Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Hey guys! I am in a good mood today. I got to shoot the Omega. I can tell you one thing after todays shooting--it is twice the gun the Apex is!

I shot it three times at fifty yards and got it sighted in! The first two were low and right so I adjusted. The third was just low so I adjusted one more time. The next five shots made a tight little circle around the bullseye--all touching. It was about a 2 inch group. One thingI can tell you is I was feeling pretty good right then. I knew right away that this gun was a more accurate ML. I knew it was dead on anda little high at 50 so I decided to go for the ultimate test--I went to 100 plus yards. This also went well. I had some good shots and after a little shooting starting getting some good groups. It turns out that if it's dead on at 50 it'll be about 3 inches low at 100. I had a tight group just low at the end--about two inches. I had stray shots but this was before I shot a while.

I am extremely pleased. I know for sure that theApexhad a barrel problem. I started thinking it was me that was the problem and it's nice to have my confidence back. That Omega is one hell of a nice gun. I am much more pleased with it and feel sure I made the right choice.

I found some other features I like better. It is nicer to load than the Apex.
It doesn't smack your fingers on the barrel cause it loads smooth for some reason. The action loosened up and now opens really nice yet snaps shut tight. The sights are definetely nicer and easier to see. The ramrod is a flawless simple thing and will last forever. The stock is wonderful as well. I could go on all day but I'll just say that I have absolutely NO complaints with this gun. It has no problems at all and seems a flawless piece of equipment. I am wonderfully satisfied and know I got the right gun.

Some more details---

It was windy today, probably 12 mph. It didn't affect the bullets noticeably. I swabbed between each shot.I used open sights of course. I had my good old load of 100 grains pyrodex, 300 grain XTP Mag sabots and CCI primers.

Iwill now state that the Omega is a much better deal and better gun than the Apex. The Apex seems wonderful until you get your hands on the top of the line product. It makes anything else a last resort. I recommend that anyone looking at guns save and buy the Omega. I don't want to argue about the whole thing. That's just my opinion.

I would post pics of the targets but I'm short on time. You'll just have to take my word for it. Thanks for all the help and encouragement from everyone.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

One more thing. The recoil is noticeably less than the Apex. That amazed me becausethe gunis lighter and I used the same load. I shot it 20 times though and have a big bruise, but it's all good. I've still got plenty of bullets. It came with some Shockwaves-250 grains and I will have to test them some time.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Glad you like your omega. When it comes to T/Cs, it doesn't take anyluck to get a good shooting gun. I shoot 120gr FFG and a 250gr shockwave in my Z5, and it shoots under 2" open, and tighter scoped.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

no i dont think it was a barrel problem with the apex. i think it was more of an owner problem not willing to try different bullets made for that rifle. How did you send it back so fast? I would have loved to have shot that gun and shown that it was fine and that you have to be willing to try diff. combos.i've handled an omega before but wasnt impressed with its overall balance. Shame we couldnt have work out a deal on that apex.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Whether an Omega or an Apex, the main thing is you're happy with your rifle and have confidence building with the rifle now. That is a good first step. Good luck in the future with your rifle.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

This ad brought to you by Thomson Center (A Smith and Wesson company):D

Just kidding enjoy your new Z5, mine was the best $109 I ever spent.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Did you get the Z5? I am also looking at buying an Omega I just sold my
Nef I am looking at the Stainless Laminate.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

outdoorslover

There is nothing as important as confidence in your equipment... if you have questions and concerns it will alway be tough to accept the equipment. The best thing is you now know what it can do and some day when it doesn't do what you want you will know you can solve the problem...

A couple things that I would watch for... I am assuming you purchased the Z5 with a black synthetic stock... I purchased an Omega SS/Laminate stock a while back... I love the looks and the job it does, but to reduce weight a bit and to get a thinner stock I purchased a spare black synthetic stock which I put on the rifle and shot with, shot a lot with it and used it suring hunting season, did not want to ding up the wood stock. Well, here is MY problem, the recoil lug sockets in the wood stock are very deep and the recoil lugs fit some what snuggly into the sockets - now the synthetic stock - that is a different animal... the sockets are really shallow and their is no re-enforcement around them (front & back) the sides are supported by the stock. Somewhere along the middle of the hunting season I felt it was not shooting as well as it had.. (OK I missed a shot) I took the gun apart to check it and as I was looking at the stock - I was looking in at the bottom of the front lug pocket - it had fractured internally - there was a small crack running from one side of the stock to the other. It was not cracked all the way through on the sides or the bottom just a small fissure at the bottom - I could stick a straight pin in it a fraction of an inch - the front wall of the pocket was certainly stretched. Again remember I have shot this gun a lot... I called TC they didn't even hesitate "mail it in we will send you a new one" they did and I have it but I am going to glass bed (re-enforce) both lug pockets in the front and the back... I just wish they were deeper and thicker - it would have been easy for the factory...

