I have noticed that the fowling in the primer area does seem bad at times shooting the Black Diamond. There are a few things you can do when shooting the rifle. After about 10 - 15 rounds, remove the back lock nut, pull the striker and wipe that area out. Another thing you can do is take some Q-tips with you to the range and as you shoot, dunk that Q-tip with some of the fluid you use to swab and wipe out the breech and nipple also from time to time (not needed every shot mine you). The rifle will seem to shoot much better you will find.

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/di...temnum=6221152
keep your eye on this auction

Although that is not the XR model it is still a good deal depending on what the final price of the rifle goes for.....

Yes, the Black Dioamond XR Is an exellent choice for a first ML.
it was my first front loader and I have 3 seasons on mine without a single problem, very accurate and although the cleaning isn't the easyest the gun is very simple to take down.
I just bought an Omega and was trying to sell my XR but my freinds think I'm crazy cause I shot a 140 class buck with that gun. So I kind of changed my mind.
Have fun with what ever you choose.

i ended up getting a black diamond xr and i can not belive how good it shoots, thanks for the info guys

I own a Blk. Dia. XR Express 50 cal. The recoil is moderate & accuracy is great. I started with 209 primer but switched to musket caps as they were easier. The clean up is longer proccess than i used to do on my Renegade. It is tight fit on Hornady Sabots & a range loading rod is almost a must. I will try other sabots in the future because i am in middle of deer season at this time. I do love my ML!

Go with the T/C. I bought a CVA before my Encore and I wouldnt ever buy another CVA as the parts and quality are junk. I had screws that hold the bolt in place round off and strip, and the bolt assembly was hard as hell to put back together. My opinion is to buy the best to start, you will have a quality gun for life with a T/C.