I agree with Bossman in that it depends on what you want to spend and the type of ML you want. You can spend a bunch on an in-line as well as a traditional flint lock. I have a CVA Buckhorn in-line with a scope, but I also have the CVA Mountain Stalker side-lock and a Traditions Panther side-lock. They are all fun to shoot and I've hunted with all of them but the Panther because I just got that one from a friend. The in-line uses the 209 primers and the side-locks use the #11 caps. You get a different experience shooting the in-line vs the side-lock. They were all under $200 though, plus a box of pellets or a can of powder will last you a long time so they are pretty economical as well.
As for choice of ML makers well I'm partial to the CVA's because that's what I know but I'm sure the others are just as good. If you just want a good starter gun to get used to loading, shooting & cleaning a ML I'd just get a side-lock and have fun with it for a while. Then invest in a good in-line. I know Blackpowderscout won't like that advice but unless you have the skills, money and time to build your own ML you'll have to go with what's available to get into ML shooting. Just my 2 cents. :shifty
unless you have the skills, money and time to build your own ML you'll have to go with what's available to get into ML shooting. Just my 2 cents. :shifty
I agree. Trying to build one wouldn't be the way to go. I bet you could find a good TC caplock set up for under a couple hundred bucks. By going that route you're back into it right away, vs months building a gun.
Traditions Buckstalker is great entry level setup.
I have one and love knowing how little it cost and how well it shoots.
CVA Wolf at Land o Lakes Wal Mart marked down to $150
ok i have a traditions
e-bolt
Persuit
cva wolf
and a Hattfield
oh and a traditions buck hunter
My recommendations
break open
stainless would be better over nickle
break open to remove breach plug for easy cleaning.
