Why are those 50 cal. muzzleloaders always so cheap at basspro and walmart?? What sets them apart from everything else? I'm looking into possibly getting a muzzleloader but am not sure where to start. The price tags on those makes them attractive but wouldn't want to hurt myself in the long run because of buying something cheap. On the other hand, I don't have OODLES of money to do this with. What's a good caliber, brand, etc. to start with??

The muzzle loaders you'll find at Wal-Mart, Academy, etc are not bad guns. They sell them cheaply because they buy so many of them that they get a special deal on them and pass it on to the consumers. Most of these guns are fine and will give you many years of service. I especially like the kits that include the gun, video, and all the accessories that you'll need to start out. Only thing you have to buy are primers and powder. For $199.00, they are a good deal for any beginner.

I'd recommend a .50 caliber. .54 is overkill in my opinion and the recoil is not for beginners. And .45 caliber is a little weak in my opinion. Especially if the shot is marginal.

what Dnny45 said sounds good to me if you really enjoy it you could always move up to something else at a later date

I bought a CVA eclipse form basspro for $100 ....works great and havent had a problem with it so far. Cant beat it for the price