Ok .... got $350.00 in Gander Mountain $ to spend .... also got additional $175.00 on cash....................so I am thinking ... Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 mag? T/C Encore Muzzleloader with the ability to make it any rifle/shotgun/handgun i could ever desire .... with additional $s down the road ... Thoughts? What a nice predicament to be in :D
The ability to customize the Encore is awesome! That's my vote. If it were my money, I'd be getting a set of Lone Wolf sticks and get my wife a new bow. Have fun buying some new goodies!
Big T..I was in the same situation, last night. I received a few gift cards for hunting retailers. When I got home I went to the websites "looking" to buy something. I can the conclusion that saving the cards for when I "need" something, is the best bet Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut, that T/C Encore IS nice !!!!
I was looking at the encore, myself. I just can't justify spending that much on a ML.....THEN spending another $400 for an additional barrel. FTR....the CVA Accura (or apex) is a darned nice gun. It's cheaper than the Encore.....AND it comes with two Bergara barrels.
Cant you get ML barrels for the New england and the Rossi? I thought you could. Not sure of the quality but you would have a gun you could change barrels on and at a lower cost.
I have found the Encore barrels for as low as $230 at times that I can remember. However I do have to agree the CVA Apex looks like a very nice gun! I wouldnt be afraid to own one! I did put my hands on a CVA Optima(?) the other day and the gun felt VERY nice compared to my Encore! Im not saying my Encore isnt great, but the CVA is nice. I wonder if they make the Apex in the same Thumbhole stock as the Optima......thinking...?
Wow guys ... thanks for muddying the water even more ...lol :D Gonna check out the CVA too ... thanks! Anyone with experience in any of these guns ... please speak
I have 2 traditions. Been pretty happy with one but not the other. Aslo was never pleased with traditions customer service. My next will be a CVA
I own a used optima, right now. I'm getting ready to either buy a new optima or a new accura, this week.
I'd be heading down your original road T. The Super Blackhawk is awesome. I'm just starting on a pistol collection myself. My next purchase is in that direction.
Check out the Optima price at the Big G ... http://search.gandermountain.com/?Ne=1000002&N=1912+4294965829&cname=Black-Powder what's the diff between the two?
That's a great price, if you like that stock. I don't. The differences I know of are....the Optima is (I think) a 26" barrel. The Accura is a 27" or 28" Bergara barrel. The Optima barrel is 419 steel (not Bergara). If I go Accura, I'm buying a used one. If I go new Optima (mine doesn't have the new breech plug), I'll go with the stainless/black. Gander and Cabela's have them for $249.
I am in the same predicament. Was looking at the CVA Optima and everything else I would need to get into a muzzle loader. Geeze there is a lot of things you need. For the 2 weeks I could use it... I started having doubts it would be worth it. Then I started looking at archery stuff... Rhinehart Rhino block target Nikon 550 Range finder... not real happy with my bushnell Dozen or two of Goldtip XT hunter arrows Slicktrick broadheads Some insulated rubber boots Maybe a new rest I will go this route. It is the practical way to go for me as I need these things. Good luck on the route you go Tony. Tim
Tim: I just bought a pair of Kenetrek norhtern pac boots. I've been plowing snow on my ATV all morning, and my feet were toasty. Kicker is.....I got an email last night that all their boots are 20% off (at least) while they last (current inventory). I paid full price....lol. Go check 'em out.
Jeff I've got pack boots so sitting good there. I need a warmer rubber boot for mid season right before the snow flies. My uninsulated pair for early season just didn't cut it this year when the temps were right around freezing. It was too warm for pack boots and I was in quite a bit of water getting into spots. Water was too deep for my regular insulted hunting boots that I normally use. Am looking for a knee high boot that's insulated to 400 - 800 gram for all day sits. I will walk in any wheres from a 1 - 1.5 miles so it can't be too hot of a boot. Tim
I could use a more open pattern bibs and jacket for late season hunting. Tis the season for giving...just sayin'.
If it ends up being anything like your addiction to bows, you should amass a small arsenal in no time. PT, I would also go the route of the Super Blackhawk. I will be taking a pistol to the woods one of these seasons here in PA, and that would be at the top of my list.
