| Big Game Hunting > Muzzleloader Hunting |
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| Gutpile:
Thinking about picking up a ML and starting to use it for elk, bear and possibly deer in 09. Anyways where do I start? Which brands/models should I consider? The most important thing to me is reliability. I love the looks of the the old style hawken rifles with the side locks but if they don't fire reliably in all weather I'm not interested. Heard way to many horror stories (CLICK). I'd also like one thats easier to clean and maintain. I've got a ways to go but I'm desperate to get away from the crowds during Elk season. It's depressing. ML's seem very affordable but are the cheap CVA's and the like junk? Point me in the right direction. Oh, lastly caliber. I more than likely will not use it for deer so what would be the most suitable caliber for Elk/Bear? Thanks!!!! Mark |
| jdb:
The Bi-mart has a pretty good deal on a knight bighorn comes with everything but powder and caps. as far as the realiabilty of a hawkins go I would fear not Ive shot mine for over a decade and if you treat it good it will treat you good and I find it no more difficult to clean then my sons knight. aslo if your lookin to get away from crowds you may have a rude awakening last year in unit 368 it was just as crowded as modern. but I really love hunting with my hawkin if there were better seasons geared toward muzzleloadeds Id probvably hunt with mine exclusively. feel free to ask me any questions you have I could talk black powder all day. JB |
| Gutpile:
Thanks. I'd be hunting on the eastside and I do run into guys ML hunting up there when I'm grouse hunting but no where near the numbers I see during modern firearm season. We'll see what happens I'm strongly considering it. What would be the opyimum caliber for elk / bear |
| Sagedawg:
Pretty easy to get started up really. There are tricks to make your sidelock fire in wet weather, so thats an option. As far as inlines IMO the Knight Bighorn is the only one that is legal in Washington so far. Easy to clean ,accurate fun to shoot and carry. They come in 50 and 52 cal ,but Id stay away from the 52 because its an oddball. The 50 will be fine for elk . You can adjust and tailor your loads as needed. You'll get hooked thats for sure. Sage |
| DeKuma:
Take a run out to Colville and visit Clark's. They are a huge wealth of knowledge on ML. Bought one there last year. Cannot remember the name though at the moment. Step-mom used it for deer last year. Works pretty well, and I did not find it too difficult to clean. Dad and I bought it to give us more options for hunting. Can go either Bow, Rifle or ML now. Was not that expensive to get everything either. |
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