That's a hard question. Any of the name brand manufacturer's top of the line rifles would be a good choice. Knight- Revolution, Master Hunter Disc Elite. Thompson Center with the Omega. Savage with the ML10. Another question is where would most of this hunting be taking place. If he is going to elk hunt in Colorado I think they restrict the kind of projectiles, igntions, etc.. then a White Super 91 might be a good choice. Whites are one of the best conical shooting muzzleloaders on the market and well built. The trouble with White is you never know how the company is doing.

I agree that the Encore might not be the best choice if he wanted just a muzzleloader, but it is hard to beat their accuracy also. I personally think the Omega is a better choice.

If I were forced to pick it would be a Stainless Steel, Omega with a thumbhole stock. I base this on the Thompson Center reputation, customer service, and Omega's known track record.

If he really wanted adventure on the other hand, then tell her to get him a Thompson Center Hawkins Flintlock in .58 caliber. He could still hunt anything he wanted, but would have the added sport of the flintlock...