Selecting a muzzle loader

[jimisod]

I am at a quandary. My cross bow needs replaced due to a damaged scope mount and no usable rear iron sight. it looks like I can for the same money move over to a muzzle loader. I have seen online adds for a kit that includes 3 interchangeable barrels from Rosti. I was thinking that this would prove 2 purposes 1 give me a 20GA for my wife and son to learn how to use and start hunting and give me a muzzle loader to learn and start hunting with.

Has anyone here used this kit and or any recommendations on where to go and what to look for?

As an alternative are the kit muzzle loaders that include everything you need to get started really everything you need to get started?

[Bearfootfarm]

Most of the "kits" have all you need (except the powder of course)
It doesnt take a LOT of equipment.
I've never owned a Rossi, but for the money they are a good deal

My PREFERENCE in muzzleloaders is Knight, but sadly they are going out of business.
You can still find their rifles, but I dont know how long parts will be available, although they seldom break.

[big rockpile]

Most the Guys I know are real happy with this

http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/encore.php

big rockpile

[farmerjon]

I did alot of reserch before I picked up My TC Pro Hunter. I looked at the Rosti alot and came up with the old you get what you pay for. The Rosti is cheaply built and not accurate at all. Parts are hard to come by and you will have to order anything you are looking for as far as barrels go. Im not saying you have to buy the 1,000 encore pro hunter, but there are deals out there. I have the .50 muzzle and a ruger .204. I also added the Nicon Scope that was based on the omega. I can shoot 150 plus all day with that set up. If you come up with an extra 250 bucks you can go to Bass pro or Dicks and pick up a new barrel. Or go online and find used barrels for even less. My encore has taken the place of my .22 savage, .223 stevens, 12 ga 870 and my old CVA .50. You will not be happy with the Rosti.

[hunter63]

I think the Rossi is a good deal fro the bucks.
T/C makes a very good product, and as far as I know, still made in U.S.A., have a couple of the T/C Hawken's, and I can attest they stand behind their product.
BUT, they are pricey.

H&R/NEF also makes add on barrels for their Handi rifle, I have a .50 cal for mine, and are about 1/2 the money.
http://www.hr1871.com/Support/accessoryProgram.asp

Oops, I just noticed the .50 cal muzzle-loaders are no longer available.

Anyway, if you are starting out with nothing for a muzzle-loader, the Rossi would be the way I would go.


Be warned! Muzzle-loaders might lead you astray.

Started with a birthday rifle........ and this is what happened!

[Wis Bang]

Thompson Center has a lifetime waranty, lifetime of the weapon...not the purchaser. While alot of people have their pet peves w/ T/C, I really like the .54 cal Renegade in flint that I inherited form dad...

[ericjeeper]

inline bolt guns.. All have scopes and at 100 yards they will drive nails all day long. That is using the Hornady SST bullets with sabots.. I bought a package of the "Powerbelts" The guns do not like them at all. They are all over the paper.
Not every gun likes every bullet or every powder charge.
Always remember black powder is measured in volume not weight.
People can knock the spanish barrels all they want. But they all shoot very spot on and each have killed deer. Usually DRT

[Jimmy B]

I have several Thompson Hawkens, Flintlocks, and inlines. I must mention I have current problems with my CVA inline with the barrel and firing mechanism is now frozen to the barrel. (sorta welded itself). They say this is common with this inline and you can send it back and it will be replaced. But a friend has done so and it repeated the sam issue. It drives tacks though even with my homemade maxiballs and 80 gr. powder.

JB