I finally got my Ultimate Firearms BP Xpress, installed Leupold dual dovetail bases and rings, and mounted a Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14 scope. Yesterday, I took it on its maiden voyage to the range. It was everything that I expected and more. I sighted in 5 inches high at 100 yards which is dead on at 200 and put 5 shots in a quarter size group, then shot the same groups at 125 and 200 yards. I used the recommended load for the gun of 200 gr Pyrodex and 300 gr Hornady SST bullets, and I will admit that the recoil was STIFF but not unmanageable. I will be mounting a Simms pad on the gun before my next trip to the range. I had my trigger set at 2# from the factory which is nice, but there is SLIGHTLY more creep than what I prefer (but I can fix that myself). The fit and finish of the gun are EXCELLENT. My first impression of the Howa action was that I was a little "rough", but I oiled it, worked it a couple hundred times, and is now smooth as glass. I purchased this gun sight unseen and was skeptical, but I have absolutely no regrets in my purchase. I bought a chronograph to "test" this gun but forgot my battery yesterday, so I don't have any data to prove or disprove the company velocity claims. However, EVERYTHING the company had told me about the gun was true, so as of now I have no reason to not believe their velocity claims.
I will say up front that the gun is expensive, but that is a NON ISSUE with me. In my opinion, it is worth the money. I have other muzzleloaders that I can shoot well, but not one performs like my BP Xpress.
