Almost any modern muzzleloader is OK for a starter gun, then if you likeand "get into" the sport you can buy a better gun. My son was 16 when we bought our first MLers, we bought Knight Disc for about $300. You can get a good gun for $200.

For how to select a good ML please read the
"Selecting and Buying a Muzzleloader" from here:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/select_muzzleloader.htm

For bullet selection:
http://www.hpmuzzleloading.com/EditorsView.html



Another thought is to buy a good used gun, there are several here that sound like good values:
http://www.williamsgunsight.com/gunsights/813usedblkpowderguns.htm

especially >>any<< TC firearm. They fix any problems no questions asked is the word on the "forum". I have an Omega and a TC FL and I like them both.

For powder, start with pellets since your new, but then go to loose since it is cheaper, better iginition and you can load 80g no problem.

Oh, for a good ML booking buy and read this:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0873419510/qid=1114882877/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/002-8867395-7390420?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Best to also have a friend show you the ropes of MLing, someone who is "into it".

I wish you the very best in learning and loving this sport as so many of us do, please also bring your buddies into it. It is fun and great learning experience, a lot like bow hunter only further yardage.

Chap Gleason Va