muzzleloader/rifle combo comparision

sks fordman · 01-01-2008, 02:51 AM

I'm planning to buy a muzzleloader/rifle combo, and I was wandering what y'all thought about the CVA Optima, or the Thompson Center Encore series of muzzleloader/rifle combos. I need a better hunting rifle, and I need a muzzleloader. Any comments or suggestions on these guns would be appreciated, whether for or against these combo's. I'm 51 and I want to do it right the 1st time. I've never own a ML, so you folks help me to decide to either buy a combo ML/Rifle or to buy seperate ML, and rifle. Thanks,
Randy, Aka:sksfordman

andrew cochran · 01-02-2008, 09:30 AM

I would suggest getting a modern rifle and then a muzzle loader. It would make more sense to me. I bought a traditions tracker (m L) with my other rifles.

two-70 · 01-02-2008, 01:35 PM

Tc Encore barrels are very expensive, can buy a gun for almost what they want for a barrel

tcwildcat7mm · 01-31-2008, 09:39 PM

But the TC shoots so well with the muzzleloader and you can reach out there. My hunting buddy has a TC and we both love it. But he's a dentist and Im a chef= he has money i dont! But i'm saving up.

Lng Rng · 02-01-2008, 03:27 AM

Here is what I would do- Get a T/C Triumph, and a Howa 1500. You will be much happier.

samuel · 02-01-2008, 06:01 AM

It is my opinion the H&R,NEF is the best bargain.The ml,s are adequate and any centerfire barrel runs about $95.or so and they have proven to be good shooters,and take a beating within reason.I think you have to buy these in centerfire and get a ml barrel.I believe if you buy a ml it wont take centerfire barrels. sam.

webs · 02-01-2008, 08:10 AM

If money isn't a factor,I would suggest the T.C. Encore, because in my opinion it is a better quality rifle than the CVA Optima Elite.

HAWKEYE6MM · 02-11-2008, 11:35 PM

T/C 209X50 ML ENCORE. VERI-FLAME 209 PRIMER ADAPTERS (REPLACES THE 209 WITH A CCI 4BR PRIMER) 200gr T/C SHOCKWAVE POLY-TIPPED SABOT. 80-100gr TRIPLE SEVEN FFF LOOSE POWDER. Great combo.

Oh yeah, rebarrel for $325.00 for custom hand made tubes, $225.00 production barrels. You get what you pay for, you reap what you play for.

petemi · 02-13-2008, 10:13 PM

Sam, you're 1000 percent correct. You buy the NEF SB2 Handi Rifle in any version you want, then add the .50 cal Huntsman Barrel in blue or stainless, 24 or 26 inch. I added the muzzleloader barrel to my .45-70. I got a 24 inch stainless barrel, offset hammer spur, scope rail and telescoping ramrod for less than $150 including shipping and handling. You can't beat it and it is a tack driver. NEF also has a package of a centerfire and muzzleloader, but you don't have the variety of calibers available in it. I think NEF is under rated. I own 3 and think they are superb.

01-01-2008, 02:51 AM	#1
sks fordman Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fulton Kentucky Posts: 5	muzzleloader/rifle combo comparision I'm planning to buy a muzzleloader/rifle combo, and I was wandering what y'all thought about the CVA Optima, or the Thompson Center Encore series of muzzleloader/rifle combos. I need a better hunting rifle, and I need a muzzleloader. Any comments or suggestions on these guns would be appreciated, whether for or against these combo's. I'm 51 and I want to do it right the 1st time. I've never own a ML, so you folks help me to decide to either buy a combo ML/Rifle or to buy seperate ML, and rifle. Thanks, Randy, Aka:sksfordman

01-02-2008, 09:30 AM	#2
andrew cochran Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Little town in ARKANSAW! Posts: 2,391	I would suggest getting a modern rifle and then a muzzle loader. It would make more sense to me. I bought a traditions tracker (m L) with my other rifles. __________________ I'm sweatin my ass off in Arkansas, Now I'm gonna freeze it off in Alaska!

01-02-2008, 01:35 PM	#3
two-70 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ponca city, oklahoma Posts: 1,783	Tc Encore barrels are very expensive, can buy a gun for almost what they want for a barrel __________________ What Would Jesus Do ????? Just Ask Him.

01-31-2008, 09:39 PM	#4
tcwildcat7mm Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Hillsborough, NC Posts: 144	But the TC shoots so well with the muzzleloader and you can reach out there. My hunting buddy has a TC and we both love it. But he's a dentist and Im a chef= he has money i dont! But i'm saving up. __________________ "to disarm the people (is) the best and most effective way to enslave them" George Mason

02-01-2008, 06:01 AM	#6
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,081	It is my opinion the H&R,NEF is the best bargain.The ml,s are adequate and any centerfire barrel runs about $95.or so and they have proven to be good shooters,and take a beating within reason.I think you have to buy these in centerfire and get a ml barrel.I believe if you buy a ml it wont take centerfire barrels. sam. Last edited by samuel; 02-01-2008 at 06:03 AM.

02-01-2008, 03:27 AM	#5
Lng Rng Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 969	Here is what I would do- Get a T/C Triumph, and a Howa 1500. You will be much happier.

02-01-2008, 08:10 AM	#7
webs Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 275 Images: 3	If money isn't a factor,I would suggest the T.C. Encore, because in my opinion it is a better quality rifle than the CVA Optima Elite.

02-11-2008, 11:35 PM	#8
HAWKEYE6MM Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 28	T/C 209X50 ML ENCORE. VERI-FLAME 209 PRIMER ADAPTERS (REPLACES THE 209 WITH A CCI 4BR PRIMER) 200gr T/C SHOCKWAVE POLY-TIPPED SABOT. 80-100gr TRIPLE SEVEN FFF LOOSE POWDER. Great combo. Oh yeah, rebarrel for $325.00 for custom hand made tubes, $225.00 production barrels. You get what you pay for, you reap what you play for. Last edited by HAWKEYE6MM; 02-11-2008 at 11:39 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

02-13-2008, 10:13 PM	#9
petemi Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Engadine, Upper Peninsula, MI Posts: 110	Sam, you're 1000 percent correct. You buy the NEF SB2 Handi Rifle in any version you want, then add the .50 cal Huntsman Barrel in blue or stainless, 24 or 26 inch. I added the muzzleloader barrel to my .45-70. I got a 24 inch stainless barrel, offset hammer spur, scope rail and telescoping ramrod for less than $150 including shipping and handling. You can't beat it and it is a tack driver. NEF also has a package of a centerfire and muzzleloader, but you don't have the variety of calibers available in it. I think NEF is under rated. I own 3 and think they are superb.