[AllAmerican]

posted it in the wrong forum above before...

Its not going to be my go to gun, I dont think but Id like to have one in the case.

That said, Im not looking to spend a bunch but would like something decent as well.

What say the experts?

[husker]

no expert but have been shooting cap in ball for a long time. my? to you is what are you looking for= old Kentucky type or modern style rifle or are you looking revolver.

[Kentucky Windage]

A muzzleloader for what purpose? Hunting? What animals? With or without a scope? In other words, tell us a bit about your requirements and I'm sure you'll get plenty of advice.

[dwave]

A little more info would be great. Rifle or revolver?

Heck I'll go for both.

Revolver: 1858. Excellent starting revolver IMO. Why? Better sights, and the spent caps don't fall into the action.

Rifle: Cabela's Blue Ridge. Man, I LOVE my Blue Ridge in .45. Has a set trigger for better accuracy. I only use mine when target shooting because I have it set EXTREMELY light. Accuracy is good. It is made by Pedersoli for Cabelas.

Just a few suggestions. There are cheaper rifles available but I just love mine.

[arcticap]

The traditional guns will shoot the more affordable patched round balls while inlines are for shooting modern jacketed bullets with sabots.

Affordable base models of each cost only cost $100 to $200:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=430462

The least expensive CVA & Traditions inlines are all pretty good.
Some Walmarts sell them too.

[husker]

yes i bought a traditions tracker for $90 new at Sheills sporting goods stores in omaha. its ugly as h e double hockey sticks. but shoots as good or better than my 10-22 at 50yrds

[AllAmerican]

Rifle
Hunting
Scope


I dont know anything about muzzleloading

[CAMPBELL49T]

I got one for sale in rifles for sale or trade. Check it out it is a 58 cal
zouave.

[arcticap]

Basic inlines have several types of actions and features.
There are models with external hammers or internal "strikers".
There's break [open] actions.
There's inexpensive "drop block" actions - Traditions Yukon or the Remington Genesis.
There's conventional striker models that have a slam fire type mechanism.
There are also some less expensive bolt actions.

Cabela's has some models on sale and only charge $5 shipping on a $150 order until 3/9.
Read the customer feedback for the models in your price range and look for package deals, included accessories, scope mounts etc...
There's the inexpensive CVA Wolf, Buckhorn and Optima:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/index/index-display.jsp?id=cat20815&navAction=jump&navCount=1&cmCat=MainCatcat20712&parentType=category&parentId=cat20712

Traditions has specials in their bargain bin that are a good value. Their Pursuit break open action is a popular rifle. Be aware of the barrel length and overall weight once a scope is mounted.

Home:

http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/

Bargain Bin:

http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/eshop/10Browse.asp?Category=Bargain+Bin:+Rifles

Nickel Barreled Tracker (with a conventional striker bolt):

http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=RS44103470

Additional models and customer reviews can be found at Bass Pro:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SportingGoods_Hunting--Black%2BPowder--Black%2BPowder%2BGuns_10151_-1_10001_advisor_CA.CategoryExpand_N_425010001_425000000_425010000

Most folks will need a powder measure [and usually a powder flask too] but only if shooting loose powders which also happen to be cheaper. Also a cleaning jag, breech plug grease or Bore Butter and maybe a patch worm too (it has wire hooks on it to retrieve cleaning patches that fall off inside the barrel). Buying sabots and bullets in bulk is also more economical.

Be aware that after every shooting session, the bore and action needs to be thoroughly cleaned of all powder residue or the gun will corrode.

If more info. is needed about the action of a specific model, Traditions and CVA have PDF owner's manuals available to view the details.

Lastly, several states have hunting regulations that prohibit some types of BP guns and ammo for hunting.

[AllAmerican]

Arcticap,

Thanks...

[ArmedBear]

It's also important to know where you are.

A growing number of states are restricting what sort of guns can be used during the special muzzleloader seasons.

Around the Northwest, a 209 and/or striker-fired inline would be of no value to you unless you are a felon or hunt out of state.