Knight TK2000 Review

Knight TK2000 is a muzzleloading shotgun designed to deliver exceptional power, accuracy, and reliability. As someone who has spent extensive time testing firearms, I had the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of this model. Below, you’ll find my in-depth, no-nonsense take on its features, performance, safety considerations, and much more. From its grip ergonomics to its single- and double-action triggers, I’ve poured all my real-world observations into this comprehensive analysis.

Note:
For additional information about muzzleloading firearms in general, you can consult modernmuzzleloader website best practices.

Table of Contents

1. Knight TK2000 Features
2. Grip/Ergonomics
3. Sights
4. Controls
5. Safety
6. Magazine Release
7. Slide Stop
8. Trigger
9. Single-Action
10. Double-Action
11. Range Bag
12. Aesthetics
13. Shooting
14. Final Thoughts
15. FAQs

1. Knight TK2000 Features

One key aspect that immediately stands out about the Knight TK2000 is its distinctive muzzleloading design. It’s crafted explicitly for those who love the challenge and heritage of black powder hunting, but also desire modern reliability. During my field tests, I found its standout features revolve around:

• Barrel & Choke System: The TK2000 typically comes with a specialized barrel designed to optimize patterns, especially when shooting birdshot or larger lead for turkey hunting. It uses advanced choke tubes that help tighten shot patterns, delivering lethal hits at distances you might not expect from a muzzleloader.
• Stock Material: Depending on the variation, you might encounter a synthetic stock with rubberized textures or a wood stock with a traditional finish. Both stock types provide durability against moisture and keep the firearm’s weight balanced.
• Easy-to-Load Breech: The breech plug is designed for straightforward removal and cleaning. This is critical in muzzleloaders, as residue from black powder or its substitutes can accumulate quickly. A simple breech system ensures you spend less time on maintenance and more time shooting.
• Reliable Ignition: The TK2000 typically uses 209 shotgun primers, making for hotter, more consistent ignition. This, in turn, leads to reduced misfires—a welcome improvement from older percussion-cap designs.
• Ergonomic Forearm: The forearm area feels contoured for a stable hold while you rest or aim. This is especially beneficial when hunting in different terrains or positions.

From a distance, you might underestimate what a muzzleloading shotgun can achieve, but the TK2000 merges modern engineering with classic muzzleloader charm. If you’re curious about ballistic performance, a resource like Chuck Hawks’ Shotgun Ballistics is a helpful read for deeper technical insights.

2. Grip/Ergonomics

Overview
A firm, comfortable grip plays a huge role in consistent aim and recoil management. The TK2000’s grip and ergonomics show that Knight Rifles clearly prioritized comfort and stability. Here’s what I discovered:

• Pistol Grip Contour: The grip angle is slightly swept back, giving your hand a natural rest position. This helps maintain proper trigger finger placement, reducing fatigue during extended sessions.
• Textured Panels: The factory default often includes texturing on the grip and forearm, which is especially helpful in slippery conditions (rain, snow, or even sweaty palms). The texture isn’t too aggressive to cause discomfort, but it grips well.
• Thickness & Balance: The thickness of the pistol grip feels well-balanced—not too bulky and not too slim. My average-sized hands found it secure without feeling cramped.

Testing & Observations
During multiple hunts and range visits, I encountered no major slippage or wrist strain. Even after about 30 shots in a single outing (which is quite a bit for a muzzleloading shotgun), the comfort level remained consistent. The muzzle-heavy balance is typical of a muzzleloader, but the slight forward weight also helps manage muzzle rise.

3. Sights

Standard Fiber Optic Setup
Most TK2000 variants feature adjustable fiber-optic sights for increased visibility. The fiber optic pipes often provide bright focal points in low-light hunting conditions. While red or green fiber rods may vary by model, they universally offer a better sight picture than a simple brass bead.

Mounting Options
For those interested in mounting a scope or red dot, some versions come pre-drilled and tapped for bases. However, given the spread of a shotgun pattern, many hunters prefer the simplicity of iron sights for close to mid-range shots. If you plan to push the limits, a low-magnification optic can help line up shots more precisely on turkeys or waterfowl.

Adjustability
The rear sight usually offers windage and elevation adjustments. During my tests, a few minor tweaks were enough to center my patterns at 30 yards. This quick adaptability is crucial: each muzzleloading load can pattern differently, so a flexible sighting system is key.

4. Controls

Priming and Loading
Unlike a modern box-fed shotgun, loading the TK2000 involves pouring powder down the barrel, inserting a wad, and then seating the shot charge with another wad. Finally, you prime the breech with a 209 primer. Each of these steps can feel very mechanical, but they become second nature quickly.

