Lever-operated breechblock for muzzle-loading firearm

In a method of discharging a muzzle-loader firearm having a barrel with a breech-end and incorporated therein a removable breech plug having a rearward cavity for positioning a primer and communicating via an ignition bore with an interior chamber in the barrel containing a muzzle-loaded powder charge and a projectile so that a detonation of the primer ignites the powder charge and propels the projectile by expansion of burning gases out the firearm, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a breechblock which is able to rotate from a breech-locking position to an open breech position for inserting said primer in said rearward cavity of said breech plug;
• b) providing a lever means which is able to rotate said breechblock from said breech-locking position to said open breech position;
• c) providing a locking means which operatively connects said breechblock and said lever for securing said breechblock in said breech-locking position;
• d) providing a firing pin assembly for striking said primer and discharging said firearm;
• e) coupling a trigger mechanism to a hammer mechanism for controlling actuation thereof for striking said firing pin assembly;
• f) supporting said firing pin assembly, said trigger mechanism, and said hammer mechanism by said breechblock;
• g) moving said breechblock rearwardly and downwardly by said lever to said open breech position and inserting said primer in said rearward cavity of said breech plug;
• h) moving said breechblock upwardly and forwardly to said breech-locking position and moving said hammer rearwardly to a cocking position;
• and
• i) actuating said firing pin assembly by said trigger mechanism causing said primer to be detonated whereby said powder charge in said interior chamber is ignited propelling said projectile out said firearm.