The Savage 10ML-II is a great muzzleloader, and once you shoot smokeless, I very seriously doubt you'll want to go back. BH 209 has almost all the properties of smokeless, but it is VERY expensive. A pound of Accurate 5744 costs $22 where I am, and at 45 grains max per shot, and gives 155 shots. BH 209 comes in 10 oz cans, and at 100 grains volume which is somewhere in the ballpark of 60 some grains weight, you'll get far fewer shots per can, and the cans cost between $30-35 around here. What's really great is that it takes away all the hassle and tedious labor previously required to maintain a ML. I love not having to clean my rifle the minute I walk through the door. I love being able to shoot 50 shots in an afternoon and never touch a patch or attach my spinjag to the ramrod. I love being able to verify my zero the weekend before ML season and leave the bore in the same condition through the season.
One thing I question, though, is the price they want for the gun and scope. You can buy a brand new, Savage 10MLBTSS-II, just like the one you're looking at, at Natchez Shooters Supply for $699.99 (which is where I bought mine from, though mine is a 10MLBSS-II, similar but without the thumbhole stock). The Leupold Ultimate Slam ML scope can be bought new from Cabela's (first place I looked) for $269.99. Together, brand new, this comes to $969.98 without shipping. Figuring about $20 to ship the rifle to your door, and another $10 for the scope, you're up to roughly $1000. So with this "deal", you'd be looking at paying approximately $350 for the rings and bases. So unless the rifle comes with something you didn't mention, like a couple pounds of powder and a couple hundred Barnes Expander-MZ bullets to get you started, I'd say you'd be wise to pass.
Mike
|
Al
