new to muzzleloaders

[jemidawes]

Hey! I am looking to getting a muzzleloader. I would like to get a Inline one so I can put a scope on it. what power scope would be good. I want an fairly inexpensive one. can anyone suggest a good one. what brand, model do you suggest. How much can I expect to pay. I will be using it for deer season. suggestions would be appreciated. thanks! mike

[Rob]

I own 2 inline MZs & like both. One is a Remington Model 700, stainless steel, camo synthetic stock. Shoots like a dream but a little heavy to carry all day. I got it as a christmas present from my wife & gather that it was rather pricey. My other MZ is a Thompson/Center ThunderHawke. Not as accurate as the Rem at long range but light as a feather & better in a tight situation, like up in a tree stand with limbs around. I bought it at Wal-Mart at a January closeout sale - all MZs were priced from $100 to $125. I paid $125 for it.

My Rem is topped with a 3-9X Redfield Widefield scope. I bought the scope specifically for this gun because the wide field of view is very advantageous as most of your shots will be shorter than with a centerfire rifle. I also like Redfield's duplex reticle, extremely clear optics, & ability to withstand a big blast without getting knocked off target. I got the scope used for $130 on eBay.

I have a similar Redfield 2-7X for my ThunderHawke but don't have it mounted. I frequently take both guns, hunt beanfields with the Rem in the morning & evening & hunt thickets with the T/C during the midday.

If you do buy a MZ, I have some advice:

Good used MZs can be had. Some are a bargain & some aren't. Don't buy one unless the barrel is free of rust & pitting. If this is present, the gun probably hasn't been kept clean. Get yourself a "Barrel Light" & learn how to use it. Buy a used gun only if you have looked at it yourself & are satisfied.

New but reasonably priced MZs can frequently be found on www.auctionarms.com & www.gunbroker.com & also at closeout sales, like where I got my T/C. How much you will pay will depend on how much you are willing to pay & how patient you are.

Whatever you do, get one with a stainless steel barrel. Everyone should clean their MZ as soon after you shoot it as possible. Unfortunately, that isn't always possible. If you don't get stainless, you will wish you did. It will cost a little more but is worth a lot more. I know many people who didn't get stainless but wished they did. I've never met anyone who got stainless & is sorry.

Don't even mess with black powder or Pyrodex. Both are dirty & corrosive. I shoot CleanShot (now called American Pioneer). It is not corrosive & easy to clean. My barrel will be dirtier after firing one load of pyrodex than 20 loads of CleanShot. I also think CleanShot may burn a little hotter but I could be wrong.

Consider using pellets rather than loose powder. They are WAY more convenient. I know loose powder is more traditional but if you wanted traditional you wouldn't be getting an inline anyway.

Get a 50 Caliber. At least 95% of the inlines out there are 50 cal. Some places don't stock any other MZ bullets but .50s. Don't consider anything else unless you are willing to accept the hassle that inevitably goes with being different. 'nuff said.

Invest in good optics. A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link. I can tell you from experience that if you put a cheap scope on a nice gun you will be sorry. I tried it & had a nice buck in my crosshairs at 50 yards & missed him TWICE! It turns out my Simmons Wal-Mart special got knocked all over the place by the MZ blast. I won't make that mistake again. Unless it is a Redfield, Nikon, Leupold, or something of at least equal quality, it won't go on my MZ. A word to the wise should be enough here.

Buy a good name brand gun. Knight, Remington, T/C, CVA, & Austin & Halleck are all good names. Look at several guns before you buy the one you want. Get one that fits you & that feels balanced when you hold it. Don't get a gun that is too light - it will kick the poop out of you. You will get more info if you ask folks what they DON'T like about their gun.

All in all, if I wanted a reasonable inexpensive inline that just about everyone seems to like, I would strongly consider a Black Diamond. I personally like the way they feel & understand they shoot well with or without a scope. But, there are many others just as good or better so ask around & make an informed decision. Good luck!





It's hard to dance with the devil on your back...

[Multidigits]

I have a CVA inline that I would sell pretty cheap. Scoped and ready to go.

It's a nickle finish with synthetic stock. Has a Tasco World Class scope--.50 caliber