muzzleloader/rifle combo comparision

sks fordman · 01-01-2008, 01:51 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, 08:30 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, 12:35 PM

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

tcwildcat7mm · 01-31-2008, 08:39 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, 02:27 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, 05:01 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, 07:10 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, 10:35 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, 09:13 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, 01:51 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, 08:30 AM	#2
andrew cochran Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Little town in ARKANSAW! Posts: 2,183	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. __________________ If you don't have anything good to say... Don't say it!

01-02-2008, 12:35 PM	#3
two-70 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ponca city, oklahoma Posts: 1,778	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, 08:39 PM	#4
tcwildcat7mm Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Hillsborough, NC Posts: 101	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, 05:01 AM	#6
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	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 05:03 AM.

02-01-2008, 02:27 AM	#5
Lng Rng Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 944	Here is what I would do- Get a T/C Triumph, and a Howa 1500. You will be much happier.

02-01-2008, 07:10 AM	#7
webs Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 259 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, 10:35 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 10:39 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

02-13-2008, 09:13 PM	#9
petemi Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Engadine, Upper Peninsula, MI Posts: 90	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.