Greetings - I am getting ready to purchase an inline and have narrowed it down to these two contenders. Since Oregon has very strict laws on open breech and cap type they are about it.

Are these pretty evenly matched as far as features, ease of cleaning and accuracy? What advantages does one hold over the other?

Also, I've looked at the Mk-85 and System 1 inlines from Knight and T/C also, are they comparible in performance?

Thanks for any help!

I own a Black Diamond XR and also a Knight Wolverine II which is the 22" barrel and the Bighorn is the magnum version of the Wolverine in sorts. Both are great rifles without a doubt. You really could not go wrong picking any of them. I guess if I had to choose, I would suggest you look at the Bighorn made by Knight. It would be an excellent rifle for you.

You might also want to look into a White Super 91 which I believe is an open breech and is known for the ability to shoot large conicals with excellent accuracy. If elk were in your future this might be a real good choice.

I have a system one with two barrels a 50 and a 54. I normal shoot the 50 with 130 gr. app a black knight sabot and 230 gr. XTP. It gives me 2 inch or less groups with a 2.5power scope at 100 yd. and has worked real well for Deer[good blood trails and usually drop with in 35 or40 yds. I use the 54 with 140 gr. and either a 300 gr. widner 50cal bullet or a 300 that I have HP dowm to 270gr. I use a purple sabot and like it for wild boar, bearand elk one of these days I would like to try it on moose. It shoots with the same scope and a little better extreme range accuracy.[200yd]I have use these since TC first came out with system one and like them. Lee[I sold my other 3 inlines]

Thanks for the replies and info - It's a tough decision between the Knight and the T/C because from what I've read and seen they are pretty evenly matched in the quality dept. I've not looked into the Whites because I read here that they were having a hard time financially (bottom of the page) - http://www.chuckhawks.com/white98_Elite.htm - but perhaps this is not the case.

I've read that the T/C is a little easier to clean - any thoughts on this? Also, should I spring for the extra length in the XR or Bighorn versions or will I be limited due to the use of conicals anyway?

How is the trigger on the Black Diamond XR cayugad? The Bighorn is adjustable which appeals to me but if the Black Diamond is pretty good then maybe it's a wash.

White is in financial trouble but depending on who you talk to that changes from day to day. That's the one reason I have not bought a White Super 91 yet. I have sure considered one, and even started dealing on one, but that financial part just bothers me a little.

I personally would go for the extra barrel length on the rifle. I have a 22" Wolverine which is a great shooting rifle, but you really limit yourself on the amount of "usable" powder you can shoot with the shorter barrel. Not that I feel the short barrel would not get the job done, it is just that I guess I like the longer barrel.

The Black Diamond XR is a fowling dirty devil to clean. Also besides the 209 breech plug there is a 209 nipple you have to contend with. Not the case with the Knight Bighorn. They are all one piece. The Black Diamond if you scope it will really fowl the scope bad, so put a scope cover or tape that scope up. Also the Black Diamond XR is a real PITA to clean. I shoota Knight Disc also which is a lot like a Bighorn, and even with the bolt, it is still easier to clean then the Black Diamond.

On the Knight Rifle you can take the Timney trigger assembly off the rifle before cleaning by removing one screw. That is not the case with the Black Diamond XR.. it is pinned. I do think the Black Diamond XR will shoot more projectiles with greater accuracy. The Knight seems a little fussy on what it likes to shoot. Granted when you find what it likes, it will shoot them very well through.

The trigger on the Black Diamond XR is excellent. It also has an adjustable sear on it. Although I never adjusted mine since I have been happy with it from the start.

You're right, deciding which rifle to choose would be hard. The Black Diamond XR will shoot conicals and do it very well by the way. I really like both of the makes of rifles which is why I can not stand to part with them.

I have a Bighorn with the 22" barrel and I really like it. It will shoot some really nice groups. I was looking at buying an Omega for the longer barrel, but instead I am going tobuy a 26" barrel from Knightfor my Bighorn. The gun is fairly easy to clean. I really like the gun. Like cayugad said, if you are going to scope it, I would get a scope cover because of the open breech design. Either rifle will perform really well, but I have a soft spot for the Bighorn. BTW I also own a TC Renagade which Ialso love. As you have already said TC makes quality stuff and both companies have excellent customer service departments.

I would wager my MK-85 (bought in new in 1986) is one ofm if not the most accurate ML I own. If you can find a nice MK-85, I would not hesistate to buy one.

That said, regarding the Black Diamond or the BigHorn I would say either would likely serve well.

A White would also be an excellent choice.

Yep, I've been looking at the MK85 also, available and even less money that the newer ones. Man so many decent options!

I just went to the local pawn shop and saw a very nice T/C called the Firehawk - looks like the precursor to the Black Diamond. They wanted $175 for it (blued and walnut) and it was like new.

From the info I've seen it's got a slower 1:38 rather the 1:28 barrel and I can't find too much info about how it compares to the current offerings. Would I be better off sticking to the newer ones due to more options or is the Firehawk a good way to go also?

I have two Black Diamonds and don't consider them to be unduly troublesome to clean. I use musket caps. Usually clean in a bucket of hot soapy water with the breech plug and striker assembly out - submerge the whole action in the bucket. Then rinse and blow everything out with a high pressure air hose.Cleaning takes about twice as long as my new Omega, but its still not a big job.

I also think the Black Diamonds shoot well with both sabots and conicals. I had Knight Disc Rifle up until recently and it was a lot more particular about loads. Triggers are very good on both guns.

Have seen Black Diamonds on sale for under $200.Get an XR in stainless if you can find it.

Thanks for the help everyone - I am still trying to decide and I'm taking another look at the White rifles.

Two more questions for anyone with advice - Are the White rifles (Special 91 and Whitetail) as good or better than the Knight Bighorn at shooting conicals? Also how do they compare in the area of cleanin