Hello,

Im a very avid hunter, and want to get a muzzleloader since we cant hunt with centerfires in Illinois, just ml or slug guns.
I love my slug gun, but would like the added range of the smoke pole.

What would be a good gun to start myself out with?

I'd like a scoped gun, and something reliably accurate from close range out to 200yds.
Of course, reasonably priced as well.

Ok guys, whats your poison

Mat

Since you're looking for some extreme range shooting I would suggest getting a very good quality rifle. Look at the Knight, Thompson Centers, CVA, Traditions and H&R and other brands, top of the line guns. Many of them are going to be expensive. Your also going to want something with a longer barrel because of the distances you want to shoot.

There are many rifles that will get you into the black powder sport and they are reasonable. If you practice with almost any of them and find the right load, they will shoot well.

It will take a lot of practice to be able to shoot 200 yards with any muzzleloader. Shooting from the bench rest at the local rod and gun club is a lot different then leaning into a tree out in the back 40. So find a good load and practice.....

i dont imagine with a scoped .50 cal it would be tough at all

I pulled off a 120yd shot on a small deer this past year through brush, turned around backwards in my stand, with my open sight slug gun, 20ga, so yea, i think a decent gun would easily be capable of taking a deer from out to 200 yards. Im only 19 so my skinny flexible ass is good at craning around for those tough shots

Im just getting tired of missed opportunities at BIG deer in our big bean field b/c of limited range.

Im not looking to go cheap, i just dont want to start myself with the most expensive gun you could find.

I have all summer to get the feel for the gun

Thanks guys

ShootStuff88

The best sales on Knights & T/Cs are in August. I suggest waiting until then unless you find a nearby sale at a store online or near you geographically

If you have a Gander Mountian store in your area check it out, because they are running a sale with discounts on pratically all things related to hunting to help clear out there inventory. I even got a discount on a new gun. Though it was just a Ruger k/1022 not really a hunting weapon, they did have all the guns discounted.'

For the money I think you'll find the NEF Sidekick or Huntsman tough to beat. Knight and TC make great guns to but they seem to cost more.


Good luck

I have to agree that you can't go wrong with a Knight or T/C. Both make various models to fit your wallet size and both have excellent service departments. Triple Se7en and Rwalter63 are right about checking in the off season. A lot of your firearm sellers are cutting great deals on guns they are getting ready to store away until the next hunting season. Plus, I like to go to gun shows if you have any in your area. I just snagged a super deal on a Ruger 77/50 that I believe is in the same quality class as a Knight & T/C. But I believe from now until September is the time to look for muzzleloaders as it is now considered their off season.

It would also pay to remember the forum name Cayugad who earlier replied to your question. From what I have read of his responses in these forums, he seems to be "da man" when it comes to black powder. He also seems ready, willing, and able to help anyone who has questions and his info is right on the money.

Hey Shootstuff88!

Cayugad brings a good point (as usual ). It's takes a good deal of practice to consistantly be accurate at 200 yards.

Triple Se7en is correct as most of the deals are going to show up in the latter part of the summer. But, I would suggest not waiting until then as once you figure out what you want you can start shopping for a good deal and then begin shooting and getting your feet wet.

What is your definition of reasonably priced?
Bunch of things to consider (Rifle, optics-mounts, boresighting, accessories).

Get your hands on as many rifles as you can and narrow the field based on what feels the best to you handling-wise. Then after you figure out what feels good it will be easier for you to narrow the field down

For a 200 yard reliable package you can likely expect to end up in the $600-1000+ retail department depending on:
Rifle ($250-750+)
Optics, rings & mounts ($200-600),
Boresighting and installations ($20-40),
Accessories ($100-300)
Rangefinder for accurately determining 200 yards ($200-600)

Also expect to pony up more coin for stainless or nickel finishes and the like.

Lots of good info in this forum. Dig around, ask alot of questions.

Best,

Tahquamenon

thanks for the tips gentlemen.

I wont need a rangefinder, as 200yds is the LONGEST i would do, i dont want to always be shooting that far, i would simply like to know that i CAN.

im ok with spending up to 5 hundred or so, but would like to keep it under that mark if i can.

If i cant, its not really worth it to me, i can already shoot 150ish yards with my slug gun, maybe a little more if i scoped it, so its not worth 500+ to me for an extra 50 yards.


Mat

it sounds like the cva staghorn is the gun you are looking for its inline magnum with 209 caps and you can load up to 150 grains of powder and hasa range of up to 500 yards it costs about 150-180 bucks i got mine at miejers for 150 dollars

The CVA Staghorn 209 Magnum is no longer offered. It was replaced in the CVA line by the Buckhorn Magnum. Although it is able to shoot 150 grains of pellets (not loose.. check owners manual) I have never got any kind of accuracy from my Staghorn with more then 90 grains of powder. Also I purchased mine with black composite stock and nickel barrel for $89.00 from Bass Pro when they were selling off their stock of them a year ago.

As for the claim of 500 yards... well I think that is pushing the limit with any muzzleloader and some centerfires for that matter. My CVA Staghorn is more then able to shoot out to 100 yards on a consistant basis. I have never really tried it further then that. I guess with the right optics and practice I would attempt something further with lots of range time under my belt. I do like the simple striker design of the rifle and it is easy enough to clean and care for.

With the dollar amount the poster states of then I would be looking at the Thompson Center Omega, or some of the Knight Rifles. I am not sure if The .45 caliber Knight Wolverine is still available, but I am sure with the rifle projectiles such as a Barnes Expander this would be a 200 yard rifle.... And being on sale for $139.00 is a real bargin.

I am not an advocate of the .45 caliber but for whitetail deer I am sure that a well placed shot will do the trick. Also being of the Knight quality I am going to guess that this would be an excellent rifle for field shooting....

Poster Triple Se7en might be able to give you more accurate information on the ability of the Knight .45 caliber then I can. I love Knight rifles, but have never owned or shot a .45 caliber inline.....