Posted: 10/30/2015 8:17:33 PM EDT
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Strictly for hunting. Must be loaded from the muzzle to meet TX laws. Do not care about any historical periods just want something accurate, reliable and easy to care for. Only purpose is to extend my hunting season.
Thanks! |
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Thompson center encore pro hunter. The best there is IMHO.
I also like the Omega. I have the Pro Hunter 50x209 with the speed breech and absolutely love it. http://www.cabelas.com/product/Thompson-Center-Pro-Hunter-FX-Muzzleloader-Weather-Shield-Black/1170264.uts If you want strickly a muzzle loader and don't want to be able to swap barrels I would go with the Omega. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1073353718/thompson-center-omega-muzzleloading-rifle |
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In the $300 - $400 range, (assuming you're looking for a package deal, optics included) you can't go wrong with CVA Optima V2 or Traditions Pursuit models.. Many offerings out there even under $300.
Under $600, then yes, T/C is the way to go... but... Any of the 3 will kill deer, and do it well. Mostly out of boredom, I picked up a Traditions Pursuit "Ambush III" package from Cabelas for $232 out the door (with Club coupon) 2 weeks before opening of muzzleloader.season this month. (Was looking for a new toy, and something lighter than my current in-line.) Neck shot a big doe at 85 yards with 2 minutes left in the season, DRT. (Cheap included scope gathered more light than expected.) Just saying if you're looking only to extend your season, and not to have the latest/greatest/most expensive toy in camp, you can extend your season and bring back meat, while saving some of that budget for other uses. |
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After I had a few problems with customer service issues regarding TC, I bought a couple CVAs. I've been very happy with them and think they (and the Traditions) both offer a good "value."
I know TC makes some good products as well, and I won't get into details about the issues, but they seemingly went the wrong direction when they became a Smith & Wesson Company. |
| I picked up a CVA Optima V2 in stainless for about $275 shipped to my door. Added a Bushnell Trophy scope for $100 to it. I've been very pleased with it. The trigger on it is very light 2-3lbs range from the factory. If you don't care for stainless they have blued models you can get shipped to your house for $220-230 with sights if you don't want a scope. Talked to a lot of people and they recommended Thompson Center or CVA. I've only shot mine out to about 50 yards but it is capable of putting the bullets into the same hole if I do my part. At 50 yards it's easy for me to get 1 1/2" groups and I'm pretty shaky. |
| I've shot and owned Traditions and TC. I like TC better, seem to be more accurate. The Omega is a nice gun. I had the baseline Z5 model. Killed several deer and an antelope with it. Then picked up a TC Contender with a .45 cal barrel. It's light, short, handy, and real accurate. Already had a bunch of Contender barrels and frames so it was a no brainer. |
| Sitting in the woods right now with an old knight bk 92 and the wife had am omega. Omegas are great. I haven't handled any of the newer knights, if I'm not mistaken the company was bought and sold a couple times. But if the new ones are anything like the old, Id buy another. |
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I bought a T/C Impact last year, and put a peep on the rear that works with the original front fiber optic sight. I think it was a Williams. With a box of .452 250gr Hornady XTPs, black Crush Rib sabots, a bullet starter, some shotgun primers, and some Buckhorn 209, I am probably into it for $350. My best 4 shot group was 4" at 100 yards, which is about what I can do with an AR with factory irons.
I also bought some of little test tube speed loaders from a guy at modernmuzzleloader.com for pretty cheap-around $6 for 20 delivered. I weigh out the charges and have speed loaders ready when shooting or hunting. |