Muzzy options for the lady?

[KopperBuck]

I'm wanting to get my wife a ML to hunt deer with. We have some options that makes this an attractive choice for her. I've hunted with a ML a couple times, but I was using a borrowed gun. I hate to admit it, but beyond operating the rifle, I know very little about these. I know there's a ton of options out there, and opinions. But frankly, I'm having a hard time sifting through all of it being that I'm relatively inexperienced in the arena. Here's a couple factors/questions that need to be in the equation, and maybe it'd get me going in the right direction.

1. She's a small gal. Probably 5'4'', maybe 120-130 lbs. She currently shoots a .25-06 that is a little long for her. I shoot it, but it's really too short for me. I can compensate, but she can't nearly as well. I want something that's comfortable. Are there women's/youth models?

2. Caliber.. man, I dunno. I've shot a couple different, never hit meat with them so I can't attest. I'm of the party the shot is more important than the size. Recoil is somewhat of a concern, although she handles it well. But we don't need an elephant gun. More than likely she'll be using this for deer only. There will be a chance she could use it for elk.

3. I'd prefer an in-line. It'd just work better for her.

4. Caps - I'm reading some caps work better in some rifles. I don't really care which I use, as long as they're capable and consistent. Do I need to look specifically for a rifle that shoots a certain cap?

5. I see all kinds of different coatings for the barrels. Anything to specifically stay away from, or lean towards? I also have a line on a guy that does cerakote, and a damn good job at that.

Am I missing something? Obviously needs to be a western breech. We'd monkey around with the sight options to find something comfortable for her.

From my research it looks like CVA, Knight, T/C, and Traditions seem to be the larger manufacturers. Am I missing any? I know if I ask 10 people I'll get 10 answers. I just hope by answering some of the above questions it'll move me in one direction or another.

Also, I'd like to keep the price tag at $500 or less. Seen quite a few in the $300-$400 range. I could go more, but just getting into it I'd hate to sink a ton of money into it. 

[kellama2001]

I'm no expert on muzzle loaders, but when I drew a multi season deer tag a few years ago I borrowed my brothers CVA Optima V2 NW model in 50 cal and got my first muzzy deer with it. I loved it so much I got one for myself and have taken my last 2 deer with it. For me (5'5", average weight) it's lightweight enough for all day hiking/hunting, very user friendly and easy to clean. It fits my frame perfectly and has a nice recoil pad.  I only use the RWS caps after some misfire issues cost me a big buck. I am planning on replacing the fiber optic sights with a peep. Got mine from muzzleloaders.com. Hope you find what you're looking for!

[Whitelightning]

I would strongly suggest you look at 45 cal for the little lady. I have taken a couple deer with a 45 cal White G series Whitetail. 460gr lead conical with 65gr 3F T7 powder. !50 yards complete pass through of both lungs went 15 feet and rolled. That load in that rifle has very little kick and a whole lot of knock down power.

[zwickeyman]

The Knight Little Horn would fit her well

[jrebel]

Thompson center black diamond.....(not the XR version). Short compact and easy to shoot and handle.  Also affordable as you have to buy them used or atleast new old stock as they are discontinued. 

[trapp01]

I got my wife the cva wolf stainless .50 cal this year and it fits her well. We put a peeprib on it and she's getting 2" groups at a 100 yards. My wife's 5-3 so the shorter stock fits good and the shorter barrel makes it nice and compact. It's super light but it kicks like a mule. The break action breach plug makes it easy to clean. For $200 and free shipping it's well worth the money. 100grains loose pyrodex select/ red percussion caps/ shockwave 240grain sabot.

It comes with a palm saver on the ramrod and she learned the hard way that if it's not fully inserted in the gun, it can twist and get in the bullet path. She missed a nice buck because of it and blew the palm saver off the ramrod.

I shoot a knight bighorn and love it but I hear the little horn is a good rifle as well

[Sabotloader]

You know now that he mentioned it... the Little Horn would really be a good effective ML for you.  Really it is a Knight Wolverine made over for todays market.  The LOP length on the stock has been reduced.

The Wolverine was the later model of the old MK-85.  The Bighorn the latest model was built to have the longer barrel that has become popular with folks wanting to shoot big loads.

  http://www.knightrifles.com/product/littlehorn-adult-max-1-muzzleloader/

I did check on the Muzzleloaders.com site and they are listing it out of stock

Might call Knight @ 1-866-518-4181 ask for Garry and see what he might be able to do for you...


