Gun (black powder) recomendations

[jslo]

Going hunting with a buddy for black powder season. I need to get a gun, and not knowing how well I'll like it, was looking for recommendations on something "decent" that won't break the bank. What should I be looking for? Entry level Thompson Center adequate? Thanks for any suggestions/recommendations.

[Jherexx]

Get yourself a CVA or Traditions kit, everything you need except for powder and primers and usually under $200.

[sniper7]

They are all about the same any more. Cva Thompson and many others. Get at least a .50 cal.

Go out and shoot it a lot, and not just from a bench. Shoot offhand, prone on a hill, resting on a tree branch etc. real world positions.

Clean it often and keep it dry!

[02ducky]

Thompson build kit, fun to do and you learn a lot about the gun that way too.

[palepainter]

50 cal min....54 if your are going to give Elk a try. Watch the rate of twist on them too. If you are going to hunt here in CO, you will want a 1:48 twist for the loads. Any thing slower than that is great for target shooting with patch and ball. The longer barrels are nice. I have a few here that I shoot. My fave is my 44 in barreled PA Long Rifle 50 cal in flintlock. But like mentioned above, you can get into a nice kit if you want. They pop up all the time on the net.

[BPTactical]

Traditional all the way.

[MarkCO]

Traditional all the way.

Makes sure to read the regulations. There are several for BP season and I know more than one person who has screwed up by not knowing the regulations.

[encorehunter]

I would suggest you stay away from the Traditions. They do not have a bridle on the lock, therefore it is more common for the mainspring to break. I don't know if they have fixed this problem in the last few years. I have several Thompson Center muzzleloaders and they are great. Most are short and handy. CVA makes a Bobcat model that is inexpensive and good quality. I used to buy them for around $50 from Walmart. I donated several to 4H clubs across the state. If you want to get into a better quality muzzleloader, look at the Lyman Plains rifles. They are heavier, but the are outstanding quality. Try and hold a few different styles before purchasing. Do you want a full stock or half stock? Long or short barrel? Flint or percussion? I don't think you would want to be frustrated with a flinter the first time out. I agree with either the .50 or .54, that way you can hunt elk and moose if you want.

[longbow]

Is the BGC required for a muzzleloader? Don't mean to hijack the thread.

[BPTactical]

I would suggest you stay away from the Traditions. They do not have a bridle on the lock, therefore it is more common for the mainspring to break. I don't know if they have fixed this problem in the last few years. I have several Thompson Center muzzleloaders and they are great. Most are short and handy. CVA makes a Bobcat model that is inexpensive and good quality. I used to buy them for around $50 from Walmart. I donated several to 4H clubs across the state. If you want to get into a better quality muzzleloader, look at the Lyman Plains rifles. They are heavier, but the are outstanding quality. Try and hold a few different styles before purchasing. Do you want a full stock or half stock? Long or short barrel? Flint or percussion? I don't think you would want to be frustrated with a flinter the first time out. I agree with either the .50 or .54, that way you can hunt elk and moose if you want.

Not "Traditions", I meant a traditional vs an inline.

I will wholeheartedly agree with the Lyman Plains rifle. Very good rifle, a fun kit build and a reasonably accurate representation of a Plains style rifle(if you can get past the coil spring lock, I believe L&R makes a V spring drop in for the LPR).

If your planning on going after Wapiti, go with a .54. You will be glad you did.