My first was a T/C Hawkins 50 cal percussion kit my brother got me for Christmas 1976. He belonged to a club that did a bunch of rowdy shoots and wanted me to join in with him and his friends. I never did join the club but shot several events they held thru a year. About 1989 or so I found the iron sights just didn't work with my getting old (43 yrs.) eyes so bought a T/C plains 50 cal rifle which was drilled and tapped for a scope.
I still have both yet today and shoot them often. I also have a pair of Remington 700's one a 50 and the other a 54.
I didn't start hunting deer with a Muzzle loader every year till the late 1980's.
Just got my first deer with my 50 cal Remington this last season.
Al