I'm going to lean t'other way, having owned and worked with both. I say go with the TVM because you're going to be lots more satisfied in the end- better gun by miles with better fit, better parts, better performance and better service.
Traditions work, don't get me wrong. But you're likely to be looking for a replacement before long and you'll never get all your money back out of the Crockett.
-Specifically the Crockett has a goofy "chamber" back against the breech face, and if you don't do things just right you'll jam a cleaning patch down there.
-There are enough glitches in the finish of the Crockett, you'll end up refinishing sooner or later. Specifically, the balance point of the Crockett for carry is right at the rear sight, and right at the wedge key. Both the horns of the sight and the tip of the wedge key are so sharp, you'll end up rounding a bit and refinishing.
-I've had no ends of problems with two Crockett locks, but no one makes a replacement. You're stuck with it. Both mine have started eating main springs after a some wear, to the point that I was buying main springs three at a time.
-Lots of lock wear in a couple thousand shots.
-Traditions don't (maybe that's changed, but I gave up) answer emails, even if they have a place on their site for emails and questions. I sent them emails about the lock issues for over two months and never got a single response. Why have a setup for emails if they're not going to use it? Phone calls resulted in an offer to sell me a replacement lock (right at $100 if I recall correctly), but no warranty replacement. Turns out the springs were breaking due to poor lock inletting in the stock, but stuff it for warranty.
TVM in-the-white?
-Good parts
-Good fit into the stock
-Very responsive to questions
-Great service
If you regard the Crockett as an in-the-white gun and do some work, yeah, you can come out okay. If you get one that's built right in the first place, you won't have bad issues to deal with. But if things aren't right, you may have your work cut out for you. Then there's that goofy "chamber" arrangement to contend with at all times.
Another alternative for you to contemplate is Tip Curtis. I haven't dealt with him, but I continue to hear great things about his in-the-white guns. He apparently doesn't have a web site, but is great to deal with on the phone. Contact # is in the resource section here on the site.
BTW- The Crockett is percussion only.
