Which ML to buy
 

Hello All,

This is a tough question to post, because I'm sure I'll get several different answers....and each will be considered, so please answer away!

My sister-in-law wants to buy her husband a ML for an early Christmas present and cost in no concern. He's the type of person who always wants the best and usually gets it. Also, he believes one tool built specifically for one job, so I don't thing an Encore would be a good choice. I have a Thumbhole Omega and love it and would highly recommend it, but what's better out there? It would be used from whitetail to elk.

If you could follow up with "why", I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

RE: Which ML to buy
 

That's a hard question. Any of the name brand manufacturer's top of the line rifles would be a good choice. Knight- Revolution, Master Hunter Disc Elite. Thompson Center with the Omega. Savage with the ML10. Another question is where would most of this hunting be taking place. If he is going to elk hunt in Colorado I think they restrict the kind of projectiles, igntions, etc.. then a White Super 91 might be a good choice. Whites are one of the best conical shooting muzzleloaders on the market and well built. The trouble with White is you never know how the company is doing.

I agree that the Encore might not be the best choice if he wanted just a muzzleloader, but it is hard to beat their accuracy also. I personally think the Omega is a better choice.

If I were forced to pick it would be a Stainless Steel, Omega with a thumbhole stock. I base this on the Thompson Center reputation, customer service, and Omega's known track record.

If he really wanted adventure on the other hand, then tell her to get him a Thompson Center Hawkins Flintlock in .58 caliber. He could still hunt anything he wanted, but would have the added sport of the flintlock...

RE: Which ML to buy
 

I have had alot of experience with muzzleloaders. I have tested many. My favrite muzzleloader is the CVA Hunterbolt. I love this gun simply because it is the most versatle muzzleloader around. I have used the guns you have been talking about but they don't match up to the Hunterbolt. And also the Hunterbolt is 2 times cheaper and in many peoples eyes a better gun. So take a look at the Hunterbolt 50 caliber you might love it.

RE: Which ML to buy
 

Also when looking at muzzleloader projectiles look at the powerbelt bullets i find they work the best.

RE: Which ML to buy
 

My choices in order of preferance:

Option 1
[ol][*]T/C Omega SS Laminated Thumbhole Stock (about $580) www.tcarms.com[*]Leupold VXIII 3.5x10.40 Scope ($450) www.leupold.com[*]Leupold QR Base and Medium Rings ($65)[*]Scope mount and bore sight ($25)[*]Quality Range Rod and Accessories ($75-100)[*]Quality Sling and Case ($50-100)[*]Primers, Powder and Projectiles ($50-100) Hodgdon 777, Remington Kleenbore Primers, T/C 250gr Shockwave[/ol]
Option 2
[ol][*]Knight Master Hunter DISC Extreme SS Thumbhole Stock (about $800) www.knightrifles.com[*]Leupold VXIII 3.5x10.40 Scope ($450)[*]Leupold QR Base and Rings ($65)[*]Scope mount and bore sight ($25)[*]Quality Range Rod and Accessories ($75-100)[*]Quality Sling and Case ($50-100)[*]Primers, Powder and Projectiles ($50-100) Hodgdon 777, Remington Kleenbore Primers, T/C 250gr Shockwave[/ol]
Option 3
[ol][*]Savage 10ML SS II (about $650) www.savagearms.com[*]Leupold VXIII 3.5x10.40 Scope ($450)[*]Leupold QR Base and Rings ($65)[*]Scope mount and bore sight ($25)[*]Quality Range Rod and Accessories ($75-100)[*]Quality Sling and Case ($50-100)[*]Primers, Powder and Projectiles ($50-100) Hodgdon 777, Remington Kleenbore Primers, T/C 250gr Shockwave[/ol]
Option 4 (If costis really no concern)
[ol][*]Ultimate Firearms www.ultimatefirearms.com[*]Remington 40X BP Xpress Ultra – (starting at $2700)[*]Swarovski PV-N 2,5-10x42 (about $1,600) www.swarovskioptik.at[*]Leupold QR Base and Rings ($65)[*]Scope mount and bore sight ($25)[*]Quality Range Rod and Accessories ($75-100)[*]Quality Sling and Case ($50-100)[*]Primers, Powder and Projectiles ($50-140) Hodgdon 777, Custom Primer Assembly, T/C 300gr Shockwave[/ol]
Good Luck and let us know what Santa ended up putting under the tree.

