Looked at the post and did not see this question...looking at getting a BP rifle, at this time only to extend deer hunting season. Looking for a modern, simple one with tuperware stock. It does'nt appear they are that expensive so cost is not a factor. One has 3 different ignition systems available on one rifle...whats the best? Can you mount a scope on them, or is that against the law re: hunting. (I may be hunting in just about any State). Heard of one that has exchangable barrells, seems like a good idea? Thanks, once again. HAPPY NEWYEAR!

A custom .50 caliber Hawken with 32" Bill Large barrel, gun built by Virgil Hartley of Indianapolis, IN. Gun is not for sale!!

If you are going to be hunting in "just about any state" I believe you may be limited to a flintlock with open sights although I'm not sure about the flintlock part. Some states allow scopes, some do not. Ditto on inlines. Some states have restrictions on the caliber but I would guess that .50 caliber would pass muster in all states. Also there is probably a greater selection of bullets available for the .50 than for any other caliber.

If you are going with an inline and price is no object, I would recommend a Savage 10ML-II, I have two of them and I like 'em a lot. These will shoot smokeless powder as well as BP or a substitute and are extremely accurate with either. The state I live in does not allow smokeless in a frontloader for big game hunting so I target shoot and hunt varmints with smokeless all year but switch to Pyrodex for deer and elk.

So far, I would have to say the White Elite Hunter model 98 at Splitfireguns.com. (cheaper via Gunbroker.com) The Encores are also nice - if you get one that isn't problematic. Can't say on traditionals as I'm pretty out of touch with my roots.

Savage MLII is best in-line, no question.

For an in-line, the Savage makes a mockery of the T/C and Knight offerings. I use smokeless powder in "shotgun" counties, as my state's rules make this possible. No clean-up! That's a BIG deal, for me. Our muzzleloader season didn't happen, as we can't kill enough deer in my neighborhood. CWD outbreak.

You can always put BP down the snout, if you have to. Ick. I got a T/C Hawken for the stinky stuff. I know it isn't quite right in the springs, but that's ok by me. Some things are better when they are improved. JMO.

Pete

Wow, thanks for awakening this thread! Since I had not heard from yall I had perdy much decided on the TC Encore or Omega in .50, but have not found an Encore in camo on any of the "auction" sites...Savage 10ML-II eh? Had not heard of that one, I'll check it out. It's really better than the Encore? After doing some reasearch I found in my State you can have any muzzleloader in 50 cal with open sites. Not rich, but I like buying the best. Rather have 1 great gun than two cheaper ones. (Or 20 nice ones rather than 20 cheaper ones).

Wow, thanks for awakening this thread! Since I had not heard from yall I had perdy much decided on the TC Encore or Omega in .50, but have not found an Encore in camo on any of the "auction" sites...Savage 10ML-II eh? Had not heard of that one, I'll check it out. It's really better than the Encore? After doing some reasearch I found in my State you can have any muzzleloader in 50 cal with open sites. Not rich, but I like buying the best. Rather have 1 great gun than two cheaper ones. (Or 20 nice ones rather than 20 cheaper ones ).

Bruz,

There is a site dedicated to Savage 10-Ml shooters. You can have direct contact to guys who own them there. One of the people who posts there is the guy who designed the rifle for Savage.

Here is the URL:

http://www.dream-tools.com/tools/messages.mv?index+savagemuzzleloader

Whatever you decide on here's wishing you happy shooting.

Mel

Thanks alot Mel!

Thanks alot Mel!