CarpetBagger

To me what gun you might buy really depends on the laws in the area that you hunt, the amount that you might use the gun, and the way it feels when you put it up - because they are all not equal.

Some states have ML laws that require you meet certain specifications you will need to know those so you limit your selection to one that is legal.

If this gun were to be a life long gun or a gun that you intend to use more than a week in year then i would suggest you get what i call a lifelong quality gun.

Not all guns appeal to me and I am sure that not all will appeal to you... find one you like to feel and handle.

The next thing I would suggest is to get a gun that will allow you the widest options of loads and projectiles that are available. I am pretty much limited to a 50 cal because it provided the most versitility.

Manufactures.... there really are some good ones out there even the lower value ML's are really pretty good these days. TC (Thompson Center) and Knight might be to two most popular guns for people that believe they really need a high quality and a well warrantied gun. Then there are a bunch of imports that will really work well for most people. CVA would be my last choice only because of it's limitations, not because of quality, Traditions offers some really nice guns with-out the limitations of a CVA. Remington is importing one through Traditions that is certainly a functional gun.

Really hope you find what you are looking for... Shooting a ML is a personal gratifying sport and it is addictive...