Which Muzzleloaders?

[jon lynn]

I am toying with learning to use a muzzleloader. And started reading up about them. I read a few articles by people I have not heard of before, and one by Chuck Hawks (who I am not impressed with).

But they say that the muzzleloaders in the blister packs in walmart are made in Europe (Mainly Spain), and that they are quite dangerious, even when used correctly.

Remember I am ALWAYS BROKE! So price is an issue, and if I do get one it will most likely to have a Bushnell on it..............yeah I know!

But send me your usual good advice.

Thanks, Jon

[Swift]

First off ya lookin for flinter or percussion?

[muskrat30]

Are you looking for something to extend your deer hunting with? If so I'd gravitate to a scoped in-line. I am partial to Knight Disc rifles but there are several good options available. You can check the used listings for better deals. Care given by the previous owner is paramount when buying a used M-L. I've seen more than a few not given proper care after shooting.

[jon lynn]

Now my total ignorance will show! All I know, is I want one that can take a scope, 50 cal, I think I want an inline. I learned from a friend that they make idiot kits for novices like me, where you use powder plugs, and not have to measure powder. For me simplicity is best.

And, yes it is just to extend my deer hunting season, my dismal season last year really saddened me. Each and every season in Germany I got multiple game animals, but since I’ve been back to Oklahoma, I’ve gotten Bupkus.

So I gotta’ learn the ram rod!:D

[jon lynn]

And I more than likely will have to buy used.:(

[gd357]

jon,

If you're on a budget, look at CVA's Optima and Wolf inline muzzleloaders. They can be had for a very low price, new. Also, Rossi makes a budget priced inline break action muzzleloader. Not to discourage your thought train, but I would be VERY leary of used muzzleloaders. You don't know how they've been used/abused. You can get a new CVA Wolf for under $200. Much better option, IMHO.

gd

[muskrat30]

I wouldn't fear loose powder. I like it. It's easy to pre measure a few 'speed-loaders' before the hunt & off you go. Loose powder is cheaper per shot, easier to ignite, & according to Hodgdon gives a few more fps than comparable pellet charge.

[jon lynn]

gd357.....Thanks for the tip about used, but for some reason in Oklahoma some inline break actions are illegal. I am not sure which ones, but I will ask some of the locals here to explain the Oklahoma laws, and the styles of break actions.

[jon lynn]

Before I get too far off the beaten path, have any of you ever heard of any inherent dangers with the lower priced models?

[Ridge Runner]

OK, my go to muzzleloader is a 1992 vintage TC Thunderhawk, yeah its ugly, kinda outdated but shoots like a house a fire, have taken several deer beyound 200 yards, farthest was 267. On a good day 3 TC 250 gr shockwaves will blow one large ragged hole in a 100 yard target. was affraid I couldn't get parts for it if the need should arise so last year I bought a like new/used one for 225.00.
a couple pics
the first day I hunted with it, one buck fell at 30 yards, the other at 110
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/wv_Ridge_Runner/vaop93.jpg
the next year, I missed this buck running on thur morn, took him fri morn
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/wv_Ridge_Runner/mzzld_8pt.jpg
This buck was shot the last day of season a couple years ago at 208 yards, DRT
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/wv_Ridge_Runner/blkpdrbk.jpg
anyway look around you can buy these guns for cheap, and their replacement model the diamond back is cheap as well. the thunderhawks come standard with a timney trigger.
RR

[wrenchman]

jon i have never heard of any prolims my brother in law bought one the only complaint he had was the triger sucked.
I would have to go with g.d about the wolf and rossi makes a combo gun with 2 or 3 barrels the 2 barrel kit goes for about 180 here i seen one here for sell at dunhams with a 243 and a 50 normaly they are shotgun muzzle loader combos unless you bought a 3 barrle combo.
I have a rossi by the way with a 243 a 12gauge and a 50cal.
Many states have regs saying no optics or no inlines youseing 209 primers.
I would check your regs good becuse for years we couldnt even use pyrodex each state is diferent.

[buckhunter]

I bought a CVA Kodia Pro. I only shoot loose powder and so far it hasn't exploded. Naw really I paid about $200 for it and it shoots fine.

[Duffy]

A good starter is the CVA Buckhorn, it comes in a kit with all the trimmings, and can be purchased at Dick's (at least around here) for around $150.00. It is a very capable 209 inline, and is scope-ready. It was my first muzzleloader. If you're just starting out, it would be one to consider.

[Okie Hog]

" good starter is the CVA Buckhorn, it comes in a kit with all the trimmings, and can be purchased at Dick's (at least around here) for around $150.00. It is a very capable 209 inline, and is scope-ready. It was my first muzzleloader. If you're just starting out, it would be one to consider."


+1
The CVA Buckorn and the Elkhorn are both really good guns. I have scoped about 15 of them for hunters and they shoot really good. An used option is any of the CVA inlines made since 2000. I live in Lawton, OK and they are being sold used in pawnshops for $75-150. Some of them are scoped. Inspect any used muzzleloader carefully, especially the bore. A lot of guys do not clean their guns and the bore gets rusty.
If the bore is not shiny do not buy the gun.

The TC Black Diamond is another gun to look for. That gun is very accurate.

[jmarriott]

If you closely examine a muzzleloader used is not a bad option. Somewhat risky if you are new to loaders. Maybe someone you know that is using one can go with ya.

