OK after 20 plus years with my Hawkins 50cal and the fact that I'll be using it for Elk (open sights only) now just not short range deer and hogs in Texas I think it is time to retire it.

So what inline do I need to buy??? No real crazy about the Encore feel. More into a normal stock feel.

So what do I need?

Have you looked at all into Whites? They are no longer in production, but they feel like a centerfire, and there are enought of us around that play with them to be able to get you what you might need in the way of parts.

Take a look around and see what is available. The guns are pretty much bought up rather quickly when they show up, but if you want one, I know of a couple that are available. Send me a pm if you wish...

quote:

Have you looked at all into Whites?

Haven't really looked at much of anything. Played with the guy next doors Encore and simply didn't like the feel of the stock and pistol grip.

I've been shooting a White since they were 1st made. I really like it. 2 of my 3 hunting partners shoot them as well.

I happen to like the Encores but if I were buying a different muzzleloader I would get an H&R Buffalo Classic in 45/70 or a Ruger No 1 and have it converted to a smokeless powder muzzleloader by these guys

http://www.smokelessmuzzleloading.com/

I have one of their Encore barrels and it shoots great.

quote:

I would get an H&R Buffalo Classic in 45/70 or a Ruger No 1 and have it converted to a smokeless powder muzzleloader by these guys

Interesting. However since CO won't even allow a scope on a muzzle loader I have no idea how they feel about a smokeless powder muzzle loader.

As you can see smokelss is a nono

2. Muzzle-loading rifles and smoothbore muskets, provided the minimum caliber shall be
forty (.40) for all big game except elk and moose. The minimum caliber for elk and
moose shall be fifty (.50). All muzzle-loading rifles and smoothbore muskets from forty
(.40) caliber through fifty (.50) caliber must use a bullet of at least 170 grains in weight.
All muzzle-loading rifles and smoothbore muskets greater than fifty (.50) caliber must use
bullets of at least 210 grains in weight.
a. During the muzzle-loading firearms seasons for deer, elk, pronghorn, bear, and
moose only lawful muzzle-loaders and smoothbore muskets may be used by
muzzle-loading license holders.
b. During the muzzle-loading firearm seasons for deer, elk, pronghorn, bear, and
moose the following additional restrictions apply:
1. Propellent/Powders: The use of pelletized powder systems and
smokeless powder are prohibited.
2. Projectiles: Sabots are prohibited. For the purposes of this regulation
cloth patches are not sabots.
3. Loading: Firearms must load from the muzzle. Firearms which can be
loaded from the breech are prohibited.
4. Sights: Any muzzle-loading rifle or smoothbore musket with any sighting
device other than open or “iron” sights is prohibited.

In that case, I would look for a great set of iron sights and not be too concerned with the rifle as long as it is decent quality. There seems to be a million look alike choices out there.

quote:

In that case, I would look for a great set of iron sights and not be too concerned with the rifle as long as it is decent quality

Yep I think I'm over engineering it. Pretty much all of them will shoot accurate enough for open sights to 125+/- . Neighbor did say think about water because it rained on him 3 days this last week.

Paul, flintlocks are new enough. I would go to .54 cal or bigger and use RB. As God intended for MLs.

Otherwise just shot a #1

Just my 2 cents.

Keith

I think one of the most overlooked and underated muzzies is the cva kodiak magnum/winchester apex. I have three of them and they are the most accurate modern bp's I've ever shot. They do have a heavy trigger but you can modify it or get used to it. The best thing is they are great quality and can be had new on the gun auction sites for around $200

I have owned quite a few different muzzies and I hunt mule deer with black powder every year and I'll be starting my Utah hunt this Wednesday.

I've killed over 10 mulies with these rifles using powerbelts at ranges from 10-210yards.

Years ago I picked up a Knight Disc Elite

4X Nikon Monarch set in Leupold Qwick Detach Rings and Bases

Love it!!!

Thanks for all the suggestions. Friday night over a couple bottles of homemade wine I worked a trade for a Knight Disc Elite with my neighbor. He had used it one year and switched to the Encore.

I am an TC and a Encore fan but if I was to pick a different ML going on shooting reviews I would pick a Knight Mountaineer.

I got to ask why retire the hawken when you can Hot Rod it?
The reason most guys want to get a inline is to shoot bigger bullets or Sabots. If you get a Green Mountain fast twist barrel you can shoot those big conicals or sabots. You can also add Lyman 57 SML peep sights and you can have a set of sights that in my opinion are better than a scope and legal in every state I know of. I am using a paper patched 500 S&W bullet. They are big and hard hitting bullets. Ron

Try to check out a CVA Apex if you can locate one. They don't come with irons installed but can be added easily.

Savage MLII gives you black powder smokeless powder.

They are accurate and shoot well

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Ron:
I got to ask why retire the hawken.....

My thoughts too, if I had one already! Nice gun BTW! and Nice Pix!

I kinda like the Traditions Vortex (I think the name). Inline, #11 or 209 caps.

But I like my Ca. Half stock .50, it shoots rather well with Goex and .497 Ball and .22 patches (pillow tick).