RE: looking at new ml tradition or cva
I am not a fan of any Spanish barrel ML. If you make a mistake loading them, they come unglued easier than the T/Cs, Knights, Savages, NEFs...etc.
Look at the American-made/American steel NEF Sidekicks at Bass Pro or Cabelas. You can get wood/blued for around $159 -- the all-dressed up version for around $100 more. Another favorite around here is the T/C Omega for around $289 at select spots on the world-wide web & possibly stores near you.