RE: Optima vs. Acura
 

I'm thinking I'll probably go with Accura. I do wish the SS/Camo wasn't quite as expensive. On the plus side, somewhere down the road, a Camo thumbhole stock from CVA couldn't be all that expensive, right?

My next question is, how much difference is there between required maintenance for a blued barrel vs. stainless. I know if it was a regular rifle using smokeless powder a blued barrel isn't anything to worry about. Is there a difference?

Vince

RE: Optima vs. Acura
 

I have never shot the accura, however i do have a optima elite ss and it is one fine shooter to. I started shooting power belts and accuracy was really good, 2" groups at a 100 yards then i tried some superglide shock waves and wow they within a inch at a 100. I have never shot the remington either.

RE: Optima vs. Acura
 

I would say there is essentially no difference in the care required. The advantage of the stainless is that it is a bit more corrosion resistant and it is EASIER to see what you might have missed. I have no idea if the receiver on the blued model of the Accura is actually bluing or some sort of anodizing. If you aren't really hurting just now for another muzzleloader, I think good advice would be to wait for sales where you might come closer to getting the model you want at a price you can more easily afford. Plus, some gremlins may yet appear.