Muzzle loader help for the ignorant !

[bubbabuck]

I'm trying to make up my mind what to buy for our Illinois trip ??
I have narrowed it down to CVA optima pro, CVA optima mag, or TC omega ???

Do I need 26"......29"......or go with TC???

WHAT to do ??:confused:

[Jim Thompson]

Omega or Encore?

[killitgrillit]

Ditto, T/C

[Nicodemus]

FLINTLOCK LONGRIFLE, 50 caliber!!!! ;) :cheers:

[scott mclain]

Go with the Omega, most people say that the omega shoots better than the encore. The encore is so popular because of the other aspects of the gun. Most hardcore muzzleloader hunters will take the omega over the encore.

[ufg8r93]

I did a ton of research a couple years ago before I bought my Omega. The CVAs are really nice, as is the flexibility of the Encore. I ended up deciding that at the margin, the Omega got better overall ratings - but only slightly so. My Omega is a really solid in-line. Comfortable to shoot, well made (very good fit and finish), good trigger, easy to clean, lots of after-market options, very good accuracy, etc. Still, I think it depends on your personal values. If you want a top-of-the-line in-line, I'd go with the Omega. If you like the flexibility of shotgun/in-line/centerfire on the same frame, do the Encore. If you are budget conscious and don't expect to hunt with your smokepole outside of muzzleloader week/once a year, out of state trips, the CVA may be the way to go. It's really what is important to you. If I was on a tight budget and could either get an Optima Pro and really nice optics or an Omega and mediocre optics, I'd pick the former. To each his own.:cheers:

[Buzz]

Of what you've mentioned I prefer (and own) the Omega.

[Flintrock]

Stay with the T/C. They use superior parts....Then once you have mastered this and decide you want a real muzzleloader,get a flintlock .

[NOYDB]

Or...

http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/eshop/10Browse.asp?Category=Muzzleloaders%3A+Pursuit+LT+ %28In+Lines%29

[bubbabuck]

Omega or Encore?



Omega.....


How important is barrel length ?.....26".....29"...??



Thanks for all the replys!!


Cost is not the issue.......I want to go to Illinois with the best all around gun I can take !.....Accuracy.......Ease of use......:shoot:

[Parker Phoenix]

I have shot the CVA,Knight,and the Omega. I bought the Omega, and liked it so much I scoped it out and left my cartidge guns in the safe. Buy the Omega and never look back.

[Flintrock]

Agree, when buying a firearm cost should never be an issue. We spend hundreds of dollars a year on a lease.Hundreds more on gas/food/clothes and various other hunting items averaging about $1000 to 1500 per year and then try to save $50 or 100 on a gun that will last a life time. I see all kinds of replys within the forum about all the guns these hunters buy. If thay had done it right to start with,they would only have purchased one.
Any way, to answer your question, the longer the barrel the more efficient your rifle will be.. 1)The front and rear sights are further apart so it make aligning the sights more forgiving. 2) the longer the bullet stays in the barrel the less powder it takes to get higher feet per second and stopping power than a shorter barreld firearm (for example. see ballistics on a bullet that is used in a pistol or rifle. the rifle will shoot the same round faster/flatter etc..).
My rifle is a 45 cal flint with a 42 inch barrel. I shoot 75 grains of FFF Goex black power behind a patched round ball. It shoots flat to about 125 yards. after that, I would have to use a little" Kentucky windage".

[HuntNut]

CVA
Hands down
45 cal.
Best value for money.
You might want to check out the NEW Optima Elite, It has interchangeable centerfire barrels.

[BIGGUS]

I love my Omega! Before you buy one, be sure to check out the thumbhole model. It's no heavier in the synthetic and really feels good to me. :shoot:

[bubbabuck]

Great info. !!.......Thanks guys.......I'm leaning towards the Omega with thumb hole 50 cal.....topped with a Bushnell 3200 elite.....I believe thats going to be a Illinois killing machine !:shoot: