Hi and welcome to the board.

When I wanted to get into Muzzleloading, I picked up the traditions Deerhunter rifle. I have the black synthetic stock, 50 cal, and I changed the sights since they were cheap to Tru-glow fibre optics. The only problem I have had with that rifle was the sights. I now have an in-line as well, CVA Firebolt.

I picked it up at Gander Mountain in Scranton, for about $225. This included the accessories, which helps when you are just getting started. Some of the other guys on this board have the PA Pellet. I can tell you that shooting pellets out of a flint is not an easy task, plus it's more expensive than loose powder. I use pellets in my in-line which I use in the early ML season and my flint in the late.

If you do get the Deerhunter, you may want to change the sights like I did, they call them light optics and they are crap. I use black powder 4f for the pan powder and Triple 7 for the barrel, 80 grains. I was shooting round balls but recently switched to the powerbelt, 295 grains aero tip, and it loads so easy and shoots very well. The last deer I shot on Jan 1st, 2004 was runniung away from me at an angle and when I shot, the bullet went right though her spine. I than had to dispatch her but she was a nice size doe. I was so surprised I got that doe since she must have picked up my scent and took off.

When you do get it, you should have a friend show you what the extra tools are for and go with that friend to the range. It is a little different shooting it versus a regular rifle and it takes time to get you shooting straight.

Good luck....

T