I been looking at muzzleloaders all weekend and plan to order or buy one this week, these two are pretty much in the price range of what I want to spend. Again I'm looking for a rifle to deer hunt with in Alabama and maybe take on a elk and/or black bear hunt. Of the two which would you say is better? Whats the pros and cons of each? Heres my thoughts.

Kodiak 209 magnum with the nickel barrel:
The pros for it is its the cheaper of the two, at $210. It also has the pivot block action, which from what I've read, is easier to clean. The cons, its a nickel barrel.

The Black Diamond XR with s/s barrel.
The pros, the barrel is stainless steel. It comes with the flamethrower ignition system, that allows you to shoot the musket cap, No. 11 cap and the 209 primer. I'm not sure but that may make it legal in more states.
The cons, at $300 its $90 more than the Kodiak and it could be some what harder to clean.

Go with the TC they are well made.The cva muzzeloaders are pieces of junk.The cva company recalls alot of its inlines every year.I have use a TC renegade .50 for 25 years.I wore out the fly in the hammer and TC sent me all new parts free.That was after shooting it well over a 1000 times.

Hold out for a used Thompson Omega. Mine is a tack driver.


It will break your heart, but I got one on clearance at wally world a few weeks ago for about $270 + tax!!!!!

$270,Damn that was a good deal!!! I'd like to find 2 for that price.

I agree with dgr416, I had the Black Diamond which shot well, gave it to a buddy and went to the Encore. I like the Encore a little more (just styling really) but the Black Diamond shot just as well which is to say around an inch at 100 yds in 50 cal. My encore in 45 shoots just under an inch if I do my part.

Good Luck--Don

How does the gas vent on the Encore? I"ve looked at NEF muzzleloader and sort of like it but it vents gas on the right side. Which could by a problem for left handed shooters.