Muzzel loaders, what to look for in a gun?

[Benny]

Well my brother has talked me into trying the smoke pole next season.

I like the Tc Omega for the look and because they seem to be the pro's choice.

But what should a nu be look for?

Synthitic stock,stainless steel barrel,drop down chamber/trigger assemblly???

What style is easyer to clean and to use in the field?

Benny

[JohnWester]

benny... i have done a lot of research on this lately because I am doing it this year.  I got the  Thompson Center Omega Z5 Rifle with Starter Kit - Blue/Black at cabelas.  It is a great starter gun and probably the only one i'll ever use.  great price too.

[labs4me]

the synthetic stock is more durable obviously, the stainless helps a little with rust issues (Dec. is usually a damp month in MN).  Aside from that there will be no performance issues between wood and synthetic, blued and stainless.  I agree, the most important thing is ease of cleaning.  Thompson seems to have it figured out.  Both the Omega nad Encore are top of the line muzzleloaders.  I bought the Encore because I like the flexibility it provides as far as barrel selection.  In the not to distant future, I will be going on a caribou hunt.  I will bring my Encore with the .50 cal barrel, a rifle barrel and a shotgun barrel.  I've been told this constitutes only one gun in Canada.  I will primarliy pursue them with my muzzleloader, but have been told to be prepared to go to a rifle on extremly windy days... no problem.  Then if I tag out I can chase Ptarmigan with the shotgun.  And I will use the shotgun for Turkeys in the spring.  It would be lighter than lugging my current shotgun around.  One reciever, 40 barrel configurations to choose from.  I see the synthetic/blued on sale for the low-mid $400's each year.

Good Luck!

Ken

[JohnWester]

benny... shot about 25 rounds through the omega last Sunday and boy does it shoot nice.  I was pumping them in there at 100 yards no problem.  Nice setup for the price... just go to the link in my original reply and print off that web add and you can take it into cabelas and tell them you spoke to someone there and they said they'd honor the internet price.  Don’t buy the extra junk there though... go to fleet farm and you'll spend half the price on accessories.

Can't wait to get out this weekend and tip a deer.

[Benny]

BFG,some one edited your link out of your post.

Benny

[JohnWester]

BFG,some one edited your link out of your post.

Benny

no, it's there... click on "Thompson Center Omega Z5 Rifle with Starter Kit - Blue/Black "

[Benny]

Ahhh, I missed the in bedded link.

Benny