Temphank, Look around on some of the traditional muzzleloading
sights and you can hunt for and find a builder who will build your son a True Hawken style rifle for not much more than Cabelas rifle. If he doesnt want to go that route the Lyman Great Plains is a very good rifle for less money. The Lyman in "54" caliber is hard hitting and a whole lot better balanced than the "50". Tennessee Valley Muzzleloading will build you a great rifle for a fair price and are very well thought of by everyone. Good Luck, and start him right.---slicjack