I've shot and owned a lot of muzzleloaders. Of all the inline rifles I have shot and handled, and from reading posts on this and other forums, I would have to pick the White Ultra Mag in .504 caliber. Add to that a set of Warne QD rings and a Nikon 2-7x32mm scope. I would be far under the $600.00 limit, and there would be nothing I could not hunt or shoot with this rifle.

I have never had such admiration for the function and accuracy ability of a rifle until I bought my White. Had I bought the White first, it would have probably been the only inline rifle I would purchase (other then the few that were bought as gifts for me).

For very large game I could shoot heavy conicals for the real punch they can give. If the game were long distance, I could shoot sabots. It's one draw back is it is a little heavy, but perhaps a composite stock over the current laminate one I have, would be the answer to that. If you ever get a chance to shoot a White Rifle, do so. They are really something. It is a shame the company was managed into bankruptcy. I think a great rifle was taken off the market for many people to enjoy.

I would choose the Remington 700ML also in 50 cal. Bobs gun shop in Hastings still has some new ones at $250.00 with all three fire systems. I would mount a Pentex 3x9x40 light seekerwith Warne QD rings. For 600.00 I'd have go sling less and use a pant leg from an old pair of jeans as a case.
The Remington 700ML 50 I own shoots great with all I have tried in it so far, handles very well just like all my Remington 700 center fires. Having the bolt tool makes cleaning it a non issue, but it was a non issue before I had the tool as I like to fondle my rifles and shotguns any way.
If we were talking side locks the answer is my T/C hawkins hands down.

I also carry a rideron my insurance policy since I have rifles stuck in corners,where everand what not plus a 30 gun safe full. Cost to me is cheap at $2.00per thousand of coverage.

Al

If I had to pick an in-line with $600, I would probably find another Knight Wolverine and put a Burris scope on it. I would still have enough money left over to shoot the rifle!!

If i could get it a System One with two barrels a 50 and a 54 I love being able to shoot PRB as well as sabots into tight groups with enough zip for deer hunting. The 1-38 twist is the only one that has shot anything I wanted. Lee

If I could have a dream inline I would call TC and have a blued octagon hawken barrel converted to an Omega w/ a custom brown laminated stock or buy a rustyused Omega and have a machinest or gunsmith make me a new breech plug and cut the dovetails on the bottom of the barrel. I think I could get that for under $600.00. It would still have the look of that german pre civil war design w/ TC's modern drop breech block. Topped w/ leupold scopeI already own OR w/ a peep sight I think it would be a sweet looking shooter.
SHills

The results have kind of surprised me actually.. even though I stated INLINES;

traditional rifles got two votes.

The White Rifle got two votes as well which is not a surprise. They are not well known but those that know them love them.

Thompson Center who I figured the overall favorite TIED with Remington 700ML, with three votes each.

The Remington is one rifle I have never had the chance to shoot or handle. Although I have shot a Remington 700 BDL .308 with a bull target barrel, and a BDL 30-06 quite often.

Another surprise was Knight. With two votes, I really thought it would take the lead and be THE most often selected rifle because of the money being allowed.

Winchester showed up with one vote, as did Savage with one vote.

So for the 14 people that gave their opinion, Remington model 700 ML and Thompson Center were the ones most favored in the scenario.

A side note.. the friend that had the fire replaced his rifle collectionwith a T/C System One (his decision) and got a shotgun barrel as well. He hunts with only black powder. He also shoots deer every year with that .50 caliber Systems One.

Dave, I couldn't have just one rifle, shotgun or pistolof any kind. I like them to much and like to shoot them as well as just take them from where ever they are stored and clean them every so offten.
Shooting either of my Remington 700ML's is nearly the same as any one of my center fires. They weigh a bit more in most cases, but I never had a problem with the weight of a rifle.

Al

There are multiple good choices, but if I were to get just one inline ML it'd be a T/C Omega Z5. That would run me about 275 w/ taxat the local wally world. 325 left in the price limit.Then I'dget a good sling and swivels for 25. 300 left. That leaves plenty of money for a decent scope. Let's say I spend 175 on a T/C 1.5-5x32 for scope and mounts. 125 left. Plenty for shooting supplies such as powder, bullets, loading tools, etc...Guess I'm all set for the woods now. All right, now; why? The T/C Omega is an affordable yet dependable and accurate ML.A sling iswell worth the price whenyou have to walkeven a small distance with other equipment. The scope? 1.5-5x32 is plenty adequate fornormal ML shots, and T/C makes a good scope. The other 125 will lastquiteawhile for getting all the little accessories andnecessities for shooting the gun and sighting it in etc...

Used Savage 10ML-II, blued barrel, with synthetic stock for $300-$350, nikon prostaff 2x7 power for $129 with tax and leupold two piece bases and scope rings for $60. A shade under$600 for the bestperforming ML.