Muzzleloader Questions

[Dancing Bear]

Hello all, I've been looking into getting into muzzleloading and have been shopping around quite a bit trying to figure it all out. I've pretty much decided on purchasing a Thompson Omega. I like the way it balances, the trigger, (which I found out you are not supposed to be dry firing at the store as it messes up the pin )

and the easy way it is set up to clean. Anyone have any thoughts on this gun or reccomendations on another one? Any advice would be most appreciated.

DB

[Gissert]

I bought an Omega last summer, and have been very happy with it.

I tried the Savage, the Contender, and the CVA units. They were all really nice guns, but the Omega fit me the best. The sights came up right in line every time I shouldered the gun.

I have had good accuracy with two pyrodex pellets and plain lead 240 grain sabots. With open sights, I get two inch groups at 50 yards, and 5 inches at 100. Not bad with open sights. I know the gun is capable of better accuracy, I just have not had time to try other projectiles and loose powder yet.

[jlm]

You certainly can't go wrong with that choice, this is a great gun that has had some pretty good reviews. If you would like to spend less, you may want to take a look at the CVA's, they make several economical black powder guns that are pretty good. If price is not an issue, I would make the same choice you have! Good luck.

[setterguy]

I have the Omega and have zero complaints. I upgraded from an older gun and can't believe the confidence boost! It is balanced well (for me) and is easy to load, clean and adjust.

[Fall Morning Fanatic]

I too have an Omega and would not steer you in any other direction. I have no complaints at all.

Buy it, buy it now.

[ScoutII]

I went with the Savage 10ML-II, what I liked about the Savage is I can use smokeless powder. I like how tight the primer fits, it is the same reciever they use on their short action model 10 rifles. It also has an adjustable trigger pull. With the smokless powder you don't have to unload your weapon every day, because the powder is not as corrosive as blackpowder. (Less Maintanence) With hunting clothes on or off pulls up nice. I was surprized with how light it is. Fiber optic sights, easy to see in low light. The rifle will hold a 2" group at a 100 yards with open sights. One thing you want remember with any of the new style muzzleloading rifles is to use the breech plug lube(anti-seize) or you may not be able to remove your breech plug.

[Dancing Bear]

ARRGHH! so much to learn, thanks for the replies. Could somebody explain "breech plug lube" anti-seize to me? I'm planning on using pyrodex pellets, do they gum up the actions also? and you have to shoot them off everyday when done? Might as well chime in and let me know what bullets, grain weight, etc you prefer, for simplicities sake when traveling I'm going with a 50. cal.

Again thanks for the replies and help on this.

DB (thinking I need a muzzleloading mentor about now)

[lawdog]

There are plenty of places to find info Bear. I too have the Thompson Omega, a first class choice.

You will appreciate it when you figure out lubing and cleaning that breach as its right there when you open the action unlike in a bolt action where you need to first remove the bolt and then go at it through the slide area (and yes you need to clean it and anti-seize it with Pyrodex or any powders for that matter).

[lumbertick]

I shoot a Knight and a sidelock thompson, so I am not an expert on the omega, although the bro inlaw owns one. I do know that cleanliness is next to godliness on these guns. Corrosion and fouling are the enemy! As far as unloading everyday....not necessary. I have gone whole seasons without unloading...just keep the gun cold so you don't have condensation. I have read a bit about that savage and it seems like a cool gun....I like the use of smokeless powder because it burns a lot cleaner...which means less cleaning. For those of us who have suffered with the "real black powder" we can really appreiciate things like pyrodex, pellets, and now the use of smokeless in guns!!

lt