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I am tiring of the hordes of hunters descending on my Crown land area during the rifle season. During the past two muzzleloader seasons I have scouted the area and no one is hunting there.
I have done a lot of research on what type/brand of muzzleloader would work for me. Now I need to purchase it (and the necessary accessories).
Which Eastern Ontario hunting establishment has the truly knowledgeable people who can help set me up?
There's a lot of info right here from forum members to help you select what you're looking for in a firearm, just let us know what it is, terrain, distance, species, your expectations, I believe most here will know more than the guy/girl behind the counter just selling and not shooting
I haven't actually used a muzzleloader so having someone with the knowledge to explain it in person would be helpful.
I am looking at the Thompson Centers - Pro Hunter, Impact, Triumph. The TC models all seem to receive positive reviews and a slightly higher cost of purchase is not a huge issue for me.
What part of Ontario?? Eastern Ontario is a very large area. If it's the Ottawa area then I would suggest that you come out next time this group has a breakfast together or just contact some of them though this site.
But if you want an actual store the people at Sports Action seem to know there guns not sure about BP.
Ottawa Valley, but in Ottawa frequently.
The staff at Al's Corner Store near Arnprior are pretty good. (http://www.alscornerstore.ca/ )
They carry 'Tradition' ML's which are just great guns and have excellent accuracy. At least a place to put your hands on and shoulder a few different models.
Firearm selection perspective i.e. since you are looking for an in-line ML, TC products are excellent. It would be best to acquire a rifle that is equipped with a hand removable breech plug as it will greatly facilitate ease of operation and maintenance. I would also highly recommend using Blackhorn 209 powder.
As with any other firearm, Smokeless or BP, you may need to experiment with a variety of sabots/bullets in order to determine best performance. I found that my TC Triumph (Bone Collector) performs the best with BH209 powder and couple bullets (Hornady and TC Superglide). I had shared some range results in the following thread.
http://www.oodmag.com/community/show...n-209-question
Thanks for the info.
As a general rule, how much will the accessories (powder, bullets, etc.) cost on top of the initial firearm purchase?
Are you anywhere near Barry's Bay? The gun shop in Madawaska Outdoors always has a good selection if modern in-line muzzleloaders.
Check out www.cabelas.ca. Their catalog will give you an idea of prices.Quote:
Originally Posted by buckchaser
Cabelas' site is a good reference point. However, you may wish to shop around for better prices on the same items.
For example, a box of (20 bullets) Hornady SST-ML Low Drag High Speed will cost about $17/box before taxes at Le Baron. I mention this bullet as it has performed very well in my TC as well as a CVA Optima rifle that I had tested. The bullet is comparatively far easier to load as it is a .45 cal bullet encapsulated in a 50 sabot. Admittedly, I haven`t had an opportunity yet to validate the bullet`s terminal performance on game yet - perhaps this season .....
Another example, a 10oz bottle of Blackhorn 209 powder is priced higher at Cabelas. BH209 is a bit pricey but the small bottle contains enough powder that allowed me to experiment with different powder volumes in order to determine best powder charge/bullet combo for my rifle. I believe I still have aprox half of the powder left that will likely last a few deer seasons provided I don`t expend that at the range. I mention this powder specifically as the product definitely enhances the accuracy potential and greatly facilitates ease of re-loading as well as simplifies cleaning just with oil based solvents (designed for smokeless firearms) such as Hoppes etc.
Likewise, a box of primers (100 pcs/box) will last a while. Note - should you decide to go with BH209 powder then the specific primer(s) to use in conjunction would be either CCI 209M or Federal 209A. Cabelas`site (mistakenly) refers to the use of standard CCI primers with this powder.
Obviously, a few additional/necessary accessories will be required as part of your initial investment. However, those wil generally be low cost affairs.
Good luck with your quest.
While I fully agree that you will get better prices on-line from Cabela's....you still need to know what you want to buy after you have shouldered and handled a few different gun and models. . I know that there is a big difference in what is comfortable for a guy 5'10" and a guy who is 6'2".Quote:
Originally Posted by sharps4570
Fortunately when I was shopping for mine, the store (in the US) had all the brands and models (Traditions, CVA, TC etc) so I was able to handle get a feel for what suited me best....brand loyalty and cost etc was secondary.
Absolutely! Besides, I would like to think the current in-line manufacturers build accurate ML rifles now-a-days regardless of brand. So far, I`ve shot three different makes (Traditions, TC and CVA) and all shot 2 inches and under at 100 yards. IMO, generally speaking, this could be considered as excellent accuracy for big game hunting purposes at around such range.
Should add..as it is often forgotten....ML season can be very miserable weather wise, lots of extra clothing may be worn so try to anticipate that when sizing a rifle to your shoulder.
A forum member is selling a real nice package deal.....
http://www.oodmag.com/community/showthread.php?75834-Thompsom-Center-Hawken-50-cal
I personally don't like the service or selection at Lebaron. Try Sail in the east end or if you're near Toronto this summer go to Bass Pro or Cabelas. I don't like ordering from Cabelas as I find the shipping is pretty pricey.
I shot a CVA in-line for several years and was quite happy with it. I sold it and am now waiting for a flintlock trade gun to be made for me in the states. I like the challenge of traditional BP guns, buit that may be due to mental illness on my part :-)