What are good reliable options for a lower end starter gun?I do require something with open sights due to hunting laws in my state. I would prefer fiber optics, but their only a bonus. A gun I could trust out to say 150 yards would be good. Sling mounts are another possible perk im looking for but again not a deal breaker if it doesn't have them.Budget-wise id like to stay under $300. If y'all fell it's wise im thinking closer to $200-250 range. I was planning to visit Cabela's to pick up a scope for my 7mm in a week or two so based on cabela's online selection I was hoping maybe one of these would be worth a shot-T/C Impact $249.99-Tradition Canyon $129.88 (with case)-Traditions Buckstalker $199.99
CVA is another one to think of. and you have given yourself a lot of good choices.
Since I haven't bought a NEW muzzleloader in over 20 years, (I use a T/C Hawkins caplock mostly,) I can't help on the weapon itself. I suggest you buy the BEST weapon you can afford, as they will easily outlast YOU if properly cared for. Muzzleloaders of .50 caliber or larger are QUITE capable of taking game ethically at MUCH longer ranges than most people would believe. (Mine is sighted in at 150 yards, with a Minnie ball!) (You need to remember that during the civil war, marksman were making one shot kills at over 1000 yards.)
I just picked up a CVA Optima 50 cal with a .243 barrel. It shoots great (make sure to get the Bergara barrels). The only draw back is that, when using it as a rifle (.243), it's significantly heavier than my Handi-Rifle. I like the versatility of swapping barrels. The combo was about $350. I'm sure you could get under the $300 mark without the spare barrel. I'd recommend the Thompsons or mid-high end CVAs. I prefer the swappable barrel option as it allows for more flexibility.
I purchased the Traditions Buckstalker 3 years ago and I love it. It has all of the features of a modern muzzle loader and it was fairly inexpensive. The Thompson Center rifles look a little fancier, but they are quite a bit more expensive. I would trust my muzzle loader to shoot accurately to 150 yards, but not really beyond that. Without a rest I am only comfortable shooting to about 100 yards. I would also recommend shooting the 50 cal Powerbelt bullets as opposed to the 45 cal sabots. In my opinion they shoot straighter and hit harder. Happy hunting!
