anyone got any opinions on these? i talked to someone that said they have one of these rifles and they can touch holes at 200 yards.

A lot of people claim that kind of accuracy. To do it is another matter. I know I can't, no matter what rifle I shoot. With the right load worked up, and good optics I am sure it can be done, just not by me.

I do not own a Optima, but do own a CVA Staghorn Magnum. They are good shooting rifles. Without arguement. From what I have read, they are easy to clean as most are, now a day. There are other rifles out there I like a lot more, and others not as much. It is all a matter of what you like and how much you want to spend.

Does the stock fit you. Do you like the way they sight down the barrel (this was something I did not care for, but could get used to) Most any rifle will now a days be a 100 yard rifle. It is all a matter of what you want out of the rifle. Go to a sporting goods store and handle one. It might just be the rifle for you.

I have an Optima and like it. Its the only one I have ever owned so I really don't have anything to compare it to. My max distance has been limited to 100 yards. Not sure what your distance needs are.

A decent ML for a decent price. Easily operated action and cleaning. I'm not going to say they can "touch holes at 200 yards" but with a load the rifle likes surely they'll shoot pretty good i.e. sub 4" @ 200 yards.

I own an Optima Pro and I like the gun.I had to fish around to find the right combination of powder and projectile it liked, and itis a decient shooter,at a reasonable price. I,m not too sure about that 200 yard group,but out to 100yards mine did fine.

i was looking at either the T/C Triumph or the CVA Optima Pro (with the 28" barrel). when i get the money saved, i guess i'll make a run to Bass Pro to handle and get a feel for each one.

i forgot to mention, i'm not letting price limit to what i am going to buy. i would like to save as much money as possible, but i want a rifle that will last. my yardage in the area's i hunt go from 0-500 yards (depends on where i place my stand). sometimes i hunt palmetto flats where you can see forever and sometimes i hunt swamps where you'll only get a 50 yard shot. the muzzleloader i am looking for must be capable of a 200 yard shot. which makes me lean more towards a .45 caliber, however a .50 caliber with 150 grains behind it ought to do the trick aswell.

Knight Long Range Hunter! This is possible

this is the one i'm looking at. i've only owned 1 muzzleloader over the years and it was a cheap one...so i'm still new to this. what are the benefits and drawbacksto shooting .45 and .50? i'm thinking .45 only for the flatter trajectory. i'll only be hunting deer, in the south.

With you stating that, I'm honestly a bit shocked that you would even mention the CVA Optima ??? [&:]Honestly, the term "reasonably priced" is a very polite way of simply saying "CHEAP" and that pretty much describes the Optima compared to othering offerings on the market. I've looked at and handledthe Optima several times in the past but I promise you once you actually handle one and break open it's action I'll dare you to do the same to a T/C Encore! [:-]

You mention that you "want a rifle that will last", then look no farther than the T/C Encore line-up!!! Compare the cheaply manufactured feel of the Optimas receiver action and even the barrel break compared to the rockil solid feel of the T/C. Also compare the solid stainless steel fluted Encore barrel to the cheaper simple "plated" barrel of the CVA ???Also the additional features on the Encore are impressive, from the Speed Breech to the adjustable hammer spur, the recoil reduction system, it's loaded and extremely well thought out. If it's a top quality, rugged, super accurate rifle that you seek, than I promise you'll find it in an Encore! I've been shootingthe standard stocked versionover the past year but just recently purchaseda Realtree Thumbhole stock versionas well and they are, without a doubt, thehighest quality and most accurate rifles I've shot. You've got to check 'em out! I'll be looking forward to your feedback. Good luck and good shootin'