My whole point is easier is not always better nor did i claim Knights in general are easier to clean. NW vs NW they are all a pain vs a closed breach system with good head spacing.

Personally i dont like cleaning the crud after a range session so my preference for range time is smokeless. I clean when i feel like it. When hunting they get cleaned anyway depending on weather conditions and success.

It really doesn't get much easier/cleaner than a Savage MLII, 5744 and a 3.1-3.4CC Lee dipper but i have a hard time recommending them to a novice. Mainly due to barrel and stock quality. If you like to tinker and customize, its a great platform.

I dont recommend a Mountaineer or higher end CVA either to a first timer. Simply because of the initial cost of investment. I may if he was well skilled in maintaining a CF in adverse weather and had the cash to blow. Personally im a little fond of the CVA Apex with the Euro wood stocks. IMO its a little better value than a T/C Pro Hunter but im well past switch barrel platforms....Been there done that and its not for me.

My personal favorite is my ULA but there is no way i would recommend a $1800 rifle to someone that has never owned a ML before. Its a bit too specialized for a novice and costly.

Hence my recommendation of the Optima in SS. Its fairly light, BH209 capable (with the right breach plug) and fairly priced for what you get. You also wont be out big $$$$ if your cleaning skills are not upto par. Ive seen no major accuracy issue with them inside of normal hunting ranges.