Answer :
Final answer:
The inline percussion muzzleloader is the most popular and frequently used type of muzzleloading firearm today, favored for its reliability and ease of use.
Explanation:
The most popular and most used type of muzzleloading firearm today is the inline percussion muzzleloader. While historical firearms like the flintlock and percussion cap lock muzzleloaders were prevalent in past centuries, modern sportsmen often prefer inline percussion muzzleloaders for their ease of use and reliability. These firearms are characterized by the percussion cap being placed inline with the barrel, which provides a direct fire path for the ignition, dramatically improving reliability compared to older systems.
Breech-loading rifles, which came after muzzleloaders, offered a significant advancement in firearms technology. They were introduced in the 1860s and first saw widespread use during the Austro-Prussian War. These rifles allowed for quicker reloading and more accurate firing over greater distances, ultimately rendering the traditional muzzleloader obsolete in many military contexts.