can someone tell me what muzzle loader they'd buy for their frist muzzler loader, tcf , cva , or one of them kit deallys?
If you have been out hunting in the cold, I would empty the gun. Once you bring the gun in, it will sweat and the condensation can get into the powder and deaden the shot or just sit there and rust from being previously fired. I use an air blaster and empty it when I get back to the cabin from hunting. Yes, you lose a cap, bullet and powder and it does cost a bit but we have a rule about loaded guns in camp and I just don't want to deal with rust or a dead round when I really want that big buck. If there hasn't been a big temperature difference, you can get by with it and some antiques have been found loaded after 200 years and the powder still ignited. However, if it is more than a day or so, I'd empty it since I would likely forget until next season if I didn't.
CVA or Thompsen center are good, basic muzzleloaders. If you have time to do it, the kits are not that difficult; but, you save very little money. I'd go for the least expensive TC you can find, as you are just starting.
CVA Optima 209 Magnum #PR2000 in the black stock for under $250.00. Rossi # S50BM under $200.00. Traditions Pursuit LT #R74003450 for about $220.00. All are great starters in modern design. For the more traditional styles look at TC Hawken about $600.00. Traditions Woodsman under $300.00. Lyman Deerstalker about $350.00. For a Traditions Kit, Deerhunter rifle, about $175.00. If you have time on your hands the kit is fun to build but be prepared to buy sand paper, steel wool, cold blueing, varnish and more. My wife gave me a TC Hawken kit 25 years ago. I enjoyed building it and I still shoot it today.
I would go with the traditions 50 caliber first. You can find them reasonable and then if black powder hunting is what you agree with then invest in something more expensive. They have a complete set up at bass pro shops for black powder. You can expect to spend any where from $150 to $1500 (if you want).
It is pretty hard to find a bad muzzleloader these days, competition between the companies has let to high quality muzzleloaders at great prices. more important than the brand is how the rifle fist you. id be sure to pick some up and see how they feel in your hands. you know weight balance and Lenght find one that you are comfortable shooting. the brands you mention are good . i also like knight traditions and lyman.
