I dont know much about black powder guns other than the fact that my smooth bore T/C .56 cal gets me a few extras days in the deer woods every year so I figured I would bounce a question off you folks.

A buddy of mine purchased a T/C Black Diamond Millenium Edition off a black powder traditionalist who won the gunat a game dinnerraffle a few years back. The gun has a black laminate stock, Leupold scope, and hard case with a "starter kit". The serial numbers on the gun, scope and case all match. The gun is unfired, new in the box.....

My questions are.... is this gun collectible? Should he leave it in its unfired condition? Or, should he be out chasing deer with it? Does anyone know how much it is worth. I have looked on the internet and cant find any info.
Thanks

I doubt that there are any modern muzzleloader collectors (other than those of us who can't seem to stop buying them; like me,so I guess Iam starting a collection). Seriously though, I have never heard of any black powder modern releases that have much collector value. Personally I would shoot the rifle (that is what it was made for).

I had three or four Collector Rifles/Shotguns in my day. They all got shot - now all are sold. I didn't sell them for profit - but just because technology naturally increases & better guns are on the market every few years.

A limited edition of those Black Diamonds were made. He could put it up for auction at gunbroker.com (or) auctionarms.com..... he may get an extra $150 for it tops. If he doesn't like a bolt-action ML, then I would try it myself... then take that "hard-to-sell" but "possible" $480 & invest in a nice Encore or Omega. I would suggest waiting for an about-to-be-releasednew-model T/C Triumph that will hit the stores around June 1st, but I never recommend buying new model rifles - until they have been on the market shelves forover one year.

Let other buyers deal with "getiing the bugs out".

The Black Diamond design is a little dated, compared to the new Omegas and Pro Hunters; but still a venerable weapon. I have two of them. Regular T/C Black Diamonds are going for $200 or less on close outs. I doubt if a "Millenium" edition is worth much more. Great shooter, though. My 26" Black Diamond XR is still possibly the most accurate muzzleloader I have ever owned.