What kind of muzzeloader to get

[bcwalley1]

I'm new to black powder hunting and would like to get setup to hunt whitetails this fall. I was looking at both the CVA Optima and the T/C Omega but I am open to suggestions. I was just wondering what kind of gun you would recomend.

[Speedy]

I personally would go with the TC. I have an TC Encore and love it. Here is a link that should give you all the info you need to make a informed decision;

http://www.chuckhawks.com/index2h.muzzleloader.htm

[walleyeguide]

ENCORE hands down

frank

[bigstick]

I have an encore endeavor and love it ,Easy to clean plus you can change out barrel for any caliber you would like ,I also have a 22-250 and a 243 my 14 yr old son uses the 243 during rifle season i use the 22.250 for coyotes ,and the 50 cal for muzzleloader .You will not be disapointed ......

[Prov275]

Encore All The Way I Have The Encore The First Year They Came Out.And My Dad Bought The Endavor Last Year Talk About Two Diffrent Muzzeloaders.I Like The Shockey Gold Loose Powder And Nosler Hollow Points.

[Speedy]

I like Barnes 250gr TEZs or TC 250gr Shockwaves, sitting on top of 100gr of BlackHorn 209. In my Encore 209x50 with a Burris 2-7x35 Fullfield scope, mounted on a Eabco PeepRib Sight.
http://www.eabco.com/Muzzleloader03.htm

[TIN CAN]

I shoot a CVA APEX now. I have had all types of front loaders but this new model is one of the sweetest handling guns I have shot. Check them out, they come with Bergara barrels and adjustable triggers. Like the Encore they are an interchangable barrel system. I also have a .243 and .223 barrel for it. They gun is about 1.5 lbs lighter than the optima Pro. and that much also on the Endevor. I like the TC Encore product but you'll need to buy the upgrade bergara barrel and have a trigger job to get it to shoot like the APEX does out of the box. Only problem with the APEX is finding one. They are being bought up as quick as they hit the shelf. Research it on the CVA website and try to find one to handle. I think you'll like it.

FAB

[mbranham]

Check out the Savage ML II you can shoot black or smokeless powder

[Lundexp]

Depends on if you plan on using it alot and want to swap barrels for different calibers. The TC Encore is the way to go if you will use it alot and it is a freakin sweet gun. My buddy has one. Instead, I went the cheaper route and bought a CVA Optima as I don't use it much but it has worked just as well as the Encore, just doesn't have as nice of a trigger pull and fit as the encore but still dropped all my deer way out there for me so I can't really complain. I always pick up my Optima over my shotguns during slug season here in Iowa.

[Water Fowl]

I like Barnes 250gr TEZs or TC 250gr Shockwaves, sitting on top of 100gr of BlackHorn 209. In my Encore 209x50 with a Burris 2-7x35 Fullfield scope, mounted on a Eabco PeepRib Sight.
http://www.eabco.com/Muzzleloader03.htm


What he said above. The TC Omega gets my vote. What ever you decide make sure it's stainless. Blackhorn 209 is the cats %ss when it comes to BP subsitutes and the TC barrels really like the TEZ's.

[JerryA]

My son has an Encore and it is a sweet gun. It's definitely the way to go if you want to switch barrels. I have an Omega and it gets the job done for about half the price - watch for them on sale. Do get the Weather Shield barrel so that it doesn't rust. If you are going to mount a scope, I'd recommend the one-piece Talley mount that is made for this gun and the Encore. Also, if you are going to hunt in low light, a 40MM scope makes a big difference - just make sure the mount is high enough. I use the TC 250 grain ShockWave sabots with 100 gr of Triple Seven pellets - shoots fine but, man, are the pellets and bullets getting expensive. Not sure why you'd need to use more than 100 gr unless you are going to be taking some very long shots. Try to shoot the different guns you are considering because they do have different style stocks - one may feel better than the others to you. Can't go wrong with most of the inlines these days. Look around, some good deals on used guns if you know what you want. Good Luck.

[Wade B AKA: Ruger2506]

Go with the T/C. The CVAs are OK, but not the quality of the T/C. The trigger pull on the CVAs I've shot are god awful. I swear there is a good 10' of play in the trigger before it picks up the pin.

[doubleheader]

I've been in the market, and I'm convinced that the best break action muzzeleloader value on the market is the new CVA Acurra V2. Check out their website then go to a dealer and do your own comparison. Compare the trigger pull and other featuires to the Thompson and I think you'll agree.

http://www.cva.com/rifles-accura.php

[Triton HWA]

I have an Encore thumbhole laminated stainless with a VXL and QR rings, it rocks. Shoot 250grain XTP with 100 grain of 777 and this thing will mickey mouse at 100 yards all day long. It is my second one identical after a theft. Greeat glass and rings make a huge difference.

[MJONES09]

I bought a CVA Accura last fall for $289 at Cabelas. It included the sling and a free soft carrying case. TC was alot more money and I didn't think it was worth the added expense. I'm very happy with my deicision and I got a guality gun at a good price. I am going to shoot 3 deer this year with my CVA Accura.

[bentrod]

Check out the Savage ML II you can shoot black or smokeless powder


I have seen sub MOA groups from the Savage ML

[The.257Sniper]

I'm new to black powder hunting and would like to get setup to hunt whitetails this fall. I was looking at both the CVA Optima and the T/C Omega but I am open to suggestions. I was just wondering what kind of gun you would recomend.

TC Encore .50 Cal I love mine!

[tds2180]

TC Encore fan here too. Go with the encore then go to bellm tc and get the spring kit. Encores come with a heavy trigger and you can install the 3 springs for under $20. The 3 springs are trigger pull, increased hammer, and the break tension. The encore is awesome but even better with this little upgrade. Be careful though. It gets addicting. I started with the .50 muzzleloader and found that I like the gun to much. Now I have 2 frames, 2 rifle stock set-up, rosewood laminate thumbhole muzzleloader stock, and pistol stock. Rifle barrels in 223, 243, 30-06, 300win, 375h&h. Pistol barrels in 22, 223, 243, 270, and 30-06. It might cost a little more than most but you get so much more with it.