hey randy, protecting the scope wise, couldnt you just use one of those buffalo bullet thingies that wraps around the scope? What is the advantage of weaver rings/mounts vs. the ruger integrals?
Sure, you can wrap the scope with black electrical tape, deer hide, etc. The Ruger is an open action, the cap or primer energetic goes everywhere. Quick release bases are a
joy when getting the scope safely out of the way for cleaning. As already mentioned, you have far more sight options. The bolt on the Ruger is not the easiest to disassemble or clean-- I found it to be a pain. If your heart is set on a Ruger, of course have at it. I tried one, and found it far less than ideal.
IMO, you just have far better muzzleloading options from a maintenance standpoint, an accuracy standpoint, a trigger standpoint, and a value perspective. The choice is naturally yours.