Author Topic: which one? (Read 835 times)

bukfevr · « **on:** January 04, 2004, 05:38:54 PM »

If you had to pick one muzzleloader to hunt with....hunting whitetails in the wooded mountains and farmlands of Virginia. Shots would generally be under 125 yards, with most of them under 75. Could have an occasional chance to shoot farther, but rare. Out of the 25-30 deer I have taken, I would say 90% were under 75 yards. But, I still want an accurate gun. Ease of cleaning is always a plus, but would not sway my opinion. Reliability IS important, as well as warranty. What gun would you guys pick? Gun show coming up, and I need opinions. :roll:

RandyWakeman · « **Reply #1 on:** January 04, 2004, 06:50:47 PM »

Lots of good choices - - - Knight Wolverine, Omega, Encore, A & H, White 97 98, perhaps a Contender G2, or a Savage 10 ML. Maybe a Huntsman?

More e-mails tell me "Omega" than any other muzzleloader-- I prefer an Encore in T/C, a Knight Elite, or a 10ML Savage . . . today.

bukfevr · « **Reply #2 on:** January 05, 2004, 06:12:56 AM »

Your reviews of the Knight Elite get me interested. I've got the older Wolverine with #11 ignition. It's been a great rifle and has accounted for several deer and turkey over the years, including my largest buck. About 3 weeks ago, I bought the Encore in 50 cal. and it seems to be a good shooter. I'm pleased with it. I just haven't had it long enough to know if it's THE one for me. The Omega looks good, as it has only the breech plug to remove to clean. Oh well, all of these choices....and I may already have the answer sitting here in the gun cabinet. :roll: Maybe I should be looking at CF barrels for the Encore?!

RandyWakeman · « **Reply #3 on:** January 05, 2004, 07:57:34 AM »

The Knight Elite is the most accurate gun I've tested. It is scope only, which might limit its flexibility to some.

As for your Encore-- I've had great luck with mine, with 110 gr. Triple 7 FFg loose and .40 / 50 220 gr. Dead Centers. Just make sure your forearm is floated. :wink:

bukfevr · « **Reply #4 on:** January 05, 2004, 08:28:10 AM »

That's my only drawback with the Elite. If I knew VA would never go back to the "iron sights only" law. I'm gonna shoot my Encore some more in a few days, after the rain passes. I've got 3 shots touching at 50 yards with 100gr. of 777 and 250gr. Barnes Expanders. Haven't got to shoot farther yet. My old Wolverine will also shoot these groups. I know there's bound to be a thread here about floating the forearm, I'll try to find it. Does it really help that much? Thanks for the info, Randy.

RandyWakeman · « **Reply #5 on:** January 05, 2004, 10:09:00 AM »

Quote from: bukfevr

Does it really help that much? Thanks for the info, Randy.

Yes, at least here. My Encore is a 3/4 MOA gun. I had the barrel black tefloned, it suddenly shot 6 - 7" groups. I opened up the forearm (taking away a LOT of wood)-- next time out, it shot 3/4 MOA again, and has ever since.

bukfevr · « **Reply #6 on:** January 05, 2004, 12:35:47 PM »

So the extra diameter of the barrel from the black teflon was all it took to tighten the forearm to screw up your groups. It's amazing how the little things make all the difference. I'm gonna have to give them Dead Centers a try. Cheaper than the Barnes, I assume.

RandyWakeman · « **Reply #7 on:** January 05, 2004, 01:42:32 PM »

Well, depends on how you buy them. WAY cheaper than Knight Red Hot supplied Barnes, that's for sure.

$36.95 for a 50-pack, less in 125 / 250 packs.

http://www.prbullet.com/xmas03.htm

bukfevr · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2004, 06:10:15 PM »

Well, I've almost got the better half talked into letting me try one more gun. :roll: But, one catch, I have to sell the Encore or which ever one I try next...can only keep one. So, I've narrowed it down to two that I'd like to try. Since I have only one choice, help me out here.
1. Omega
2. Knight Disc Elite
3. Keep the Encore and forget the rest. :wink:

RandyWakeman · « **Reply #9 on:** January 06, 2004, 07:30:59 PM »

With only a few week old Encore, and very few shots fired-- it sure sounds like you are not thrilled with it? :?

big6x6 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 07, 2004, 01:50:39 AM »

I can't imagine why you would sell an Encore only to replace it with a muzzleloader only? With the Encore you have EVERY situation covered with only a change of barrels. I'd definitely keep the Encore. If later you can add to your collection, then do so.

I also can't imagine an Encore not shooting SEVERAL projectiles well. See if you can find some 250gr PTX on closeout or buy some 250gr SST/Shockwaves.

Also, try midsouthshooterssupply.com for your Barnes Expanders. Best price around in 25 ct. And let's face it, there's no reason to not use the Barnes if it is shooting well for you. It's a GREAT muzzleloading bullet. When it comes to weight retention and pass-thru likelihood, NO projectile comes close.

bukfevr · « **Reply #11 on:** January 07, 2004, 05:22:37 AM »

It's not that I'm not happy with the Encore. I was just gonna get one more and put several rounds through both to see which one I liked the best. Then sell the other one. I've looked at several, but so far when I shoulder my Encore, it seems to just fit better than any other. No other stock design fits quite as well. As for bullets, the Barnes are hard to load, but print real good groups at 50 yards. I've got a pretty good supply of those try at 100 yards soon. Planning on some Dead Centers too. I've got the PTX's just haven't had a chance to shoot yet. Too stinkin' cold! :shock:

RandyWakeman · « **Reply #12 on:** January 07, 2004, 05:31:09 AM »

Quote from: bukfevr

I've looked at several, but so far when I shoulder my Encore, it seems to just fit better than any other. No other stock design fits quite as well.

It sounds like you have answered your own question. I say "keep the Encore," and just shoot it. There is just no great performance advantage to the Omega or the Knight-- and fit says a lot.

bukfevr · « **Reply #13 on:** January 07, 2004, 06:22:50 AM »

I think I will. :grin: Just got to get one of XS Power Rods now and some Dead Centers.