Lookin for a new muzzleloader for my friend
 

My friend has a temporary felony for a year and a half, but we're looking into the possibility of him being able to still use a muzzleloader. we've never shot one let alone bought one and we're starting to look around.

i was hoping for some helpful information. what would be a good muzzleloader without breaking his wallet? any other helpful advice. thanks a lot guys. this really means a lot

also, i was wondering how effective and/or accurate are they? this will hopefully only be used for a season or two. also we'll be hunting mainly california-sized mulies along with occasional coyotes. nothing too huge.

You probably should talk with an attorney familiar with the laws in the state your friend lives in and plans to hunt in.

I'm partial to the Thompson Center Inlines, including the Omega, Triumph and Encore. I doubt your friend can purchase or possess the Encore though.

yeah i looked into it a little. 50% of people say its illegal because it's considered a firearm once it's loaded, primed, and capped. the other 50% say it's not illegal because after a certain gun act (cant remember which one it is), they recognized muzzleloaders, both before 1898 AND modern as antiques. they also say it relies on what he received his felony for. if it was anything violence related like domestic violence, that's a huge factor, which his was not violence related.

so we won't know for sure until he see's the judge again next month. just trying to get as much info as i can. thanks again tho man. i really appreciate the info

Yeah, I'd check on your local state laws. For example, many states don't consider a muzzleloader a firearm, but some states do. I live in Illinois, and for all intents and purposes, they consider a muzzleloader a firearm. In Ohio, most restrictions that apply to firearms DON'T apply to ML's - so go figure.

As for a good ML that won't break the bank, I would check out the T/C Omega, CVA Accura or CVA Optima. All 3 are easy to use, good quality, shoot gun and pretty affordable. If you want a ton of good info on muzzleloaders, check out the black powder forum here on this site- its really good!

right on. thanks man!

If you're looking for something for one season, I think something like a CVA Wolf would be your best bet - inexpensive, simple, solid, accurate. But be careful, both you and your friend may become muzzle loader junkies after playing with it for a while.

or become someones girl friend in prison :D

Since you are in CA I'd say your screwed. They have the most outright unlawful gun laws of any state and every law they pass it trickles to all the others in some form or fashion. It may be almost next to impossible for your friend to get one but if he does I would look at CVA and their Wolf models, Traditions Tracker model. These are entry level and are under 200 bucks. It gets you shooting. Good Luck in your task.

oldsmellhound,
Actually in Ohio a muzzleloader IS a firearm, and a convicted felon would be prohibited from possessing one.