dstubb, I would suggest you save up another $50 and get the nickel finished wolf. I have seen two CVAs with blued barrels rust up, including mine. The nickel is more weather resistant. You should also head over to the muzzleloading forums, introduce yourself, let them know you are a newbie and what weapon you have. There are a lot of really nice guys over there that will give you so much information your head will explode. I'm pretty sure you will get hooked on muzzleloading.