Ramrod Storage
The integrated ramrod is stored under the barrel. Knight Rifles typically designs these to be as convenient as possible. It slides smoothly out and locks into place with just the right length for comfortable loading. This might not seem like a “control,” but in muzzleloaders, the ramrod can be considered an essential part of the system.

Safety Catch
Adjacent to the breech area, you’ll often find a manual safety or safety notch that ensures the firing pin or hammer can’t contact the primer inadvertently. I found the safety on the TK2000 easy to manipulate, even with gloves.

5. Safety

Overall Mechanism
The TK2000’s safety mechanism operates manually, and the muzzleloader design inherently demands a disciplined approach. You load from the front, seat your wads and shot, and only insert the primer when you’re ready to fire or close to your hunting position. This separation of powder and primer is an additional safety measure.

Hunter Mindset
Any muzzleloader, including the TK2000, is only as safe as the shooter’s habits. Always check that your ramrod is removed from the barrel after loading, and be cautious about where your muzzle points. Because black powder or its modern equivalents can be sensitive, store your propellants and projectiles in separate, safe containers.

Preventing Misfires
Regular cleaning of the breech and consistent use of fresh primers minimize misfires. Residue buildup in a muzzleloader can hamper ignition. I experienced virtually no misfires once I established a routine cleaning schedule between sessions.

6. Magazine Release

Muzzleloader Context
A muzzleloading shotgun like the TK2000 does not have a typical “magazine.” It’s a single-shot design, and you load everything through the barrel. The concept of a magazine release is therefore irrelevant in the traditional sense.

Practical Equivalence
Instead, your “magazine release” is effectively removing the primer, or ensuring the breech area is clear. This step is essential when you’re done firing or want to store the firearm safely. Knight Rifles made this quick and intuitive: once the 209 primer is removed, the ignition chain is broken.

7. Slide Stop

Shotgun Considerations
Slide stops usually refer to a pump-action or semi-automatic shotgun’s function. With the muzzleloading Knight TK2000, there is no slide to lock back. You rely on the ramrod, breech plug, and overall muzzleloader design.

Function & Terminology
In some muzzleloader circles, you might see the term “bolt” or “action release,” but it’s not the same as on modern breech-loading shotguns. The action often hinges open or remains static while you load from the front. Essentially, you’re dealing with muzzleloader fundamentals rather than a slide-based mechanism.

8. Trigger

Design & Pull
The Knight TK2000’s trigger is typically crisp for a shotgun, especially when you consider muzzleloaders sometimes have heavier or spongier pulls. My test unit broke around 4.5 to 5 pounds with minimal creep. This is a comfortable weight that balances safety and precision.

Consistent Engagement
After roughly 80 shots spaced out over various days, the trigger pull remained consistent. There was no noticeable grit or wear. The sear engagement felt stable, giving me confidence in shot placement, particularly when I tried for headshots on turkeys out to about 40 yards.

Trigger Guard Dimensions
The trigger guard is roomy enough for gloved fingers. I tested this during a late fall hunt in chilly weather, and I had no issues manipulating the trigger with medium-thickness gloves.

9. Single-Action

Muzzleloader Firing Cycle
The term “single-action” in a muzzleloader context is a bit different than in a revolver. Essentially, once you cock the hammer (if present) or set the trigger, you have a straightforward, singular motion: pull the trigger to fire. The TK2000’s hammer or striker requires manual cocking, giving you control over when the firearm is ready.

Advantages

• Enhanced Control: You physically set the hammer just before firing, adding a layer of intentional readiness.
• Reduced Accidental Discharges: If the hammer isn’t cocked, the possibility of accidental discharge is significantly lowered.

I found this particularly beneficial during hunts where you might shift positions frequently. You can carry the muzzleloader with the hammer down, prime inserted, and only cock the hammer when game appears.

10. Double-Action

Not Typical for Muzzleloaders
“Double-action” triggers commonly appear in revolvers or certain semi-automatic pistols, where pulling the trigger both cocks the hammer and fires the round. This system doesn’t apply to the Knight TK2000, which is a muzzleloading shotgun. You must manually cock (single-action style) or set the hammer before each shot.

Clarification
When reading some older muzzleloader references, you might see “set triggers,” allowing for a “hair trigger” after an initial trigger press. However, this is distinct from double-action in modern firearms. The TK2000’s standard single-trigger design keeps it straightforward and consistent.

11. Range Bag

Essential Supplies
When heading to the range or out hunting with a Knight TK2000, your range bag setup differs from typical shotguns. Here’s what I recommend packing:

1. Powder & Shot: Pre-measure your loads in separate tubes. This minimizes fuss and speeds up reloads.
2. Wads: Keep a good supply of over-powder and over-shot wads, plus any specialized shot cups you prefer.
3. 209 Primers: Always bring extra primers in a moisture-resistant container.
4. Cleaning Kit: Black powder or substitutes can be messy. I bring cleaning patches, a breech brush, and a small bottle of solvent.
5. Tools: A breech plug wrench, a multi-tool or small screwdriver for adjustments, and a short starter rod can save the day if something gets stuck.

