Blackpowder, I use to do it about 25 yrs ago. I did it for about 10-12 yrs. Got to old for it. Zouave is the 5th N.Y.V.I.. I did confederate's and reg U.S.army too. I sold that uniform awhile back, but still have my C.S.and U.S. uniforms and equipment. But the uniforms don't fit anymore. Good hunting.

Second gun? When i go over 50 miles from home,i always take a second gun.
As to which one you should buy,get what you can afford or like. You better do it fast,to get it ready.

I've owned 2 traditions rifles, older model BuckHunter and a pursuit XLT. The older one was made better IMO. If the vortex is like the pursuit, I would not recommend it. My pursuit was accurate but did not hold up very well.