Looking into getting a Muzzleloader
 

Friend of mine is having a blast doe hunting these past few weeks here in PA with his muzzleloader. I on the other, hand have been struggling to find a good shooterbuck with my bow. I was thinking maybe next season to get a muzzleloader and maybe break up the patience and waiting game of archery season.

I know nothing about them. I dont know which ones are good, but i know there seem to be alot of nice setups with scopes on cabelas for like $300-350. I know this is probaly going to stirr the pot of who likes what and why, but im just looking to see what i can get in the range above.

We hunt some big fields that are in excess of 200yrds. Not that i would take a shot that far without any practice, but it would be nice to know that i could reach out there if needed.

Looking to spend $300-350

RE: Looking into getting a Muzzleloader
 

cva optima is a great shooting rifle. They have a new frame design and stock design on the new Optimas. May try cabelas.

RE: Looking into getting a Muzzleloader
 

As in many things you often get what you pay for, if you intend to use it a long time I would suggest one of the Walmart Triumph, the price is reasonable for a high quality gun and they normally shoot very good. if you get one post what you have and one of us who has the same will give you some loads to try. Lee

RE: Looking into getting a Muzzleloader
 

Since you are not in a hurry, watch the sales after Christmas and at your local sporting good stores. Visit on line stores and check their bargin bins. Also get to gun shops and handle rifles. See which ones fit you, and which ones don't. I am sure one of them will scream out to you ...

That is a good price range. You should be able to pick up a real fine rifle for that price.

RE: Looking into getting a Muzzleloader
 

Unless you are thenostalgic type, you'll likely settle on an in-line. The can be had for $100 to $800. If you're like most on this forum, you'll end up with several. I suggest starting with something reasonable priced. I just bought a Remington Genesis on sale from Cabelas, paid $120 including shipping and handling and a $35 MFRs rebate. I can recommend the gun as a good one to start out. So are lower end CVAs and Traditions. The Genesis is actually built by Traditions.

If price were no object, I'd get a Savage smokeless gun, or since Blackhorn 209 powder has come out (very little fouling, non-corrosive) maybe a T/C Triumph.

RE: Looking into getting a Muzzleloader
 

CarpetBagger

To me what gun you might buy really depends on the laws in the area that you hunt, the amount that you might use the gun, and the way it feels when you put it up - because they are all not equal.

Some states have ML laws that require you meet certain specifications you will need to know those so you limit your selection to one that is legal.

If this gun were to be a life long gun or a gun that you intend to use more than a week in year then i would suggest you get what i call a lifelong quality gun.

Not all guns appeal to me and I am sure that not all will appeal to you... find one you like to feel and handle.

The next thing I would suggest is to get a gun that will allow you the widest options of loads and projectiles that are available. I am pretty much limited to a 50 cal because it provided the most versitility.

Manufactures.... there really are some good ones out there even the lower value ML's are really pretty good these days. TC (Thompson Center) and Knight might be to two most popular guns for people that believe they really need a high quality and a well warrantied gun. Then there are a bunch of imports that will really work well for most people. CVA would be my last choice only because of it's limitations, not because of quality, Traditions offers some really nice guns with-out the limitations of a CVA. Remington is importing one through Traditions that is certainly a functional gun.

Really hope you find what you are looking for... Shooting a ML is a personal gratifying sport and it is addictive...

RE: Looking into getting a Muzzleloader
 

I hope you realize the consequence of your actions. You are about to voluntarily get into an impossible addiction.:D

That being said, my first gun was a CVA Kodiak Pro that was given as a gift to me. Loved the sport once I received advice from this forum and kept everything consistent from shot to shot. Obvioulsy, there are more expensive guns out there, but any of the new guns still shoot well as long as you find the correct load for your individual rifle. I do not have experience with some of the other guns, but the CVA line started my addiction.

RE: Looking into getting a Muzzleloader
 

I have a Savage and if you can shoot smokeless in your state I recommend the rifle---cost for a SS Black stock was $550. It will shoot 200 yardsaccurately no problem. I shoot a Barnes 45/70 Origonal 300g Semi Spitzer with crushed rib sabot in it. Many shoot300g SW with it and get great accuracy. The Savages are VERY accurate guns out of the box---guaranteed to shoot 1.5" at 100. This was shot from my Savage about amonth before I went to Colorado with it elk hunting in first rifle season:

Chap

RE: Looking into getting a Muzzleloader
 

this was shot at 200 yards with the same bullet, powder and sabot, about 4 weeks earlier. There aremany folks that tweek these rifles for accuracy and I have seen some 1" 200 yard groups, so if accuracy is your game, theSavage will get you there.TC Omega, Triumph, Knight Long Range Hunter are all very accurate excellent rifles. Best wishes on your choice.
Chap

RE: Looking into getting a Muzzleloader
 

Im on the fence with a TC triumph and a CVA Optima