Which muzzleloader to choose.
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arcticap
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TC
I don't prefer any of those mechanisms or barrel lengths, but since you're asking, the TC Omega seems to have the most comfortable stock, a great reputation and the best warranty service. So I would select that 1 as the best overall choice of the 3.
How the gun fits you is probably the most important consideration in the end, but also on the criteria list besides what's mentioned above would be ease of cleaning, use and accuracy.
I don't prefer any of those mechanisms or barrel lengths, but since you're asking, the TC Omega seems to have the most comfortable stock, a great reputation and the best warranty service. So I would select that 1 as the best overall choice of the 3.
How the gun fits you is probably the most important consideration in the end, but also on the criteria list besides what's mentioned above would be ease of cleaning, use and accuracy.
Loyalist Dave
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Lyman Great Plains Rifle, in .54.
LD
LD
wanderinwalker
Member
Thompson Omega, no question.
T/C's service is top-notch and their rifles typically shoot well out-of-the-box (and they'll wrap it around a tree if you have a problem and they can't get it to shoot either).
But I have an Encore 209x50, so I may be biased!
T/C's service is top-notch and their rifles typically shoot well out-of-the-box (and they'll wrap it around a tree if you have a problem and they can't get it to shoot either).
But I have an Encore 209x50, so I may be biased!
arcticap
Member
It's just personal preference
I'm not saying that there is anything bad or wrong with that mechanism, it's just not my preference. I prefer the traditional plunger type inline like the TC Black Diamond has that's shown on Page 3 of this article about the Omega.
http://www.gunsandammomag.com/long_guns/tc_012505/
I'm not crazy about a swinging trigger and breech block, and I'm a little skeptical about not having to take the barrel off to get everything "clean".
Simple? In some ways yes, but in all ways? But I'd just as soon have the shorter barrel, receiver, plunger (thrust bolt) mechanism, fixed trigger and flick off safety at a lower price. But I'm not hunting in wide open spaces either, and my inline uses #11 caps which have never failed me either, are cheaper and are easier to use (with a standard capper) too. If I really wanted an external hammer rifle, there are other inline ML mechanisms with a simple external hammer design. That may or may not affect lock time. But they do try to make it seem so simple and easy clean, when that may be an oversimplification. I've never shot with that design, so I can't say for sure with any actual experience with it.
A swinging trigger/breech design just doesn't really appeal to me personally. There are Browning CF lever action rifles that have a swinging trigger too, and they never appealed to me either. Everyone has different tastes.
I'm also curious about whether the supplied breechplug removal wrench is adequate and comfortable for "easily" removing the breechplug while the barrel is in the stock. In one picture that I saw, it looked a little bit short to get good clearance and leverage with. Not that it wouldn't work, but it's a question of comfort too.
http://www.tjgeneralstore.com/thompson.htm
.54 Lyman Cougar action:
I'm not saying that there is anything bad or wrong with that mechanism, it's just not my preference. I prefer the traditional plunger type inline like the TC Black Diamond has that's shown on Page 3 of this article about the Omega.
http://www.gunsandammomag.com/long_guns/tc_012505/
I'm not crazy about a swinging trigger and breech block, and I'm a little skeptical about not having to take the barrel off to get everything "clean".
Simple? In some ways yes, but in all ways? But I'd just as soon have the shorter barrel, receiver, plunger (thrust bolt) mechanism, fixed trigger and flick off safety at a lower price. But I'm not hunting in wide open spaces either, and my inline uses #11 caps which have never failed me either, are cheaper and are easier to use (with a standard capper) too.
If I really wanted an external hammer rifle, there are other inline ML mechanisms with a simple external hammer design. That may or may not affect lock time. But they do try to make it seem so simple and easy clean, when that may be an oversimplification. I've never shot with that design, so I can't say for sure with any actual experience with it. A swinging trigger/breech design just doesn't really appeal to me personally. There are Browning CF lever action rifles that have a swinging trigger too, and they never appealed to me either. Everyone has different tastes.
I'm also curious about whether the supplied breechplug removal wrench is adequate and comfortable for "easily" removing the breechplug while the barrel is in the stock. In one picture that I saw, it looked a little bit short to get good clearance and leverage with. Not that it wouldn't work, but it's a question of comfort too.
http://www.tjgeneralstore.com/thompson.htm
.54 Lyman Cougar action:
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wanderinwalker
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Actually, I do believe that the design of the Omega really does seal the action from fouling everything else up. One of my coworkers has one and I know how well he treats rifles (not very! ) and his hasn't let him down. It's simple and easy to clean.
My Encore DOES get firing residue throughout the reciever. It is 95%+ from just those simple little 209 primers. (Wanna try an interesting test? Take a CLEAN 209-gun and pop just a cap in it. See how long it takes you to get the carbon out.)
As far as length, a 28" barreled Omega is only as long as a standard Black Diamond, and a 26" barreled Encore is about the same. My 20" Encore doesn't even take up and entire yardstick!
But shoot what you like. I like Thompsons, obviously. My future goal is a T/C Hawken. Ooooohh YEEEEAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!
) and his hasn't let him down. It's simple and easy to clean.My Encore DOES get firing residue throughout the reciever. It is 95%+ from just those simple little 209 primers. (Wanna try an interesting test? Take a CLEAN 209-gun and pop just a cap in it. See how long it takes you to get the carbon out.)
As far as length, a 28" barreled Omega is only as long as a standard Black Diamond, and a 26" barreled Encore is about the same. My 20" Encore doesn't even take up and entire yardstick!
But shoot what you like. I like Thompsons, obviously. My future goal is a T/C Hawken. Ooooohh YEEEEAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!
Stickjockey
Member
I'm with Loyalist Dave.
GPR, baby!
GPR, baby!
smokemaker
Member
pro's and con's to the different action types is mostly $$$ and veratility. I love my Omega, but I can see the practical aspect of the Encore platform.
wanderinwalker
Member
Depends on where you are and what the laws state. As a hunting platform, my Encore is 100% legal as a muzzleloader in New Hampshire. We have a pretty liberal definition of muzzleloader compared to some states. If it is loaded from the front, it's a muzzleloader.
If I were to travel a few minutes down the road into Massachussetts for hunting, my Encore, in 209x50 configuration, would become a break-open shotgun and therefore NOT a legal muzzleloader. But it would be fine during the regular shotgun deer season.
Accuracy-wise, I believe the Omega has a theoretical edge, with its one-piece stock, though the Encore has a reputation for good accuracy. Mine has proven so far that that reputation is well deserved.
Shoot what you like, what you can afford, and what the law tells you is a muzzleloader.
BTW, the Encore is a 4473 rifle; the Omega is not.
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