Muzzleloader

[zeebandit]

I need advice on purchasing one for my son as a Christmas present. I would like to get him one that is dependable and easy to use. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Leadeye]

For hunting it's hard to beat the Knight products. I'm still using one of the old MK 85s every season and it's still great. For a traditional rifle you can pick up one of the old TC Hawkins, the 45s can usually be had pretty low cost.

 

[IndyGunSafety]

The only ones I own are a .60 cal. flintlock and a .44 SAA! However, my brother got one of those package deals from Wal Mart for Christmas 2 years back and he has killed 4 deer with it. It's accurate and dependable. Waiting on a text from my bro for the model.

It was the Traditions kit. Came with scope and sling rings, ball and cap tools, lube, cleaning tools, powder measure. Good to go out of the box. Shoots a .45 sabot. Good luck!

 

[Mini-14]

T/C Omega...Walmart has them for a good price.

 

[Indybeer]

Anything from Knight or Thompson Center is a good bet, for a reliable shooter.

 

[zeebandit]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[66chevelle]

CVA Optima. I bought one last year. It is great very easy to use and cost about $200 new from walmart.

 

[IndyGunworks]

i highly highly reccomend the TC omega.... here is why....
a 3 shot 100 yard group

and a 5 shot 200 yard group

the gun is also extremly easy to load and use.... and the shotgun primers are in a sealed breach so weather isnt much of a concern.

 

[IndyGunworks]

these also cost under 300 dollars from walmart.... i bought mine off gunbroker and it came with nikon omega scope and mount for 450 shipped.

 

[DEC]

Just an observation. You didn't say if your son is young or approaching adult hood. You didn't say if he wants one to hunt with or just to shoot for fun.

If he's approaching adulthood and wants to hunt, then hands down a T/C Omega. I've had a few different muzzleloaders now and I absolutely love my Omega. There are other good ones out there as well, but the Omega is one sweet gun.

If he's a youth (young and small framed), then your options are limited. My 10 year old daughter shoots a .50 cal. Rossi muzzeloader. Honestly, I could not be happier with the gun. So much so, that if I was on a tight budget and looking for a new adult gun, I would seriously consider the adult version of this gun.

 

[zeebandit]

DEC: Sorry I should have added that my son is an adult and will be using the gun for deer hunting.

 

[Indybeer]

I have a TC Triumph that I picked up earlier this year. Just started shooting it and I love it! I still have my Knight Wolverine that I used for years that I just couldn't part with!

 

[DEC]

Then I'd seriously look into the T/C Omega. They are absolute tack driving guns, easy to maintain (throw away the cheap wrench they give you and just use a ratchet with extension), reliable, and all around a great buy.

Depending on your budget, I'd go stainless too.

 

[Dukshead]

Gotta agree with everyone else. I own a TC Encore. Super nice but exspensive. Brother owns an Omega. Still a nice gun for a little less money. I am also a fan of CVA. Never owned anything other than a CVA before last year. Still have 3 that I shoot off and on. Hunterbolt Magnum. Wolf and Optima. Can't go wrong with these for the price.

 

[redneckmedic]

Can't go wrong with TC or knight. I have a Traditions and it is a great shooter. T bought it for $350 scoped from Dick's about 6 yrs ago. (BTW I have raised rings on mine so I can use open sights as well)

 

[Glock22]

Which would he prefer?Inline or sidelock?

 

[zeebandit]

I know nothing about muzzleloaders and my son is just getting into deer hunting. What is the difference?

 

[Glock22]

Sidelock's are the traditional muzzleloaders(Daniel Boone)using a percussion or a Flintlock.Inlines look like a bolt action rifle or a centerfire single shot rifle.

 

[redneckmedic]

I like the in line... but that is just me.

 

[zeebandit]

Glock22: Thanks for the explanation. He used one his friends last year. I will ask him which it was.