I'm new to muzzleloading so take my opinion with a grain of salt if you want. There are more experienced shooters here that will respond. I bought a CVA Wolf a while back. It preforms great, I'm getting good groups, it's easy to clean and mantain, and I plan on killing my first muzzleloading deer with it this fall. I didn't shop around, a buddy had this one new in the box and offered it to me for $100. As far as it not lasting because of the break open design I bet it will out last me. Once I get it set up with the bullet and powder I'm satisfied with to huntit will not be shot much. But thats just me, my Remington 1187 set up for deer sets in the gun safe all year long until Oct. when I drag it out and start shooting in preparation.I think the best thing you can do is find a retailer and go and shoulder different guns and see how they feel to you. Just because a gun costs more doesn't mean anything, it has to feel right. Good Luck, let us know what you get.