- Joined
- Jan 4, 2024
- Messages
- 46
- Reaction score
- 59
Muzzy Fam,
I've been pouring over the forums here and elsewhere, reading reviews and researching smoke poles. Below are my findings for comparison between my top options. I am posting to 1) provide info for others following the same path I'm currently on, and 2) hear from others with (recent?) experience with these particular brands/models.
For reference, I am a Colorado resident, so my ideal muzzy will have a base system that is CO legal (loose powder, no sabot, open sights), but I am looking to swap out open sights for a scope for use in other states, mainly Nebraska. This is to be a deer only gun, so I have been specifically researching .45 cal muzzleloaders. Weight is a factor, as CO muzzy season is September when the weather is nice(er?), and I love getting out in the backcountry.
CVA: Accura MR-X and LR-X
Pros: Lower cost, simple action, much easier to clean, adjustable stock
Cons: Made in Spain, heavier(LR-X), .45 cal bore diameter issues, collapsible ramrod
Knight Rifles: Mountaineer and Ultra-Lite
Pros: Made in the USA, no/fewer bore issues, full and attached ramrod, weight(UL)
Cons: More expensive, more difficult to clean, heavier(mountaineer), breech plug/vent liner issue, no stock adjustment.
Common Ground: all have good, adjustable triggers. Available in different patterns and finishes. 209 ignition, plus other options. Similar twist rates (1:20 or 1:30 for knight, 1:22 for CVA). Longer/shorter barrel length options (26" for MR-X, 30" for LR-X, 24" for Ultra-Lite, 27" for Mountaineer). Accuracy guarantee/claim, 1 MOA at 200 for Knight, "Most accurate muzzleloader you've ever shot or your money back" for CVA (up for interpretation). Customer service seems to be hit and miss for both.
My thoughts:
If you've made it to here, thanks for coming along. My research, for my hunting application, has me leaning towards knight rifles. They seem to have fewer issues, and the issues they have are more straight forward to fix. There is more customization that can be done on the knight platforms. Cost is a consideration, but not a driving factor for me. I'm still torn, the UL would be much nicer to carry in the hills or maneuver in a stand, but the Mountaineer just looks so darn good, and has a happy medium for barrel length. But... The CVAs are so simple to clean!?!
What say you sage muzzy vets? Spend less on a CVA, then hope for a good barrel, otherwise pull your hair out for find a well fitting bullet? Or spend more on the Knight, and deal with replacing the breech plug/vent liners?
Cheers all!
I've been pouring over the forums here and elsewhere, reading reviews and researching smoke poles. Below are my findings for comparison between my top options. I am posting to 1) provide info for others following the same path I'm currently on, and 2) hear from others with (recent?) experience with these particular brands/models.
For reference, I am a Colorado resident, so my ideal muzzy will have a base system that is CO legal (loose powder, no sabot, open sights), but I am looking to swap out open sights for a scope for use in other states, mainly Nebraska. This is to be a deer only gun, so I have been specifically researching .45 cal muzzleloaders. Weight is a factor, as CO muzzy season is September when the weather is nice(er?), and I love getting out in the backcountry.
CVA: Accura MR-X and LR-X
Pros: Lower cost, simple action, much easier to clean, adjustable stock
Cons: Made in Spain, heavier(LR-X), .45 cal bore diameter issues, collapsible ramrod
Knight Rifles: Mountaineer and Ultra-Lite
Pros: Made in the USA, no/fewer bore issues, full and attached ramrod, weight(UL)
Cons: More expensive, more difficult to clean, heavier(mountaineer), breech plug/vent liner issue, no stock adjustment.
Common Ground: all have good, adjustable triggers. Available in different patterns and finishes. 209 ignition, plus other options. Similar twist rates (1:20 or 1:30 for knight, 1:22 for CVA). Longer/shorter barrel length options (26" for MR-X, 30" for LR-X, 24" for Ultra-Lite, 27" for Mountaineer). Accuracy guarantee/claim, 1 MOA at 200 for Knight, "Most accurate muzzleloader you've ever shot or your money back" for CVA (up for interpretation). Customer service seems to be hit and miss for both.
My thoughts:
If you've made it to here, thanks for coming along. My research, for my hunting application, has me leaning towards knight rifles. They seem to have fewer issues, and the issues they have are more straight forward to fix. There is more customization that can be done on the knight platforms. Cost is a consideration, but not a driving factor for me. I'm still torn, the UL would be much nicer to carry in the hills or maneuver in a stand, but the Mountaineer just looks so darn good, and has a happy medium for barrel length. But... The CVAs are so simple to clean!?!
What say you sage muzzy vets? Spend less on a CVA, then hope for a good barrel, otherwise pull your hair out for find a well fitting bullet? Or spend more on the Knight, and deal with replacing the breech plug/vent liners?
Cheers all!