I'm looking for help on my next purchase. I've long been into the idea of hunting small game with a muzzleloader but I'm stuck on what I should spend my hard earned money on. Additionally, I'm unsure if a flintlock or percussion would suit me better. Smoothbore is a must, but other than that I have no real idea what would best fit the bill for this small game/foraging gun.
I've looked at a few different 1842 Springfield's (which I'm drawn to for some reason). I'd also love to get into flintlocks, but I just don't have the confidence to get one running correctly and keep it that way. (And at the price I'm looking at they are mainly Indian made) The sxs pedersolis are just out of my reach price wise and are (from what I've heard) unable to fire ball without damaging barrels.
Ideally I'd keep the price in the $750-1,000 range. Does anyone know what I should be looking for, things I'm missing, or just general input?
I've looked at a few different 1842 Springfield's (which I'm drawn to for some reason). I'd also love to get into flintlocks, but I just don't have the confidence to get one running correctly and keep it that way. (And at the price I'm looking at they are mainly Indian made) The sxs pedersolis are just out of my reach price wise and are (from what I've heard) unable to fire ball without damaging barrels.
Ideally I'd keep the price in the $750-1,000 range. Does anyone know what I should be looking for, things I'm missing, or just general input?