Last two posts have very good advice. One last thing, when you are shouldering rifles (as many as you can) to see how they fit you, consider whether you will be using a scope or not. A rifle might not feel very good lining up the open sites but will be great when using a scope. Conversely, a scoped rifle might not be a very good open sights rifle.

Also if you test out one at bass pro make sure you have them take the trigger lock off. I handled a knight mountaineer with thumb hole stock and it had the trigger lock and when I got mine ordered the thumb hole to trigger is almost to long since I have smaller hands.

This is coming from a huge "goose neck" CVA Accura fan... but the Accura MR is one fine feeling and shooting gun. I would give it a really hard look... but good luck with what ever you choose.

Whatever you decide on, I'd like to see some pictures.

Above all else I want a gun that is fun and cheap to shoot.

In that case, you'll want to go the traditional route.

Can I shoot round shot out of a modern inline rifle?

yes, with very low powder charges and so-so accuracy.

If it is a 1:28 twist barrel then yes you can with reduced charges. More than 50 grains of powder and you more than likely wouldn't like the results. You would get much better results from a maxi in a modern inline if you want to go the really cheap to shoot route. But you can go pretty cheap with some saboted bullets like the Thompson Center Cheap Shots. They are very inexpensive and they shoot pretty well from my sisters Thompson Center Impact. All of my BP rifles are from 1:48 to 1:66 twist not counting my dad's .50 caliber barrel for the Pro Hunter frame. Still have a hard time calling all those rifles and pistols I inherited from him mine.

You know, you can buy some sabots and cheap .452" cast lead bullets separately to create an economical practice loads if you go the inline route.