stealthycat

I am going to apply for a 2004 elk tag in CO. I have 3 PP, so I should draw.

Question is, what muzzleloader ? I've owned a few in the past but my last (A TC Thunderhawk) was stolen 4 years ago and I haven't kept up with the change sin the industry since.

I like traditional - flint locks attract me though I've never shot one. But where to find one of quality and at a reasonable price ?

Caplocks ... well, if I go tech I'll go inline for certain.

Which inline if I go that route ? Ya'll have a favorite model or are they all created equal ?

I'll be buying a .50 cal - I'm confident in them. Other than that, and a small affinity for Thompson Centers, I have little guidance.

HELP ?!!

cayugad

If you like in lines, and Thompson Center and want to hunt elk, I would go with the Black Diamond XR. I have one. It has a 26" barrel and can shoot 209, #11, or musket caps. The rifle is a bit heavy but can take the magnum charges. The one I have I am working up a load for right now. I think I will shoot the T/C Shockwaves. They seem to group real well.

t-roy

don't overlook knights. well worth the price. quality can't be beat.

Charley

You are not going to find a cheap, quality flinter. All the cheap flintlocks sold in the last twenty years are one reason many folks think they are unreliable. The least expensive flint rifle I could recommend is the Lyman Great Plains rifle, at about $275-$325 at online dealers like Midsouth.

lonewolf5347

stealthycat buy another thunderhawk,I own one in 54 cal. man seems that the inline I always grap in the gun safe. My next choice would be the Omega, Black diamond xr ,Winchester Apex

liquidorange

i love my thompson center pennsylvania hunter. if your more familiar with a flintlock i say go for it. if you want to go high tech then put a scope on it. i think that would be something

rcd567

This ones easy. Thompson Center Encore. 50 Caliber. Next question?

etothepii

I've heard people say that .50 cal. is not good enough for elk. Knight makes a .52 cal. that is supposed to be very potent.

I think .50 cal. should be enough though if you are patient enough to wait for the right shot, and if you are a good marksman. I have the T/C Omega, and it is outstanding. It is a magnum gun with a 28" barrel, plus the quality of being a T/C. If you have the bread, go with the T/C Encore. Then, you can collect barrels. Hunt elk with a 7mm, or .300 WM one season, then swap barrels and continue to hunt during muzzleloading season!

stealthycat

I killed an elk in 1997 I think it was with my 50 cal Thunderhawk at about 80 yards - no problems, shot through both lungs and dropped him in about 75 yards.

More suggestions ?

MOTurkeyTamer

T/C Black Diamond XR or T/C Omega