---
title: "Tony Knight: Father of In-Line Muzzleloading Passes"
description: "From the late-1980s through the mid-90s, it seems that every hunter who I ran into during muzzleloader deer season toted the same gun: a Knight MK-85. The first mass-produced \"in-line, modern muzzleloader,\" the Knight Rifle revolutionized the blackpowder hunting game, not to mention most state regulations. Once the bailiwick of the coon-skin cap wearing crowd, primitive weapons hunts truly became a sport for the masses once in-line guns were produced."
date: "2013-03-20"
modified: "2013-03-20"
authors:
  - name: "Gerry Bethge"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/gerry-bethge/"
url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/newshound/2013/03/tony-knight-father-line-muzzleloading-passes/"
categories:
  - "Guns"
  - "Hunting"
---

# Tony Knight: Father of In-Line Muzzleloading Passes

![](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/H6GIM7XFXOQO7WTFQD4X463RWY.jpg>)

From the late-1980s through the mid-90s, it seems that every hunter who I ran into during muzzleloader deer season toted the same gun: a Knight MK-85. The first mass-produced "in-line, modern muzzleloader," the Knight Rifle revolutionized the blackpowder hunting game, not to mention most state regulations.

Once the bailiwick of the coon-skin cap wearing crowd, primitive weapons hunts truly became a sport for the masses once in-line guns were produced.

No longer concerned with unreliable powder ignition, hunters by the thousands took up a new/old way to hunt deer and other big game. The gun's creator, Tony Knight, had ushered in a new era.

It's with great sadness that we report Tony's passing at the age of 67. Memorials may be given to the Appanoose County Conservation Foundation, Centreville, Iowa 52544.

## Author
The “Elder Statesman,” of the *Outdoor Life* staff, Gerry Bethge began his career at the magazine in 1982. He was fortunate to have worked side-by-side with outdoor-media icons such as: Jim Carmichel, Jim Zumbo, Jerry Gibbs, and Charlie Elliot among others. During his career, he has held numerous titles including: executive editor, fishing editor, web editor, and editor-in-chief of brand licensing.