We live in a world of 'Supply and Demand', and right now everyone is starting to dump their muzzleloader stock. Although I would suggest that you wait it out a bit until the holiday rush is over. You can get a good rifle for a good deal as Cayuqad suggested. Bass Pro - WalMart - Cabelas - and everybody that has inventory leftover will be clearing them out.

Personally I would wait onan T/C (Omega/Encore) or Knight product to pop up at a low price and then jump on it. Scopes are a $$$$ preference, you get what you pay for. There are plenty of folks here that can steer you in the right direction.

I also know Walmart will consolidate there ML/BLK Powder inventory in certain area stores for clearance. Good place to get all the necessary items needed for a killer price.

I have a knight bighorn that I bought about four years and paid about three hundred bucks. At the same time my buddy from work bought a "cheap" CVA, both were 150 grains of pyrodex and took 209 primers. We shot with each other and his CVA did just as good as my knight. The only differance was my bolt compleatly came apart with no tools for more detailed cleaning. I also nothiced his triger was not adjustable like mine. But his would kill a deer just as effective as mine. We also noticed that we did not pattern good with 150 grains of powder. We both shoot 240 grain hornadys with sabot. But you must go with 209 primers, #11 caps are to unreliable.