A couple more questions...

[bow_hunter44]

I was reading recently about needing to protect any optics on a MK-85. I've never had a scope on mine, so; 1) what would protection from the open breech consist of?

2) What base/rings/mounting system is the ticket for the MK-85?

3) Are muzzleloader scopes substantially different than a rifle scope? I know that a 'desirable' scope is highly subject to personal preference, but; 4) what is a desirable scope for a 54 caliber MK-85?

Gracias!

Mercy, I thought archery was a tackle intensive and expensive game - which it is. But it would seem that is (archery) is not unique!

 

[Idaholewis]

Yes DEFINITELY Protect the Scope, Blowback will PERMANENTLY DAMAGE the Scopes finish, Black electrical Tape wrapped around the Tube is Enough.

I used Weaver Grand Slam (STEEL) Bases on my Old MK-85, And Leupold Mark 4 Rings For there RUGGED, Repeatability On & Off for Each Cleaning Session, I use Swiss Real Blackpowder, Everything gets DIRTY and Needs Cleaned

 

[Idaholewis]

Here is a Thread that might be of interest to you

https://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/threads/wanting-to-get-a-new-muzzleloader.32992/

 

[GM54-120]

Are muzzleloader scopes substantially different than a rifle scope? I know that a 'desirable' scope is highly subject to personal preference, but; 4) what is a desirable scope for a 54 caliber MK-85?

Not really different other than some may have a 50yard parallax but that is not common anymore. If i was going to rescope my 54cal it would be with something like a compact 1-6or8x24 that can handle some recoil. I have a Redfield 2-7x33 on it now. I think Leupold still might offer the 2-7x33 which is almost identical in specs.
https://www.leupold.com/vx-freedom-2-7x33-hunt-plex

 

[GM54-120]

I used Weaver Grand Slam (STEEL) Bases on my Old MK-85

The Loopies and Warnes steel are fine too. MK85 takes Tikka flat top bases. Loopie may have quit offering their slotted QR bases
https://warnescopemounts.com/product/tikka-all-flat-tops-matte/

 

[TiggerLueb]

A friend uses a short length of bicycle inner tube to protect his optic.

 

[WV Hunter]

I use black electrical tape on my MK's. Just cut, fit, and fashion to your liking...I cover everything between the rings. You can't even tell I have it on there at a glance, and it cleans up well and usually lasts a couple seasons. I have 3-9x40 scopes on most of my ML's, not a ML specific scope - just regular rifle scopes. Leupold, Sightron, Nikon, Bushnell. I don't use cheapies, I like mid level at least. Personal choice.

 

[Idaholewis]

Here is another Thread i dug up of my Old 54 Cal MK-85, This is when i went to a Hex Head Plug (Bighorn .52 Cal Plug) And the Fix i did to the Bolt to make it Work properly. Some of The .54s take a Different Size Plug, That info is in here
https://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/threads/mk-85-first-outing-with-new-sights.32266/

 

[Idaholewis]

And another you might find interesting

https://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/threads/new-mk-85-owner.32183/