What is a characteristic of a flintlock muzzleloader?

A flintlock muzzleloader is known for its distinctive ignition system, which involves a hammer striking a piece of flint against a metal frizzen. When the trigger is pulled, this action results in a spark that ignites the gunpowder contained in the pan. This characteristic mechanism is essential to the operation of flintlock firearms and distinguishes them from other types of muzzleloaders, such as percussion cap guns that use a primer cap for ignition.

The other characteristics listed in the choices do not apply to flintlock muzzleloaders. For instance, using a primer cap to ignite the powder belongs to a different firing mechanism. Additionally, while modern firearms may have built-in safety mechanisms, traditional flintlock designs typically do not include such features. Lastly, flintlock muzzleloaders are single-shot firearms, meaning they must be reloaded after each shot, contrasting with multi-round systems. This highlights the essential nature of the flint-and-steel ignition process in defining a flintlock muzzleloader.