Regards,

Tahquamenon

RE: Which ML to buy
 

Thanks for all the suggestions. Wow, I can't imagine shooting 250gr of pyrodex from that Remington. I think that would blow my brother in law's shoulder right off. I'll see him Friday and let him shoot my Omega. I think that would give me a good barometer of what he would like. Thanks again...

RE: Which ML to buy
 

nm

RE: Which ML to buy
 

If cost is no consern, why would you buy an inline, when you could spend up to $3000 or more on a custom longrifle! They are just so darn pretty! This is a link to a list of makers, be sure and contact [Birddog6]:
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/13134/

and TOTW also has some for sale:

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/categories/partList.aspx?catID=12&subID=83&styleID=29 0

Heck some are even $5000 or more!

RE: Which ML to buy
 

I hope you mean a 250 grain projectile with a pyrodex charge. Check the powder level rating of your rifle. Most are allowed 100 grains maximum of loose powder and 150 grains in pellet form. Never shoot more then that or what your rifle manufacturer recommends as safe.

If you shot 250 grains of Pyrodex, there is a good chance more then your brother in laws shoulder would get blown off....

RE: Which ML to buy
 

I would highly recommend the Omega I have the laminated thumbholestock sst barrel. I love this gun, very fun to shoot and easy to clean. I had problems finding a good bullet powder combo, but once I found one it shoots awesome. its my favorite gun

RE: Which ML to buy
 

Rather than looking at the species to be hunted, I would look at the PLACES to be hunted. As was stated earlier, some states only allow certain weapons. I know NV doesn't allow scopes during ML season, peep or open sights only. Idaho has some "traditional muzzleloaders only" seasons that don't allow scopes or saboted bullets, only patched round balls or full bore conicals. I think Colorado has some restrictions also on scopes and ignitions, not sure, but definately check.

If none of the above apply, then follow any of the suggestions so far. I shoot a sidelock, so have no experience with inlines. My next sidelock is going to be one of the ones that Cabelas markets in .50 caliber.

Good luck!

RE: Which ML to buy
 

Cayugad....Tahquamenon suggested the Remington BP Xpress Ultra on ultimatefirearms.com. On that site it reads "It's the only muzzleloading rifle on the market that can be fired and burn 250 grains of Pyrodex pellet (five 50 grain pellets)"

I don't think I would have the nerve to shoot that much powder (nor the need to), but if someone else wanted to...I'd watch. At least it comes with a Sims Limbsaver recoil pad!

RE: Which ML to buy
 

Well if it's not to late and she want's a decent ML for a great price, check out the Knight Elite 50's at http://www.sportsmansguide.comshe'll need to use the search function with the catalog number of LX5P-92337 then it will bring up the Elite's, $249 for a synthetic/stainless ML. It's still selling at other sites in the mid $400's. Just recieved mine this afternoon.

And if a scope is needed, the Knight mentioned doesn't have iron sights, I picked up a matching Simmons Aetec scope over at http://www.natchezss.com for $99, they have the 44 Mags for $59.

But if money is no object, Nevermind. Just looking forward to shooting the new Knight!

RE: Which ML to buy
 

It's really an easy decision.

If he wants to shoot ML/blackpowder-only..... Omega

If he wants to shoot smokeless & blackpowder..... Savage ML-10

If he wants to shoot centerfire & muzzleloader ..... Encore

RE: Which ML to buy
 

Thanks everyone for their input. Today, my sister-in-law put in the order through BPS. A .50 thumbhole Omega, Leopold VXII 2-7x33 scope, rings/base and ALL the accessories totaling just over $1k. I told her to get the powder, primers and sabots locally. If he enjoys it half as much as I do mine, there won't be any returns. I think I missed my calling as a "personal shopper". It's fun to spend other peoples money. Next week starts the late ML season here and the express shipping guarantees to be here. Good luck all....