i have only owned one muzzleloader in my life and it is time to upgrade to a new one after X-Mas, maybe in february.
the one i own now is a C.V.A firebolt with the small nipple and using #11 caps.i have been using the 350gr. deerslayer lead conciels.it is getting to the point that it seems to always rust and i have to dismantel the bolt before every season due to rust. i won it from my father in a bet that george W. bush would become president.
back to the question...

i am looking for a new one ( stainless ). that has the newer magnum ( i think it is the 209 nipple ) and one that has a closed from the elementals.since when the season opens ( dec. 14th to the 31st. it is always cold and sleet/rain or snow. as far as i know the encore is illegal in my state.so that kinda takes that out of the picture.
i was leaning twards the T.C. omega but have never seen any in stock to see how they are. i do like the 28" barrel.has anyone ever shot or felt how they feel when brought to the shoulder? how are they to clean /maintanence wise?

I like the Omega. It has a long barrel. As far as rust, if you clean and oil it after every day of shooting, you should be OK.

quilly: i own two m/l one a cva eclipse 50 cal which i would use in nice weather only the other a t/c thunderhawk in 54 cal. which has a no #11 nipple only i have been in snow storms rain storms with this gun @ it all ways fire never had a problem with this m/l @ right now you can get some super deal on this gun because t/c no longer makes this model

Quilly, I have a 50 cal. Rem. 700MLS(Stainless). It has a weather shroud that can be placed on the bolt and removed as well. I have hunted with it for 5 years, no rust and a great shooting gun, that I have taken a number of deer and 1 - Blackie. It has the no 11 nipple.( they offer the 209 standard and conversion kit as well) I shoot 100 gr pryodex with hornady 240Gr XTP, off a bench this thing groups about 1" at 100 yards. I know many that have the same gun that get similar results.

As far as weather and firing never had a problem in snow or rain. I put the shroud on and tape the muzzle with electrical tape.

I find it very easy to clean.

The TC omega looks nice, never touched it either. Knight's are another solid choice.

Quilly, if you are tall and/or long armed then be wary of the Omega's stock. The length of pull is shortened considerably and the trigger guard is smaller than it really should be. This can result in a pounding to your shoulder, face, and trigger hand if shooting heavy loads. The design of the rifle is elegant but the springs they use seem rather cheap. Cleanup is a snap with the Omega.
I own two Omegas in .50 caliber and have one for sale. It's blue with laminated stock.

Take a look also at the White rifles at SplitFireGuns.com. The Elite Hunter is one heck of a rifle! (and 209s are overkill with loose powder).

No matter which muzzleloader you choose, you are going to have to use a complete and thorough cleaning routine to prevent corrosion.

I dont think that the Encore would be ilegal if the Omega isnt. Because the omega and the encore are the same guns the both have the same type of barel. If the encore isnt ilegal i would definately get it. I own one and its never rusted never miss fired. I would by a stainless steel one though.