Maybe getting a muzzleloader for my birthday

[csaws]

I have been informed that I am getting something I have been wanting for awhile. There are three choices I can think of

1. Hammock
2. Tree Stand
3. Muzzleloader

I am leaning toward the ML because I found a link to the nmlra.org in my fiancee's favorites and I had never heard of the site until the other day when I found it.

So who makes a good hunting ml? I have never owned one and have no bias toward any brands or anything related to them.

 

[RoaringBull]

I use a Pedersoli Kentucky flintlock in .50. I also have a CVA Frontioer in .54. My son uses a Traditions Hawkens in .50.

It all depends on what you want to spend and how deeply you wish to becoem involved in BP shooting......One word of warning.....

There is no 12 step program to help with the addiction you are about to get. Believe me, there is nothing more addicting than shooting a bp rifle, or a smoothbore for that matter.

 

[Smokin_Gun]

The Lyman Great Plains Rifle(left or right) is a real good middle of the road rifle, .54cal or .50cal. A little longer than a Standard Hawken. Or get a T/C Hawken(left or right) non period but great adjustable sites, hunting rifle/target .50 or 54. I have a Tennessee Poorboy Mountain Rifle(left) .50cal, and an 1863 Remington Zouave(right)500gr .58 cal minnie ball(drops most anything now). Like RoringBull said cost and desire basically.

Authentic, old school, a little modern, they are all good.

SG

 

[arcticap]

So who makes a good hunting ml?

Most every muzzle loader on the market today will shoot fairly well.
Some cheaper ones can even outshoot more expensive ones.
Every rifle has a different lock time depending on the type of action, some have counter bored muzzles for aligning sabots/bullets, some actions are enclosed and some are open, some have removable breechplugs and some don't, some are drilled & tapped for scope mounting and some aren't, some will shoot patched round balls and some won't shoot saboted bullets, and the list of features and pros and cons goes on and on.
And then there's how much anyone plans to spend on a gun. Muzzle loading requires many accessories to load, shoot, hunt and clean the powder residue out with after each shooting sesion. These accessories can easily cost $50 - $100 initially, and even more if want to mount a scope on it.
All of the companies really do offer some good rifles, especially considering how much less expensive some of the basic models cost.
Recommendations really depend what your budget is, what kind of shooting that you want to do with it and what your performance expectations are.
There's even a Savage smokeless powder muzzle loader that can shoot 200 yards as accurately as any center fire rifle, if not better. It only needs to be cleaned once a year if using smokeless powder is legal in your state. But it can shoot BP or the new Blackhorn 209 powder too.
Read about as many of the features of as many models as possible and ask questions about the ones thatyou want to know more about. Better yet, visit a gunshop and shoulder some of the guns and look at their actions and prices and see what feels good to you. Visit the Cabela's and Bass Pro websites, read about the features of their muzzle loaders, and especially the customer reviews for each model.
Remember, it's not all about price. It's just a learning curve that requires some casual study.
How much do you really want to spend on a new gun, $200, $400, $600?
Since they all shoot good and they're all fun to shoot, then it's becomes trying to find one that feels comfortable to you.
Do you have any friends who shoot muzzle loaders?

 

[antiliberal454]

i think if you can find a used thompson center blackdiamond muzzleloader you will like it, i got one for my 14th birthday, i got it used and it was only $190 and in great conditon, its a .50 and i love it, it is accurate easily at 100 yards with open sites, and its fairly light and doesnt kick bad at all its a slow shove

 

[Cosmoline]

I really love the Pedersolis. They're more expensive but hold up well so you can get them used. I've got a Tryon and a Kodiak. When I've held and shot other ML's such as Traditions or Lyman they feel cheaper and less solid.

 

[scrat]

too cool congrats and good luck on your choice

 

[Omnivore]

Be sure to check your local hunting regs if you plan to ever hunt with a ML. Some states or locales are much more restrictive than others. Be sure to read the stickys here also. Welcome to the sport-- it's a lot of fun!

 

[Oldnamvet]

Ever consider a smoothbore?? Being able to load shot for smaller game is an advantage. Many of the smoothbores can shoot better than we can reasonably hold out to about 50 yards with a patched round ball. A 62 cal (20 gauge) smoothbore can really do a number on deer with a round ball. Squirrels, rabbits, fowl can be taken with the same gun when loaded with shot. It all depends on your budget, and what you intend to hunt. People here are really good at finding ways for you to spend your money, aren't we?