Hello all you expert BP shooters. I have been watching and reading all of the posts for input on a new muzzleloader. I have not bought one yet, but have decided on a break action, synthetic stock, and stainless barrel. I really like the TC encore but, do not want to spend the money if I can get good results from a Pursuit Pro or Optima Pro. So,what arethe pros and cons of the CVA and Traditions I mentioned above. Not really too sure of the difference between the two. OK, this is my very first post so go easy on me. Really want a BP for this years deer hunt.

Here's one that's American-made. It comes blued with real wood stock at $169. Nice, accurate & dependable.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=&id=0027233215447a&nav Count=2&podId=0027233&parentId=cat20815&am p;navAction=push&catalogCode=XF&rid=&p arentType=index&indexId=cat20815&hasJS=tru e

Here's the#1 Consumer Rated ML in America. Starts here at $299. A bunch of us on this board own one.

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=40475&hvarDept=400&a mp;hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=3&hvarSubCode= 1&hvarTarget=browse

Everyone always forgets to mention the MDM muzzleloaders made in VT They almost look like they are made on the same action as the NEF. My son's Quikshooter is a nice rifle he paid less than $200 for it with a stainless finish and composite wood stock.

If you can find them the deals Walmart has on the
T/C Z-s is hard to beat. I shoot the T/C Omega
and love it. I also own a Knight & a Beartooth Mag.
I think I'd save my money up and get something
like an Omega or Disc-Elite from Knight.
Oh yes WELCOME to the forum. Danny

Since this is the criteria you set down the rest is easy... A Thompson Center Omega would be a good option. They want a break open rifle, not as expensive as an Encore, but with astainless steel barrel. This in itself narrows the field of play. Since the BPI rifles are not stainless steel but nickel barrels, that leaves them out. They do make a NEF Sidekick with a stainless steel barrel which would fit the bill. And with the break open action. This might be another place to look. Then there is the Knight Revolution and I believe the Vision comes in stainless steel.

I forgot to mention.. welcome to the forum.. It's good to have you.

Newmuzzleman

Welcome to the forum....

Choice of a muzzleloader - man we can all make dexisions for you but when it comes to nitty gritty time you really need to make the choice. Check the ML rules in your state or the other places you might hunt - what can you use - not all rules are the same.

I personally believe you can get the performance from CVA or Traditions you might be seeking for deer hunting, but at the price you might pay for those guns, I believe the TC Omega may be the better product as a compromise to the Encore.

Thanks for the input and the welcome. It is appreciated. I am not really interested in pivot block action which I think a few are mentioned. I have talked myself into a easy break action. My neighbor uses an encore which I got to shoot last year. I liked it and never new how much easier BP guns are now days. Money wise I am leaning towards the CVA and the Traditions. Any feedback on either of these? Thanks. Still trying to figure out some of this forums stuff too.

Newmuzzleman

My 2 cents - the Traditions P Pro. I really do not own one nor have I shot one. But of these two companies I believe Traditions to be the more stable at at this point. There also has been a lot of positive coments about the P Pro on this forum...

Something to keep in mind BPI/CVA has changed barrel companies in their Optima Elite line, which like the Encore allows you add centerfire rifle barrels to the action as does the Encore.

http://www.cva.com/products/rifle_optelite.htm

The Optima Pro offers a straight ML

http://www.cva.com/products/rifle_optpro.htm

Think I would still go with the Traditions... but I have nothing that I can offer as to a positive experiance with either...

I have an MDM quicshooter .50 cal. in stainless and love it. It is all stainless and not just a nickle plated receiver like some others. The NEF is nice but no one mentions you have to use plastic 209 inserts for loading just like the Knights but bigger. They call them primer carriers. If you dont like the idea of using the inserts I would get something where you can load the primer straight into the breech plug. The CVA Optma, Traditions Pursuit, MDM Quicshooter, and NEF are all nice brake opens for the money, but in loading from the bench the drop down type of action is easier for loading the primer in between shots. The CVA Optima will allow you to add different finishes and barrel lengths as well as change from .50 to .45 to shotgun if needed. I think the Pursuit will too. I have had nothing but excellent service from these guys even though alot of people are down on the CVA brand and the others made in spain. The Spain made barrels are a big issue that has been blown out of proportion in my opinion. I have never had any problems and hope never to have any. I think alot of those that loathe them probably own a few. Dont let that deter you decision.