Great gun - great shooter - great hunting gun - great gun to carry...

enjoy it...

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

It's the Omega Z5. Frontier Gander, for the last time, I took it back to the Cabela'sSTORE last night. They took it back no questions asked. One more thing I'll say is that any gun that picky about it's loads is not worth screwing with. Please explain why I got the Omega shooting great in 3 shots whenI couldn't do it in 60 with the Apex. I'm just wondering. MaybeI got a lemon--who knows. The only thing that matters to me is that I am perfectly happy and didn't have to break the bank. I think it was worth the xtra 60 bucks hands down. That's just my observations. I just returned some other stuff and didn't pay a penny more. Why on earth shouldn't I have done that? If you know please share.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

As stated above, the most important thing is that you are happy and confident with your gun. Wish I could say the same thing about my Omega. Since I can only hunt with conicals, I am still looking for that "sweet spot" of correct bullet/powder combination. Just ordered a couple of different types of wads to try and see if that makes a difference.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Yes, it had a black barrel and black synthetic stock.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

txhunter58, You might try 20 gr volium measure corn meal and an over the powder wad my Omega will shoot Maxie balls and Ballets in 2.5 inches with that combo and several others into 3 or a bit more. Lee

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

I am sorry if this does sound like an ad guys. I just wanted to let you know what I think quality is.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Just yanking your chain. I would have just bought it in the first place myself. I still don't think you gave the other rifle a fair chance.

BUT, the Omega is a bettter rifle.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Thanks lemoyne. I plan on trying that as well in my next outing. Read cayugad's report on that very thing and figured it was worth a shot as well..

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Don't put any stock into Frontier Gander, it is very evident that he is in every way Anti-Thompson Center and there have been numerous posts on here displaying his views to that. I have an Encore that I love and when you find the load that drives tacks, it's almost as good as killing the big one. Sounds like you have that success. Congrats on getting a great ML. Any ML that a person is comfortable with as far as price, weight, shooting, etc was the one that was intended for that person. I'm sure the Apex is a good gun, not gona slam it cause I've never had one in my hands. Just did some research and all fingers pointed to Thompson Center when I was in the market.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

I sure hope it does. Good luck with that.

outdoorslover,dang I was hoping that your Apex was shipped back to Cabelas. Maybe you could give frontier gander the location you took it back to. Congratulations on your new rifle, sounds like its going to give you lots of years of great service.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Hey give him a break. I don't think anyone paid much attention to his assessment of the omega and encore. Frontier Gander has been collecting muzzleloaders since a teenager. He's takes pride in his CVA's, traditions, and Winchesters. And why shouldn't he be proud of them? He has worked hard to earn the money which purchased them and they have served him well. One thing I think we all miss here is that people who buy something other than T/C don't want to be relegated to being a second class citizen for having done so. A little more tolerance on everyone's part, (including frontier gander's), is in order.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

I noticed something you said that outdoors was unwilling to do " when you find that load". I wanted to buy the apex off him, i missed out on the cabelas deal and this was my last resort. When you offer the person more than what they pay and they turn it out, kinda makes u wonder if they had the thing. And after 60 rounds, wouldnt you be looking for new bullets? And thank you Phil, those were kind and very true words, i did work my butt off when i was younger to buy all my muzzleloaders, and why should i keep quiet when someone is talking/spreading false rumors about my choice of rifle? I know these TC guys start crying when they read one bad thing. I owned a TC so im not anti TC. I just choose to go with an inline that i can actually use and depend on when it comes to shooting conicals. But the bottom line here is, i simply wanted to buy the apex off the guy. Its my own personal choice of rifle i use so of course im going to put my 2 cents in when i come across a post. I also drive buicks, who wants to take a shot at me for driving one?
The one thing im wondering about his new omega is: Is the drop breech sealed 100% like the apex? Ive read on other posts that they are not and people are switched to the .25 conversion.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

