entry level muzzleloader

[Angry Perch]

I've still got a multi-season tag in my pocket, and I'm just not feeling confident with my bow. I'm an experienced shooter, but have never touched a muzzleloader.
1) Is the ML learning curve too steep to become reasonably proficient in a few weeks?
2) What kind of investment does a guy need to make in order do get a decent, basic gun with the necessary components?

[eastsidemallard74]

I've never shot one, but this is what i do, go buy a inexpensive gun, shoot it, if you don't like it, you have a new toy to play with. I've filled up a safe like this, small safe but I now have a ton of guns to choose from.

[usmc74]

I don't think it is too difficult to get ready in a couple weeks.

I changed to ML when my shoulders couldn't tolerate pulling a bow.

The hunting is the same as bow, but the weapon can shoot 100 yards easy.

If you want to try ML, I could meet you at the Snoqualmie range sometime.

Powder, ball, then cap.

I have a modern inline.

[bobcat]

Without much time, you could easily become proficient to about 75 yards. At least for me, shooting at 100 yards with open sights can take some time to really get dialed in.

I'd recommend a CVA Optima. They're about $300 and easier to take apart and clean than any other muzzleloader that I've ever owned.

[Angry Perch]

I've shot blacktail the last 5 years, and none were over 75 yards.

[Angry Perch]

muzzle-loaders.com has an Optima V2 for $268. Anyone ever deal with them?
I'd like to just buy everything I need to get started at once.

[High Climber]

muzzle-loaders.com has an Optima V2 for $268. Anyone ever deal with them?
I'd like to just buy everything I need to get started at once.

I just bought an accura v2 from them a couple months ago, I also ordered everything to get started at the same time. Call them on the phone they had excellent customer service and were very knowledgeable. I think they will set you up nicely and the optima should be a perfectly serviceable weapon.

[Angry Perch]

muzzle-loaders.com has an Optima V2 for $268. Anyone ever deal with them?
I'd like to just buy everything I need to get started at once.

I just bought an accura v2 from them a couple months ago, I also ordered everything to get started at the same time. Call them on the phone they had excellent customer service and were very knowledgeable. I think they will set you up nicely and the optima should be a perfectly serviceable weapon.

Exactly what I was looking for! Also, "Northwest Legal" is no longer a concern, correct? Scopes are the only no-no?

[bobcat]

Correct. You don't need to order the Northwest version.

[Lefty315]

Knight is having a sale on the Wolverine, $299, same as the Bighorn just with a 22 inch barrel.

[WSU]

FYI - I just switched from a CVA Accurra.  It's easy to clean and accurate.  But, 2 years in a row it failed to go off and cost me a bull each year (assuming I would have shot straight if it went boom).  One time the cap failed to fire and the other the cap fired but the powder did not.  Powder was dry both times.  I've heard of similar problems from others.  Then again, some seem to have no problems.  Your mileage may vary and you may have great luck with yours.

[flyfishWA]

muzzle-loaders.com has an Optima V2 for $268. Anyone ever deal with them?
I'd like to just buy everything I need to get started at once.

Muzzleoaders.com is the best! great service, fast shipping, and some of the best prices.

[Angry Perch]

FYI - I just switched from a CVA Accurra.  It's easy to clean and accurate.  But, 2 years in a row it failed to go off and cost me a bull each year (assuming I would have shot straight if it went boom).  One time the cap failed to fire and the other the cap fired but the powder did not.  Powder was dry both times.  I've heard of similar problems from others.  Then again, some seem to have no problems.  Your mileage may vary and you may have great luck with yours.

In general, how common are mis-fires, hang-fires, etc?

[WSU]

I don't know the answer to that.  Before that, I've never had one, including about 5-10 years of hunting with an old Hawken style black powder gun. 

[Killmore]

I have the cva optima and have had zero misfires since switching to a 209 primer