I, probably more than most, know that folks generally have some very specific opinions about matters in life, 9mm vs. .45, Ford vs. Chevy, etc., etc.. So, I want to start this by stating I am not looking for input on makes, calibers, flint, or percussion. I have been researching BP stuff for months and have found it to be one of the most interesting categories of shooting sports, out of the many many I have studied, and in which I have been involved. So, I do not want to collect (I just thinned the herd in my gun safe within the past few weeks), and I won’t be shooting hundreds of rounds a month. Consequently, I am looking at obtaining a pistol or two, a rifle, and a shotgun. My question is very specifically, given your experience with quality, e.g., longevity of service, and minimal tinkering to get a muzzleloader to where it needs to be, should I be looking at a higher end production model, for example Pedersoli, or a lower end (or used) custom model. I don’t mind spending money for quality, but I will not spend a lot on something that should be in a display case instead of being outside in the weather and having explosive powder regularly ignited within it. My outlay threshold will be no more than 1000 per item (a tad more for the long guns if it were super-awesome), and to clarify I’m pretty familiar with the going rates of the various items. P.S. I’m not interested in antiques as I am not a museum curator.