I have helped 3 of my friends get started in muzzleloading and the first thing we did was to go to Bass pro or a similar store and check out whats available, one of the first things noticably different is the price, CVA makes a very good gun that is on the cheaper side ~ 160-190$ then you have the guns such as the Remington 700, Ruger 77-50 etc that run in the $400 and up price range, all are good guns to kill deer with, its just what feels right in your hands and wallet. Also go to your local gunshops that you TRUST and ask their opinions, (everybodies got different ones!!) All 3 of my friends settled on the CVA's (Firebolt mags I think) and all shoot considerably well for deer hunting (about 3 inch groups at 100 yards which is plenty to kill a deer). Just remember muzzleloaders need a little more care than smokeless powder rifles as far as diligently cleaning them and such.