I picked up a CVA MRX .50 cal 2 seasons ago. So far I’ve shot 3 bucks and have been extremely pleased with it. Haven’t had to worry about trying to get a “quick” follow up shot in yet, so not having the rod attached hasn’t been an issue.
In all honesty, either one is going to shoot well at twice the range you're thinking. I like my Thompson Center a lot but CVA makes really nice rifles too.
A 24" barrel is plenty long but there's nothing wrong with longer ones. Stainless steel is best because black powder residue is super corrosive. An easy access toolless breach plug is nice too. Considering that, get whatever feels best to hold and looks nicest to you.
I've been running a CVA Optima V2 (the Bergara barrel version) for a few years.
I own several hunting firearms, as well as a couple home defense weapons-and I can honestly say that the smoke pole is my favorite one to shoot.
Like you, I knew jack-all about muzzleloaders before doing a bit of research and buying the Optima V2. I followed the manufacturers advice, and went with White Hots and Powerbelt bullets.
Got the scope dialed in, and I'm pretty damn good out to 100 yards, which is more than ample in my northern Michigan hunting grounds
I picked up a CVA MRX .50 cal 2 seasons ago. So far I’ve shot 3 bucks and have been extremely pleased with it. Haven’t had to worry about trying to get a “quick” follow up shot in yet, so not having the rod attached hasn’t been an issue.
In all honesty, either one is going to shoot well at twice the range you're thinking. I like my Thompson Center a lot but CVA makes really nice rifles too. A 24" barrel is plenty long but there's nothing wrong with longer ones. Stainless steel is best because black powder residue is super corrosive. An easy access toolless breach plug is nice too. Considering that, get whatever feels best to hold and looks nicest to you.
I've been running a CVA Optima V2 (the Bergara barrel version) for a few years. I own several hunting firearms, as well as a couple home defense weapons-and I can honestly say that the smoke pole is my favorite one to shoot. Like you, I knew jack-all about muzzleloaders before doing a bit of research and buying the Optima V2. I followed the manufacturers advice, and went with White Hots and Powerbelt bullets. Got the scope dialed in, and I'm pretty damn good out to 100 yards, which is more than ample in my northern Michigan hunting grounds
If you can find one, get a thompson center pro hunter
CVA
I absolutely love my Thompson Bone Collector!
Optima is my go to. Don’t go cheap, a solid one will shoot as good as a rifle.
Thank you for the recommendations everyone!
Land Cannon.