You then have the ability to buy a used one for less than the price they have on the rack. It is a used loader and most shops don't give much trade in cash for them. Get one and use it if you like it then save up for a new one that you might spend the rest of your life with. You should be able to locate a good used one for 100 or so.

I stick with X-bows in the late season when muzzleloader are the favorites. I got a good deal on the X-bow because the guy's a cronic upgrader. I move closer to the houses late in season as the deer seem to move closer to them and most hunters overlook the little spot that 3 farm houses connect at.

[greymule]

I have heard nothing of the muzzleloaders made in Spain that were not safe.
I have a CVA Optima that was purchased in 2004 that has given good service.


Greymule

[skeeter@ccia.com]

I would check local laws on what you can use and not use before buying any. Sounds like some good advice given. Here in W. Pa, use of the flint is where you can still gather more days in the woods but at least they are gettin with the program and let us use inlines in other seasons that is. So I can say what to stay away from. I only picked this one up because at the time the price was right but the money I spent on it I should of added to and purchased a better one. I am sorry I purchased a Traditions Yukon inline. That is one I would stay away from. The ramrod isn't even long enough to load it without adding extensions after you remove it from the gun to load...fiber optic sights have fallen off before too...just the fiber part. Spend those extra few dollars now or even save for a while longer and get one you will be happy with and not have to sell as used to buy another one in the future. I did that with my TC 54 many deer, whistle pigs ago and wouldn't part with it for anything but am saving now for a better inline..I am also learning from your post....spend it now or spend more later.

[jon lynn]

Thanks for the input everyone, sorry I didn’t reply sooner. But yet another financial crunch came my way, and I couldn’t do the muzzleloader this year.

But maybe next year I can do an Omega with a top notch scope. I literally have a coffee can I am stuffing bills in to every chance I get. I even will do the ramen noodles and macaroni & cheese thing for a few weeks (as with most of us, it wouldn’t be the first time) as needed.


Jon

[muskrat30]

If your able to inspect it a lightly used one after Christmas is a good option. Just be careful with the sight unseen M-L purchases, rust can be an issue if not cared for.

[.50 cal]

I bought a cva bobcat new at walmart for $50. It shoots well enough I bought 3 more and gave them away as christmas presents.We have shot over 30 deer with them so far.They are side hammer not in-line thou.

[gd357]

I had a CVA Bobcat a long time ago. Very good shooting gun with roundballs and just about any reasonable charge of pyrodex. Not tapped for scope mounts, and quite a few places around home offered shots up to 200 yards or so. Decided to upgrade, but if I was keeping all shots within 125 yards, I wouldn't have needed to do so. Very affordable way to get into muzzleloading. The only issue I had with mine was the need to open the flash hole in the nipple.

gd

[.50 cal]

I changed mine to a musket cap and have not had a problem since.I also drilled and tapped 2 of the ones I gave away.

[model8]

i have a cva pronghorn i got at walmart in 01 and i still use it today never a problem i use remington 209 primers made for inline m-l and pyrodex and cva bullets it shoots great and knocks them down never tracked one more than 100 yeards and that was due to my more than poor shooting at the time other than that 50 yards is all they go i look at walmart for gigles and here they are really not bad 150 for a cva and a black diamond by tc with kit and scope for 200 never heard f any danger reports if used properly but hope u get on and used isnt always bad just check the bore and plug good luck

[FrontierGander]

In 1995 and 1996 CVA had a recall on their rifles for blowing breech plugs out. They've recollected 96-98% of them now. CVA's today are just as safe as any other rifle out there. The guy who writes those articles is a bafoon who is in the pockets of savage, he even sells savages on his website. He's even shot and reviewed CVA's so its pretty obvious to me that his scare tactics are just that, Take away a new shooter from CVA and send it to savage and collect $$ from the sale.

This is the guy who writes those dangerous muzzleloader articles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0vB8NipmFo

[T.R.]

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/rushmoreman/CVAOptima.jpg

I bought my rifle second hand through GunBroker.com.

It's a CVA Optima came with leather sling, Bushnell scope 1.5X - 4.5X, and soft case for $149. plus shipping. It shoots 2 inch groups at 100 yards when I do my part. I've killed three deer with it - all one shot a piece.

CVA Wolf is a good one, too. My brother bought one new as a close out item from Bass Pro about 18 months ago for $139. It shoots quite well.

CVA Elite is their top-of-the-line model. But sometimes a used one goes for less than 175. on GunBroker.

You'll be happiest with a ML that breaks open like a shotgun. They're easist to load the cap and to clean as well. Nearly all the companies build this type now.

CVA and TC are probably the most common within the used market. Check for signs of neglect or abuse before buying.

Sherwood

[Adam Helmer]

jon lynn,

You got good advice from all prior posters. I have two inlines; both are bolt action CVAs. One is .45 caliber and the other is .50 caliber. Both are closed breech bolt actions and wear 3X-9X scopes. I shoot round ball with 50 grain charges for target stuff in Summer and Maxis with 80 and 90 grain charges for hunting. The .45 was a closeout for $119.00 and the .50 was about $200, as I recall. I would recommend CVA bolt inlines to you.

I would discourage you from the cheap T/C Black Diamond inline that is a SLAM fire and the busted caps often burn the shooter. We have five of those POS's for Youth Field Day and we need to convert them to boat anchors. Hammer guns are ok for those who like them, but I prefer CLOSED BOLT rifles for all the right reasons.

Adam