1st Muzzle loader! Thank you!

ant197

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Joined
Jun 15, 2023
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19
Hello All,

Wanted to take a few moments and say thanks to the community. I have spent months perusing this forum and the internet on information about purchasing my first muzzleloader and the shear volume of data is daunting. Caliber, barrel length, northwest vs 209, coated vs uncoated, what addons I would need to get started, the list goes on. I never really had any reason to post just lurk in the shadows and learn.
I spent time writing down questions and pros and cons to different rifles and in the end had some questions I wanted to physically talk to someone about. I reached out to my local gun shop who was not much help (lack of knowledge)
I tried to reach out to CVA and Traditions which was no help.
I had heard of www.muzzle-loaders.com from a few people on this forum and reached out to them and spoke with Coulton who was a great help in clearing up some of my questions and giving me some advice on things I needed vs things I did not. He took 10-15 minutes out of his day to work through my list and answer my questions which made me feel better about my choice. I also learned that CVA does not come with an extension for the rod anymore so it’s good I talked to them or would have had a hard time cleaning the barrel. He also explained that the threads are under the palm saver which I didn’t know.
Lots of internet places say they have customer service but they spoke to me and I had not purchased a thing from them ever.
I ended up purchasing my rifle from them since they had taken the time to help me and it was a simple process.
In the end I went with a CVA Optima V2 with the nitride barrel a Burris scope and blackthorn 209 breach plug. I chose the CVA after talking with Coulton because they make a northwest legal breach plug and I would not need to buy another rifle if I ever venture out west! (I know I will need iron sites if this happens).
If anyone has been debating a purchase and has questions that a local shop can’t or won’t take time to answer I recommend giving them a call!

Thanks for everyone who has shared knowledge on this forum!

Anthony
 
In the end I went with a CVA Optima V2 with the nitride barrel a Burris scope and blackthorn 209 breach plug.

Great call on talking to the guys at muzzle-loaders.com, they are awesome in every respect. And that Optima is an excellent choice to get your feet wet in the world of blackpowder hunting- I've had one for several years and love it. Going to be getting very close with mine here over the course of August and September, in fact. They're not the fanciest, but do a great job at a very affordable price point.

If you haven't developed a load yet, Barnes T-EZs over ~85 grains by volume of BH200 work great for states that allow sabots. Let us know how it goes!
 
I had no trouble reaching and getting good info from traditions. I think they have changed to a new ignition system but mine is a vortek strikerfire Backcountry. Shorter than most makes carrying easier.

No matter what you get since it's more work to pattern a new muzzy than a rifle, talking to and starting with what the maker suggests for ignition, powder and bullets helps. MZ.com folks have been helpful to me too.
 
Another vote for Muzzleloaders.com

They do a lot of testing and are excellent people. My wife worked with them to get me a surprise gift and despite her not knowing much about hunting or muzzleloaders was able to get me what I needed. They are a Christian owned and operated company as well and extoll the values that should come along with that.

They have answered questions for me about CVA rifles that I couldn’t get answered by CVA when I reached out directly to CVA. That impressed me.
 
Just got my Optima V2 in the mail. Ordered off muzzle-loaders.com, great experience and tons of educational videos.
Professionally mounted scope mount if you go with that option. The scope package is a great deal. Very comparable to discount prices for the Vortex and it comes with a case and the mount.
Well packaged and safe. Also ordered my ammo and cleaning equipment to go with it. They were out of Blackhorn 209 unfortunately but had everything else. Ended up getting IMR White Hots, but will try Blackhorn in the future.
 

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Just got my Optima V2 in the mail. Ordered off muzzleloaders.com, great experience and tons of educational videos.
Professionally mounted scope mount if you go with that option. The scope package is a great deal. Very comparable to discount prices for the Vortex and it comes with a case and the mount.
Well packaged and safe. Also ordered my ammo and cleaning equipment to go with it. They were out of Blackhorn 209 unfortunately but had everything else. Ended up getting IMR White Hots, but will try Blackhorn in the future.
Welcome to HT. I had good luck w 777 powder in my Optima, which was a worthy gun.
 

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