ORIGINAL: spaniel
I see it roughly equivalent to other high-end MLs with a different set of strengths and weaknesses.
Agreed 100%. I think it is honestly harder to shoot thana regular inline MLer. I think the TC Triumph at $300 is a better value, since the low end Savage is $500 now.
ORIGINAL: spaniel
As you mention, most guys here are interested within 150 yds. In that realm, the sole advantage of the Savage is cleaning (you mention recoil but if you are throwing ML bullets at 2400fps you are NOT reducing recoil!). My Omega takes 5-10min to clean, 777 has been a big advance over Pyrodex in that realm. Even my centerfires get a good wipe-down and oil after a day in the field, there is not a big difference.
Agreed, with Blackhorn, there will be little difference in a Savage and any of the other inlines within 150 yards, which is plenty for most hunting situations, especially here in the east. I shot BH this year in my Omega, give it a try, I think you might like it. Chap