ORIGINAL: dstubb
I just got back from BassPro and i think that i am going to go with the CVA Wolf. I don't see myself using it more than 2-3 times per season. I held that Omega and the TC Pro Hunter and they were obviously a much better rifle. My wife would skin me if i spent that much on something that i'll use so little. I appreciate everyones advice, it helped a lot. As for the shotgun, i just don't see myself ever going bird hunting. Not that there is anything wrong with it but i don't know anyone who does and i'm not sure i would get a rush out of shooting small game like that.
Thereis nothing wrong with the CVA Wolf. I have one and don't have any problems with rust. Any muzzleloader will rust if not properly taken care of....even those $300-600+ models. I highly doubt BPI/CVA uses different metal in the Wolf compared to their other models. I clean mine as soon as I'm done shooting at the range, remove the breech plug while its still warm and then give everything a good cleaning when I get home. I shoot no more than 100gr pellets or loose, Remington Kleen Bore primers, and a Nikon Pro Staff 2x7x32 scope.Bullets I've used include XTP's 250 and 300gr, Barnes Expander MZ in 250 and 300 grain, all with the black Crushed Rib sabots. I've also shot Powerbelts in 245gr and Sabortooths in 250gr. All shoot really good. I settled on the Barnes as my go to deer hunting load because of their reputation. I took two deer last year and one went maybe 15-20 yards and a big doe dropped right in it's tracks so I'll stick with what works. Visit the blackpowder forum on this siteand you'll get a lot of good information not to mention the guys are really helpfull. I just bought my second muzzleloader this spring, a Knight KRB7 but haven't had much time to shoot it yet and get dialed in. Good Luck.