If the Savage smokless ML-10II is legal in your area, that is without a doubt a great muzzleloader. Be sure and check your laws where you live and where you might intend to hunt in the future. The accuracy they get with different sabots out of that rifle and the velocity the smokeless powders can produce are impressive to say the least. Plus clean up is much easier. I don't own one, but have read a lot of reports on this forum from posters I sincerely trust their opinions.. the rifles are great.

If this is going to be your #1 go to rifle, get the best. Get the stainless barrel and the kind of stock YOU want. If the black composte does not appeal to you, spend the extra and get the laminate or wood. Down the road for years to come you will still have a rifle you love to shoot, works perfect, and is all the muzzleloader you need.