Specifications

ignition Full Plastic Jacket, Western No.11 & Musket Cap Nipple
caliber .50 Cal
twist rate 50/1:28 in.
barrel type 22" Stainless Steel
overall length 39 in. (Youth), 40.5 in.
length of pull 12.25 in. (Youth), 14.25 in.
weight 6.7 lb (Youth), 6.9 lb
sight Williams Fully Adjustable Metallic Fiber Optic Sight Set
trigger Adjustable
stock finish Proveil Reaper Buck (Youth Only), PSE Skull Werx (Youth Only), Realtree AP Pink (Youth Only), Realtree Max 1 Straight, Realtree Xtra Straight, Realtree Hardwoods

Littlehorn Adult Max 1 Muzzleloader:
•Camo: Realtree Max 1
•Barrel Finish: Stainless Steel Green Mountain Barrel
•Ram Rod: Easton Carbon Core Ramrod With Reverse Threaded Extendable Full Brass Jag
•Weather Protection: DynaTek Coating On Bore & Exterior Of The Barrel – a unique corrosion-resistant, ceramic-based clear coat that comes standard on every muzzleloader – 50% fewer patches needed to clean your bore.
•Accuracy: Industry Leading 200 Yard Accuracy Guarantee! When you pick up a Knight, you can have confidence that it’s the most accurate muzzle-loader in the industry. That’s why we guarantee MOA accuracy to 200 yards with a developed load using a bullet available from Knight Rifles.

[KopperBuck]

Thanks for the replies all. We're going to have to make a trip to Tri Cities or Boise to see if I can get a hands on experience. Gives me a great start.

[BigBullDreamer11]

My girlfriend has the knight littlehorn and loves it she got her first deer with it this year.

[JDHasty]

You know now that he mentioned it... the Little Horn would really be a good effective ML for you.  Really it is a Knight Wolverine made over for todays market.  The LOP length on the stock has been reduced.

The Wolverine was the later model of the old MK-85.  The Bighorn the latest model was built to have the longer barrel that has become popular with folks wanting to shoot big loads.

  http://www.knightrifles.com/product/littlehorn-adult-max-1-muzzleloader/

I did check on the Muzzleloaders.com site and they are listing it out of stock

Might call Knight @ 1-866-518-4181 ask for Garry and see what he might be able to do for you...


Specifications

ignition Full Plastic Jacket, Western No.11 & Musket Cap Nipple
caliber .50 Cal
twist rate 50/1:28 in.
barrel type 22" Stainless Steel
overall length 39 in. (Youth), 40.5 in.
length of pull 12.25 in. (Youth), 14.25 in.
weight 6.7 lb (Youth), 6.9 lb
sight Williams Fully Adjustable Metallic Fiber Optic Sight Set
trigger Adjustable
stock finish Proveil Reaper Buck (Youth Only), PSE Skull Werx (Youth Only), Realtree AP Pink (Youth Only), Realtree Max 1 Straight, Realtree Xtra Straight, Realtree Hardwoods

Littlehorn Adult Max 1 Muzzleloader:
•Camo: Realtree Max 1
•Barrel Finish: Stainless Steel Green Mountain Barrel
•Ram Rod: Easton Carbon Core Ramrod With Reverse Threaded Extendable Full Brass Jag
•Weather Protection: DynaTek Coating On Bore & Exterior Of The Barrel – a unique corrosion-resistant, ceramic-based clear coat that comes standard on every muzzleloader – 50% fewer patches needed to clean your bore.
•Accuracy: Industry Leading 200 Yard Accuracy Guarantee! When you pick up a Knight, you can have confidence that it’s the most accurate muzzle-loader in the industry. That’s why we guarantee MOA accuracy to 200 yards with a developed load using a bullet available from Knight Rifles.

Kesselring had one (1) Little Horn in stock a couple weeks ago at the old price.  All Knight rifles have gone up 20% across the board

[Sabotloader]

If you can find at last years pricing! GREAT!  The only difference between that and the adult model is the LOP of the stock.  The adult LOP is 14 3/8" and I believe the Youth is 13 1/2"





If you get one come on up to Moscow and we can go the farm and shoot it!

They shoot pretty good!



Almost forgot to mention Knight is having a "Black Friday" sale right now everything is 20% off.

[crowinghen]

I second the Knight Littlehorn! I love mine! I am 5 foot 3 with short arms. It's accurate and the recoil is not big deal. I have a 50 caliber , shooting Barnes T-EZ 290 grain.
Susie