Some while back, Chuck Hill set out upon his own independent testing of a variety of the more popular .45 caliber in-line muzzleloaders. A few great shooters, some in the middle, and at least one sub-standard.
In any case, what Chuck discovered through his efforts was that the Knight Elite .45 was the most accurate of the pack, outshooting his already extremely competent T/C Omega .45 in some four out of five specific load combinations that were tested side by side, group for group.
The Knight Elite .50 caliber (
I've never tested the .45 caliber version) still ranks as the most accurate muzzleloader I've
ever tested in "out of box" configuration:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/knight_disc_elite.htm .
Chuck has already fallen into the habit of pulling the trigger on one of his other Knights, and observing that hogs, deer, and other things tend to quickly die. Rather than opt for yet
another complete smokepole for the arsenal, Chuck took a clever path. A new barreled action for the Knight Elite in .50 caliber, resplendent with non-C-Lect tool bolt, breechplug, and trigger. Procured and instantly shipped from Knight Rifles for $220 in stainless, Chuck reports that it also is "a real shooter," in its first go out.
One of the touted benefits of the Thompson Encore is the "platform" approach. If smokepoling is your primary bag, and you'd like duality of calibers in the same stock, the $220 Elite barreled action approach is a great one-- at less cost than a naked Encore barrel alone. Now Chuck can enjoy shooting either caliber, while his girlfiend is busy blowdrying the other barrel's breechplug. Sounds like a very smart move on Chuck's part, and to change calibers entails the removal / replacement of exactly
one screw. :eek: :eek: :eek:
