My uncle has been thinking about getting a muzzleloader, and he's not very sure whether to get the T/C Encore, or the T/C Omega.
He's been told that Knight muzzleloaders are junk, whichI find hard to believe.

TC and Knight are as good as it gets. The thing about a muzzle loader is that it will only be as good as the care its given. Lee

First off there is nothing wrong with Knight Rifles. They are one of the best rifles on the market, as well as the Thompson Center. As for the difference between the Omega and the Encore, if all this rifle will be used for is black powder shooting, then there really is no need for the Encore unless of course you simply like the stock design or the additional cost. The Omega will do everything that the Encore will do for less money.

Perhaps your Uncle should get to a store and try to look at the T/C Triumph, and the new Knight rifle that just came out. Also make sure the rifle he selects is going to be legal in the states he intends to hunt.

younggun243

Just my thoughts about some of the stuff I have read...

There a lot of people that believe this of the NEWER KNIGHTS - These Knights that were brought out after Knight sold out. The older standby Knights would never be caught with this reputation & hopefully the new Knight offereing, which really looks good,will be one of the quality guns that they use to turn out.

They are definitely not junk and in fact they are one of the best ML going.
Chap Gleason

Knight ramrods are JUNK! And I wish they could afford to install two ramrod thimbles. But some of the rifles are very good. The KP1 looks like a real winner to me (with those same two complaints).

I guess a guy could buy a T/C ramrod if they didn't like the Knight one.

Agreed Knights are anything but junk, though they have had a bad spell and I think that is about to change as well. TC are equally fine. All have quirks but they can be overcome. Best advice is tell your uncle to go get some hands on time with the various ML's and models. Another optionmaybe used, I see many here lining the wall as guys seem to be very quick totrade forthe next great ML. Some deal can be had for slightly used MLs. I would check them over real well, including removal of the stock to check underneath (be suprised how many guys don't take them down completely when cleaning).

As far as a ramrod I have a xs power rod and while it is nice it also has a downfall in it must bestored with the handle out, this is fine if you use a 3/8" jag but if you use a barnes spitfire, spinjag, etc then you must remove the jag when storing the ramrod. An option to the arrow shaft most use as a ramrod is making a custom alum. 3/8" rod, then it can be cut to length to accept your jag of choice and stay attached. For the T handle one can also be made to slip over the end of the alum rod and give everything the power rod delivers for seating.

Ie:

Knights are ceratinly not junk butI don't put them on the same level as TC's. You might as well go with the best you can get. TC has earned that reputation for a very good reason.

I love my Omega and don't think they get much better than them.

It likes the 250s and 300s with about a 110 grains of pyrodex. My other TC is the same way.

Everyone knows where I stand. Get that TC and you can't be disappointed.