I don't think you should keep quiet. I think its good to describe your experience and satisfaction. But you shouldn't trash their choice for this reason, you don't like it when they trash yours. But just for the record, I respect your choices and how hard you worked to pay for them.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

frontier gander, is not the only one I know of who prefers the Apex. The Apex is one of the better quality imports and it will fit some people better. Quality control is never perfect you can get a good or bad gun in any brand including TC; its just that those of us who the TC's fit have concluded that their percentages are much better. Lee

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Lee, I just couldn't argue against that. If things had worked out the way I had planned, I'd be the proud owner of a blued Z5 and a SS Apex. It the the ole "you snoozes, you loozes" story. I waited too long and they sold out:(. Part of me is happy to have two stainless rifles, I love the way the clean up and store. Next year I'll have more Cabela's points and if I am unhappy with either the Apex or Kodiak Pro, Imay be upgrading to a SS Omega.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

I respect everyone's choices on guns. I just have my own. I am a TC man until further notice and hope it is alright with everyone. I have nothing against people who own CVA's or people who drive Ford, they're just not thebrands I trust.

Frontier Gander, I will say it right now. You need more trust issues. Why wouldn't I wanna sell you the Apex for that money? Here's why------------

#1. I don't sell stuff on the internet--never have and I don't wanna figure it out.
#2.I wouldn't give out my address to any stranger(someone I haven't met in person)
#3. You DIDN'T offer me a better price. I paid 215 dollars for it with shipping. If I remember correctly, you offered 210 for it. This doesn't sound extremely pleasing to me when I can drive a little while and bring it right back to the store--no waiting or any other hindrances.

I would give you a good deal if it was convenient. It's not and I don't have to when you should've jumped at the internet deal. It's not my problem. I don't just hate you and wanna be a jerk.I played the cards and just figured I wouldn't sell the gun when I could return it. That's that and I would appreciate it if you would stop bothering me.

One more thing Frontier Gander. Why the hell would Isell something on the net? I'm 15.Maybe you didn't know that.

Don't you think I work my butt off as well to earn my guns, hunting gear, and all the other stuff I buy? I worked all summer andpast baling hay and doing farm work. I work as well for my stuff as any of you. Don't you think I'd get what was best for my well earned money?

How on earth can I get you to believe that I bought those guns? Do you want me to post apic of the Omega on here?I sure will if it would convince you. Then again, I don't really care if you believe me or not. I'd just like to be trusted.

I'm not bashing any muzzleloader. If you really feel like a second class citizen because of a 15 year olds assessment of hisOmega compared to his old Apex then it's your problem. I don't feel like a second class citizen when you praise your Apex over the Omega. It's all good with me. I just say what my experiences tell. Go ahead and share any of yours and I will be glad to read and share with anyone. Good shooting to all!

One more thing--I believ the Omega is at least as well sealed as the Apex if not better because it locks tighter.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Well I figured you were new to muzzleloading but didn't realize you were that young. Hey I think its great that youhave such an interest in muzzleloading, and they you work hard in order to pursue it. But hey, don't give frontier gander a hard time for things I said. I was only making the point that what seems a nonchalant remark aboutthisor that rifleis interpreted by another as a put down. I agree, we should all enjoy our muzzleloaders and I hope you continue to have a great time with your Omega. Best of luck with it.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Well if i would have known you paid $215 with shipping i gladly would have paid that to you. But whats done is done. When i was your age i was like you, had a hard time listening to others and such. Ive done so much dealing over the net it comes naturally and i try to snag a deal when i see them coming. You dont have to prove you own any gun to me or anyone else. But since you asked, I think we all would enjoy to see a new rifle. Its our nature lol. As for working your butt off i'd like to give you a tip that will ease some work and stuff your pockets with money.
If possible, you can find a 1970-72 buick skylark for any where from Free to $500-600 And its in good shape, fenders,doors, package shelf, BUY IT! i paid $50 for one and i've made over $5000 so far and still selling parts off it. If you do so, go to www.v8buick.com Join up, and start listing parts for sale. These guys will pay up the butt for parts that are in good shape. Old cars are one of the best things to invest in if you can get them cheap. Just keep that in mind when you get a hole of some money and want to triple it or more. Im not praising the apex, i just simply would have liked to have bought it from you. Next time, try keepin your 6shooters in their holsters. I sometimes like to rattle chains with no anger or bad feelings intended. Good luck, enjoy the new rifle, bag a few big ones but most importantly, Make memories to remember.

RE: Omega Update. Success at long last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

No hard feelings. I understand. Thanks.

Good hunting! I gotta get to bed soI can go squirrel hunting in the morning.