I assume that by performance you mean accuracy. I have to agree with the quality part of that statement, to some degree, but I can in no way agree with the accuracy part. I own 2 Thompson Center side locks and 2 Traditions side locks. One Traditions is still in the load development stage but the other shoots as well or better than my Thompson Centers, with a barrel that is 4 inches shorter and at one third the cost. Both, by the way, have the same twist rate. Plus I actually like and prefer the single adjustable triggers on the Traditions more than the double set triggers on a Thompson Center. To me it's just a better trigger.
Don't mind me fella's. I'm just a cheap skate and would like people like me to be aware that there are affordable and accurate options to the high dollar line of muzzle loaders.