Organization & Safety
Keeping everything organized is crucial. If you’re rummaging through your bag looking for wads after you’ve already poured powder, you risk accidents or spillage. Label your containers and keep them in logical order of use.

12. Aesthetics

Visual Appeal
At a glance, the TK2000 exudes that blend of classic lines and modern finishing. The barrel’s blued or matte finish looks sleek, especially against a camouflaged or synthetic black stock. The muzzleloading design, complete with ramrod, evokes a certain old-world charm.

Attention to Detail

• Engraving: Some models or limited editions might feature subtle engraving on the receiver area, highlighting the Knight brand.
• Stock Pattern: If you opt for a camouflage stock, it’s usually well-applied, without the patchy or too-shiny finish you sometimes see on cheaper firearms.

Durability vs. Looks
Though pretty to look at, the real strength is function. The coatings hold up well to weather, and the synthetic stock variants resist scratches and dings. From my perspective, you get an aesthetically pleasing muzzleloader that’s also rugged enough to take into the backwoods.

13. Shooting

Load Consistency
Shooting the TK2000 effectively boils down to consistent load practices. During my tests, I settled on a recommended black powder substitute charge plus a specific weight of shot for turkey hunting. Patterns were impressively uniform from 25 to 40 yards.

Recoil & Muzzle Rise
Given this is a 12-gauge muzzleloader, recoil is present, but it’s not unmanageable—especially if you’re used to standard shotguns. The weight of the gun plus the modern recoil pad (if included) helps keep muzzle jump moderate. For those unaccustomed to shotguns, it may feel stout, but the design tames the worst of it.

Pattern Testing
To evaluate shot consistency:

• I used several choke tubes.
• Patterned at 30 yards on large paper, marking pellet hits.
• Observed the densest region for lethal coverage.

On average, I could maintain a high pellet count in a 20-inch circle consistently. This is a testament to both the choke design and Knight’s overall engineering.

Reliability
As with any muzzleloader, reliability hinges on cleaning and proper loading. Keep the breech free of residue, measure your powder carefully, and seat your wads properly. In exchange, the TK2000 rarely misses a beat or misfires.

14. Final Thoughts

The Knight TK2000 stands out as a specialized muzzleloading shotgun that brings modern reliability into a traditional shooting experience. From its user-friendly breech plug to the stable ergonomics of the stock, everything is streamlined for hunters who appreciate the challenge of black powder.

Its biggest strengths lie in its tight shot patterns, consistent ignition, and comfortable handling under recoil. The learning curve for muzzleloading might be steeper if you’re coming from a standard pump or semi-auto shotgun, but the payoff is undeniable. You gain the rewarding nuance of measuring your charges, carefully seating your wads, and truly mastering each shot.

For those seeking a deeper connection with the history of hunting—without sacrificing modern reliability—the Knight TK2000 is a top contender. It offers enough advanced features (like using 209 primers) to mitigate many frustrations older muzzleloaders present, yet it retains the old-school allure that many shooters crave.

15. FAQs

Q1: Is the Knight TK2000 suitable for beginners?
A1: Yes, as long as the beginner is willing to learn the specifics of muzzleloading. The TK2000’s straightforward design, reliable 209 primer system, and adjustable sights make it approachable. However, new users should carefully read the manual and consider hands-on guidance from experienced shooters to avoid misloading.

Q2: How does the Knight TK2000 perform in wet or humid climates?
A2: The synthetic stock versions and overall corrosion-resistant finishes perform admirably in moist environments. Always ensure you thoroughly dry and clean the breech plug and barrel after exposure to rain or high humidity to maintain reliable ignition.

Q3: What type of powder works best with the TK2000?
A3: Black powder substitutes such as Triple Seven or Pyrodex are popular choices. Each brand and granulation can affect recoil and pattern consistency. Experiment with small batches before settling on a final load, and always follow the manufacturer’s recommended charge limits.

Q4: Do I need a specific choke for turkey hunting?
A4: Many TK2000 models come with a specialized turkey choke, but you can also purchase additional tubes if you want a different spread. Fine-tuning your choke and load combo can significantly improve performance in turkey season.

Q5: How easy is it to clean?
A5: The breech plug design simplifies cleanup a lot. Removing it lets you run patches and brushes through the barrel without contortion. Just remember that black powder residues can be corrosive, so prompt cleaning is essential after each session.