Favorite WA legal Muzzleloader?

[theoutdoorlife]

I am looking into muzzleloading, what are some of your favorite blackpowder rifles? I saw the Traditions vortek Northwest and I liked the way it handled and the price, do you guys have anyother suggestions?

P.S. Any advise to a Blackpowder Beginner is welcomed!

[Skyvalhunter]

I believe if you did a search you would find a thread on this.

[Dan-o]

I for one LOVE my TC Black diamond XL, but you'll find lots of folks with lots of favorites on this sight.    Just make sure you get a legal one (or one that can easily be converted to legal, and you'll probably have your new favorite!  As was mentioned, search this page and you'll find lots of opinions on who like what.

As for newbie advice, the best thing you could do would be to find some one to take you to the range the first time.   I learned it the hard way, and there are so many stupid things I did that could have been avoided if I'd only gone with someone who knew the basics.   It will save you a bunch of time if someone shows you the ropes.

My other piece of advice:   It seems that individual muzzleloader rifles like individual loads.   I wouldn't scrimp on trying several different bullet types/weights.   If you know someone who shoots, ask them if you can purchase 4 each of what they have so you don't have to buy all the different types yourself.    For that matter, I live in Auburn, if you're down here, I'd give you 4 each of the 10 different kind I have (since I only hunt with 2 of them, the rest are just taking up space.).   PM me if you want some.

Range sessions also seem to take longer for me, so you better budget the time.

Best of luck,

Dan

 

[Whitelightning]

I believe that the best Muzzle loader was made by White, they are simple easy to clean shoot lead conicals like nothing you have ever seen. This being said White is out of business, however parts and rifles can be found relatively easy. I personally own well over a dozen Whites in all calibers to include shotguns.

There is a Super 91 in the classifieds here.

I agree every Muzzle loader likes a little differant load whether that is a bullet type or weight or a specific powder, that is what makes Muzzle loading fun IMO.

[CAMPMEAT]

I've got an old T/C .54 Grey Hawk. Love that old thing. I bet they don't make 'em anymore. I think it's 20 years old. Stainless/Synthetic
short barrel like a brush gun.

[carpsniperg2]

There is a ton of info to look threw on here. Lots of info on all types of smoke poles. And lots of general muzzleloader hunting info as well. There is only 4 brands that i would buy. t/c,knight,cva,white. I have owned/shot all 4 of them. I still shoot a t/c black diamond "discontinued" from time to time. But my go to gun is a cva elkhorn. Had very good luck with that gun, i changed the sites on mine, and have been super happy. I don't think you can go wrong with any of those 4 makers. There is a lot to read on here about the traditions, I liked the gun a ton! Until i got it to the range. The gun malfunctioned and went of without me even touching it, several other members have had the same thing happen to them or there hunting partners. I took mine back and got my money back. That is the only brand that i will never own again.

If you have any questions feel free to pm me i would be happy to help you out. Lots of great muzzleloader hunters and shooters here with a ton of experience. Welcome to the site.

[bobcat]

If you'd consider a traditional muzzleloader (sidelock), the Lyman Deerstalker or Lyman Great Plains rifles are worth looking at. I have the Deerstalker and it's been good to me.

[gotshot]

T/C Black Diamond XR for me.

[Hangfire]

For a traditional muzzle loader a TC New Englander with a peep sight is very good in 54 cal. A 12 gauge shotgun barrel has been available. This makes a very good combination. Gun has a 1-48 twist, shoots patched round balls very well and will shoot TC bullets. I have taken deer, elk and turkey with the combination. I shoot .530 patched round ball with 110 gr of 2 ff black powder. Shot gun- 90 gr of 2f and equivalent volume of shot.

[BlackRidge]

T/C Hawken or Northwest Explorer get my vote

T/C has a sale going on the NW Explorer ($329). You can usually find Hawken kits online for about the same price too

I wish the Encore had an adapter that made it WA compliant

[rock]

I like my buckhorn alot. simple durable easy to get parts for and you can take it part pretty qucikly. And with the right loads its deadly acccurate

[rasbo]

like my t/c blackdiamond,if I was on the dry side I would go with a flintlock made by my uncle,hope to own one someday

[KLRKeith]

My Lyman Great plains rifle has been great!  Easy to clean and with a .54 cal it can take anything in the state.  1" groups at 50 yards all day long.  100 yards groups are around 3-4" for me but my son can keep it to 2"...I have a T/C New Englander in .54 cal thats very nice too. I also have a Lyman .50 cal flintlock that I've been trying to wack a coyote with.  It's very accurate as well but alot to think about.   I dont have any modern inlines so no idea.

[luv2hunt]

I have owned a T.C Thunderhawk 54 Cal, Lyman Deerstalker 54 Cal and a Knight Bighorn 50 Cal. I would say by far the Knight is my favorite of them all!!! Fyi if you do lean toward the Lyman Deerstalker buglin4bulls has one for sale in the classifieds.

[kerrdog]

I like my TC Northwest Explorer.  But I wish it had fiber optic sights, took musket caps, and had a 1/28 twist instead of 1/48.  Actually...never mind.  Piece of crap.