I just realized the other day, I do not own a gun I can kill a deer with "legally". lol I have started to do some research on muzzleloaders and was wondering what everyone thought. I'm am trying to stay below $400, and if someone knows of an online site to order I would even do that.

Experience/etc...: I have an AR-15, 30-30, 17hmr, ruger 10/22, handguns, etc... Mostly I try to buy a gun that is good quality, but I won't lose sleep over if I get a scratch on it while hunting. It's going to get used and taken care of, but doesn't need to be gold engraved if you know what I mean. I'm not a big hunter, but I like to hunt when I can. Mostly if I want meat for the table I just step out on the porch and shoot it. lol

What I want it for: Deer hunting in Central/Southern Indiana.

Typical Conditions: 70 - 110 Yard shot. Probably one buck and one doe a year. There is pretty heavy woods on my property and the max. field shot I can get is maybe 175 yard shot.

Price range/quality: Would love to have the thompson that I can change barrels on, but can't justify the money. I just want a good shooting gun that is safe and reliable. Considering a wolf or CVA from walmart. The only must thing is I want a thumbhole stock and will mount a 3-9x40 scope. I will probably assemble the gun, get the scope set in and then it won't fire again until hunting season.

Just wondered what people thought. I will search the forums on here as I get time.

Thanks,
Dave