Need some opinions
 

I am looking to purchase a muzzleloader. I used to shoot my father-in-law's T/C .54 cal renegade but he has decided to start hunting again after about 15 yrs. I'm not a die hard muzzleloader user and really can't afford to drop alot of cash into one. Cabela's has a Traditions Timber Ridge .50 cal. with a 4x32 pre-mounted scope. Is this a decent rifle? My shooting range due to heavy brush/cover is usually 60yds and in, but time to time it maybe 100-125 yds. I don't want to buy something that is not a dependable shooter just because it's what I can afford, I would rather hold out a year, if need be, to purchase something like an Omega.

Tell me what you guys think..........

I guess I should have said that the rifle/scope combo is on sale for $150.00

I'd stay away from that timber ridge muzzeloader. You're going to want a break open rifle so you can easily remove the breach plug for cleaning, and so you can easily put a primer in. My friend just got a Thompson Center Impact muzzeloader and he loves it. Great fit and finish, nice features, and its 100% made in the USA.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Black-Powder/Rifles|/pc/104792580/c/104701680/sc/104533380/Thompson47Center-Impact-50-caliber-Rifle-150-Blued-Barrel47Black-Stock/706448.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fshoot ing-black-powder-rifles%2F_%2FN-1100200%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104533380

The Timber Ridge is probably Traditions most basic muzzleloader while it may work well for you I'd much rather see you choose a muzleloader with more Updated features for just a little more money.
I would suggest the Traditions Buckstalker which has many more updated features for just a little more money, the Buckstalker is also available at Cabelas for only 169.99The .50 caliber Magnum Buckstalker has the following features

LT-1 Alloy Frame
• PAS System = projectile alignment system
• Dual Safety System
• Nickel Guard Coating
• Tru-Glo® Fiber Optic Sights
• Fast action release button
• 1:28" twist rifling
• Extended ambidextrous hammer spur
• Monte Carlo style stock
• Drilled and tapped for a scope
• Sling swivel studs
• 209 shotgun ignition
• Solid aluminum ramrod
• Lightweight and maneuverable
• Accurate up to 200 yards

AND if you look at Cabelas reviews there are 9 of them, they all have 5 out of 5 star ratings.
You won't find another Entry level muzzleloader with that many features,,, Especially at that price!

Good Luck to you...

You probably wont like me saying this Bruce, but that Traditions is...kinda ugly.

LOL I don't mind hearing that at all but when Ugly is loaded with all those features and performs as well as it does at such a reasonable price,,, who really cares about looks? :wink:

Hey Guys, Thanks for the input. This is the kind of info. I'm looking for. It would be kinda hard to tell the mrs. that I want to buy ANOTHER muzzleloader next year because the one I bought this year wasn't what I wanted, but I didn't know it at the time. Thanks again

www.rrarms.com

look for the new CVA Wolf "$169" with quick release breech plug or the new CVA Optima with the same breech plug. They run $225 with stainless steel barrel.

Thanks FG, The Wolf is on sale also for 160

I will chime in and say I prefer any TC rifles over any other product, but I agree that a break action is much easier to clean so look in your price bracket for something along this line. I'm not a big Traditions or CVA person. Look on line great buys can be had on auction sites. I gave under 300.00 for my TC Triumph/shipping, a really great rifle for the money. I would put TC products against any thing out there, period.