If you want the cheapest really decent rifle I recommend the NEF Huntsman. American Made and compares with the Spanish imports from Traditions and CVA for price but IMO much better quality and backed by a large American company. There are a lot of aftermarket upgrades available for the rifle also including a smokeless powder barrel if you want to go into that later. I have one as well as several other Thompson Center rifles including an Omega and a couple of sidelock Hawkens. I have a lyman flintlock as well. If you could find an end of season sale at Walmart the Omega rifles were also very cheap but I think they are all sold by now. The NEF is the most rifle for the money at non-sale prices.