IN-LINE MUZZELODER

PAHUNTER105 · 01-01-2007, 05:07 PM

HEY GUYS,

I AM LOKING TO BUY AN IN-LINE MUZZELODER, BUT MONEY IS A MAJOR ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO BUY A THOMPSON OMEGA 50 CAL BUT THE IN-LINE SEASON HERE IN PA IS ONLY A WEEK LONG....I THINK 400.00 OR MORE DOLLARS IS ALOT FOR A GUN WHICH I CAN ONLY USE A WEEK A YEAR....HOW DO U GUYS FEEL ABOUT THE THOMPSON BLACK DIAMOND. THEY LOOK REASONABLY PRICED......ANY INPUT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED....

KC

retrieverman · 01-01-2007, 05:24 PM

Can you not hunt with a muzzleloader during any other season? I have never owned an Omega but have looked at them pretty hard myself. I have 2 Knights, and Encore, and a BP Xpress. There is no official muzzleloader season here in Texas, and I own 4 muzzleloader for a 9 day season in Oklahoma. I would go with the Omega.

NoKnees · 01-01-2007, 05:50 PM

I have a Black Diamond XL in SS, thats the one with the 26" barrel. I haven't really done much work up with it. I mounted a scope in weaver rings (really two scopes as I tried to upgrade to a Nikon Monarch3x9x40 but it wouldn't hold zero so I threw theold Burris 2x7 back on it)

The first load I shot was 2 50g triple pellets and 240g XTP in a TC mag sabot. It shoots into about 1.5 at 100 yds, so I left it at that. I wouldn't be suprised if with some work it might shoot MOA. As it is it certainly could shoot as far I would want to shoot with a muzzleloader.

As for feel, its not to heavy, a little more muzzle heavy than most 22" barrel centerfire rifles but not to bad. Mine has a synthetic stock and it fits me well (I am 5'8). Build quality is good, the machine work and polish seems good. As much as I can tell with a bore light and patch on the jaghas no rough spots and is consistant. The trigger is smooth at about 5 pounds. It looks to be adjustable to some extent but I haven't played with it. You might see if you can download the manual and she what can be done to the trigger if 5 pounds seems to much.

Shooting triple 7 pellets I find it nessesary to patch between shots at the range to clear the "crud ring" that forms near the breech.

Because the breech isn't closed I bought a 6 dollar breech cover and using the breech cover have used the rifle in the pouring rain with no ignition problems.

The rifle comes with a aluminum ramrod, its a little noisy when in the rifle. I stick a cleaning patch in the front thimble when hunting and then its nice and quiet.

All in all I like the rifle. Its functioned perfectly, killed a few deer. I bought it before the omega was out. if i was going to do it again I would probably get the Omega because its design gets you more barrel at a shorter length and a closed breech. Now that I have a BD its hard to justify $400 more for a small upgrade.

Hope this helps

NoKnees

lowtempguru · 01-01-2007, 08:14 PM

You can get an OMEGA z5 with starter kit on clearance at WalMart for 245.00

Triple Se7en · 01-01-2007, 08:19 PM

You can use the muzzleloader in firearms season too. Buy the Omega. The bolt-actions require alot more work - plus more moving parts to clean. They also exhibit alot more blowback from ignition.

Budsgunshop.com has the laminated wood and stainless barrel for $321.

outdoorslover · 01-01-2007, 08:58 PM

I own a TC Woods Rifle which is a cheapened BD.

It is a great gun. I can shoot reasonably well with it. Mine shoots best with 240 or 300 grain bullets and 100-120 grains powder. I have no complaints with it. You will eventually wish you had a closed breech one though. I upgraded to a Winchester Apex and love it. You missed out on those though. The Kodiak is basically the same and much cheaper than the Omega. I would recommend looking into those. That is the way to go. I can shoot even better with the Apex than the Wds Rfle and am slightly happier with it.

I have shot a Black Diamond and love it. If you don't mind the open breech it's the cheaper way to go.

Pawildman · 01-01-2007, 10:05 PM

I bought a CVA Wolf in-line last year. 50 cal. It came in a package deal with a 3x9 Bushnell (I believe) scope for $129.00. It shoots reasonably well for me. As you said, we can only use in-lines for that week in Oct., and then use the flintlocks for the after-Christmas season. It should also be noted that muzzleloaders of .44 cal. or larger are permitted to be used in regular rifle season also, in-line, percussion, or flint, here in PA.