I'm looking into getting a new ML. I don't want to spend much. I don't need anything fancy. I usually hunt with a rifle or bow. We just have a short 2 week ML season in Dec. and I'm looking for a way to do some more hunting. I've shopped around and found the Optima for $180 and the Kodiak for $230. I don't have a lot of experience shooting muzzleloaders. Just wondering if anyone has had experience with either of the two. Any input would be great. Thanks.

Hi I had the Optima,it wasnt a bad rifle. It liked 85 grains of triple 7 loose powder and the Tc Shockwaves 250 grain. It was avery easyto clean also. It will definetly kill a deer. I saw the Kodiak, it didnt fit my shoulder very well.Good luck to you young man.If that is you in that picture,thats a very nice lookin buck.

I'd say pick whichever one you like the looks of better. Both should be good rifles.

Just bought my first MLer last year and it was an Optima Pro thumbhole stock.I have nothing bad to say about the gun infact I use the muzzy during rifle and shotgun season.Just be careful these muzzleloaders are very addicting.lol

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm leaning towards the Optima. I've heard the hammer on the Kodiak can be hard to get at with a scope on. And there's no way to put a hammer spur on it. I'll go check 'em out Saturday and pick one.

I have the standard optima and really enjoy it. It likes 100g777 2F loose and I use 300g xtp or shockwave. Here in Indiana I am only concerned inside 100 yards but the Optima likes a 300g bullet. Good luck with what ever you choose.