Thinking about getting into it...

[Abolt338]

Any suggestions on a good starter muzzleloader?  I don't know anything about it...so treat me like a newb...thanks...

RW

[MountainWalk]

hawken or renegade seem like good starter guns. i dont have a ml anymore and im kinda looking for the same myself.. i usta use a 45 cal sears roebuck.. but its still in arkansas.

[Sagedawg]

 Abolt, depends on what you want, inline or trad. I have both and use both but much prefer my inline. Lots of makes out there and Im not trying to start any ford vs chevy debate, but IMO you just cant go wrong with a Knight Bighorn or a TC Black Diamond. They both are very accurate and affordable,the Bighorn is still in production but the TC isnt being made anymore,but some shops still have the new ones available. Dont know what you want to hunt with them,but Id go with a .50 in an inline and a .54 in the Trad. One thing I will say is to look around before you buy as you can find some good deals. Once you take it up you'll be hooked. Hope this helps. 


   Sage

[Abolt338]

What would you consider a "good deal?"  And yes, after some research, I think I would prefer inline.

RW

[billythekidrock]

What would you consider a "good deal?"  And yes, after some research, I think I would prefer inline.

RW

Where and what are you planning on hunting with it?

[Abolt338]

What would you consider a "good deal?"  And yes, after some research, I think I would prefer inline.

RW

Where and what are you planning on hunting with it?

Deer in Southern Cal foothills.  Plus, once back in WA, I would love to get into some of the special ML seasons - deer and elk.

RW

[MountainWalk]

50 is fine, but its not too bad a choice with 54 for elk.

[Opportunist]

Knight offers some real good deals on entry level packages/kits. I shoot remingtons but they have their quirks and remington discontinued the 700 mls. 50 or 54 you can't go wrong, I've killed three bulls with my 50.  Seems like some knight kits are in the $2-250 range. Buy a stainless rifle.

 You might consider staying away from the .52 cal it was more of a marketing ploy to sell guns than a big improvement to muzzleloaders, (no offense to those that may have them), the .52 doesn't have much in the way of bullet selection.

Having the ability to be profficient with all three weapons (rifle,muzzle,bow) opens so much opportunity. That way a hunter can pick and choose hunts with whatever tool they want, to stretch out hunting season.

[billythekidrock]

Just make sure your selection is legal in both states, or be prepared to purchase 2 setups.

[HawkenBob]

Thats the biggest thing that scared me from IL's, whats legal everywere else it seems isnt in WA. Like no 209's, ect. The ones that are legel look like toys IMO. One of the things that draws ML's too me is 1, the season and 2, the look of the guns.

I shot a TC Hawken in 50. Factory gun. I love it. And am very proficient with it out to about 120yrds.

I've been shooting it for yrears because I love to shoot black powder. Now Im going to try to actually shoot something with it this year.

I would like a custom 54 someday soon. But want to get a couple seasons under my belt before deciding.