/209 primers over Christmas. Fact is .54 is not a common cal and not needed for elk. I'd tell him $100 or no deal truthfully. Otherwise start looking for a .50 cal as it has a much better bullet selection.

IMO, you have to be much more picky with a ML then a rifle when used. If it doesn't shoot and you invest $100 in a 209 conversion don't complain that knight sucks because we warned you.

Im a huge knight fan but I wouldn't buy based on that picture.

 

[dotman]

Here is what it should look like on a good used Knight ML. Also this is the breech that takes the red plastic inserts, I'll take another picture of what the bare primer breech looks like. To me your pic does not look like it takes the orange or red plastic inserts.

 

[dotman]

Here is the bare primer 209 primer breech.

 

[dotman]

The hole on the breech plug for either the orange or red plastic is small, looks more like a nipple. The hole for the 209 bare beech (not orange or red plastic jacket required) seems to be bigger, I would say the original pic is of a #11 musket cap.

 

[stevenm2]

The MK-85 is an excellent choice. I love mine. the rifle shown has not been taken care of. I agree with what has been said but if you can get it for 100 bucks you will have an elk killer on your hands.I know of several of these rifles that have been brought back from the dead with some proper cleaning and some butch's bore shine.
I am unfamiliar with Colorado Laws but Oregon's are some of the strictest for muzzleloaders. The .54 use a different diameter breech plug and I am sure you can still get them from Knight and certainly pick a good used one online. The MK-85 is a fine rifle and you will have a lot of fun with it provided the other guy did not ruin it.
I use a .50 cal, cast my own or No excuses conicals 490 and 460 gr. respectively. #11 caps and a proper charge of triple seven. My rifle will easily shoot 2" groups @ 100yards with Williams peep sights. Good Luck and make sure to get a look into that barrel before plunking down any cash. Have fun

 

[KHNC]

I have an MK-85 that my uncle gave me years ago. I also converted to 209 primer. You can not shoot mag loads in that particular ML either. It is worth noting that my uncle left the gun loaded for 3 years prior to giving it to me. I took to a smith to get the plug out and check the barrel. Once the plug and load came out , the barrel was fine amazingly. Takes a LOT to ruin that stainless barrel. This was a Black powder load that had been in the gun for 4 years. Took me a year before I decided to mess with it.