New to muzzleloading

[CharringLight]

I have no prior experience with muzzleloading and thought I try my hand at a kit build. Having recently retired I finally have time to give this sport some attention. My question to you all is, is it better to start off with a pistol or rifle kit? I am thinking a kit in the $400 - $800 range. I have experience with both wood and metal. Also I mostly plan to shoot at a public ranges and BLM property.

 

[Kansas Jake]

I would do a rifle if you are looking to do a kit. They take about the same work and a rifle is more versatile. Also, there are more options for rifles.

You can do kits from Traditions or Pieta and others. For about $500 more than your budget you can do a Kibler. You can also put together parts and build a scratch rifle but I wouldn’t recommend it for a beginner.

 

[Daveboone]

I agree...generally with a kit...if you can do one, you can do the other, Granted,...even though I have never done so...If I was going to build one up from scratch I have to think a pistol would be a good starting point.

 

[ILoveMuzzleloading]

At $800 for the top of your budget, I'd consider saving a bit more. For around $1000-1200 you get into a really nice level of kit with better parts and wood.

 

[Kansas Jake]

I built my first kits about 50 years ago. A CVA flintlock rifle and next a flint pistol. I knew little when I started and information was scarce. They both shot. Today you have great sources of help and information right here.

 

[Sidney Smith]

Don't buy s Traditions kit. They're meant to go together fast and are of low quality. They don't offer much of a challenge, and you're finished product is still going to be low quality no matter how skillful you are at finishing it. I'd say save your money until you can buy a better quality kit.

 

[Spikebuck]

I have no prior experience with muzzleloading and thought I try my hand at a kit build.

Is your goal to have an historically correct looking gun when done? Flintlock or caplock? Any hunting or just plinking and/or target shooting? If hunting, what game? Any reenacting?

I agree with Kansas Jake that a long gun would be better unless you are specifically interested in pistols.

If you can provide more info on your goals, we can give better choices for you.