Looking to get into muzzleloader hunting and was looking for some advice on a first muzzleloader thats budget friendly. Any advice?
All modern muzzleloaders are very capable and very accurate. Like anything....folks can spend as much or as little as they want and most who have muzzy hunted for years indulge in more expensive muzzleloaders. Point being, buy a budget friendly muzzy and see how you like it. If you end up liking it, you can always upgrade to a more expensive muzzleloader that at best offers more creature comforts.
Things to think of:
1. What state / states are you planning on hunting. Rules very widely state to state.
2. What caliber you want? 45 and 50 being the most common. I have found 50 cal components are available everywhere. 45 you may have to order items online.
3. What ignition system do you want or can you shoot (depending on the state). 209 primer systems are the best in my opinion if you only plan on hunting WA (and some other states).
4. What sights do you want? Open vs Optic (1x only in WA). Check to see if aftermarket sites are available for the muzzy you are looking at. Williams sites makes great aftermarket sites for most muzzleloaders.
Budget friendly:
CVA wolf
CVA optima V2 (I have one and it shoots great)
Traditions buckstalker
Thompson Center Impact
Orrrrr...find a used one and save a ton. I thought there was one for sale on here for a very reasonable price a week or two ago.
Good luck....Muzzleloaders are hoot.
