Take a look at the Pedersoli Scout. 28-1/2” barrel and weighs 6 lbs. Mine is very accurate. I bought the percussion model and also ordered a flintlock. Swapping out from percussion to flint is about a 5 minute job.
Here in NM, no, it is not legal. In OR, I used a .40 for deer and it was deadly. .40 was popular for ML hunting pronghorn - it can be flat and fast, a sweet spot in ML calibers I think.
The English Sporting Rifle is nice, too, if you can find/afford one.
It varies by state. Just check your state laws and any state you plan to hunt in. Ohio allows 38 caliber ML or bigger.
I have a Smooth bore .62 built by Brad Emig. Love it.
Only problem is, that without a sling, both hands are carrying something. Old guys sometimes need to grab onto sprouts, tree roots, etc. to climb levees, mud banks, etc. Portable rests are helpful sometimes. Depends on what/where the day's adventure unfolds. "Serious" hunting - like actually trying to shoot a deer versus poking around might make cross sticks or portable rest desirable. They surely do help once you find a good place to sit, and enjoy the day. Old guys I know are better "sitters" than "stalkers".
Try using your ramrod, pull it out, use it to steady your aim, shoot, put it back where you got it.
The Leatherman makes some nice slip on slings. After tripping on a root and falling, then breaking 2 ribs protecting my rifle, I use one when hunting.
Caliber restrictions vary state to state. In Arkansas, I can use a minimum of .40 for deer. For squirrel, .36 is the largest we can use. I think I can use .40 on rabbit, just not squirrel. What a bummer!
