you need to do, basically three things:
first, if you don't already have them, get at least Shumway's book and Alexander's book (both available from TotW, and although a pretty stiff initial outlay, they'll more than make up for their cost in the expense of ruined parts, not counting frustration, delay, and bloodstains on your stock- don't ask me how i know :redface: )
second, resign yourself to the sad but simple fact that all things which go bang are not the same. a well made flintlock will cost you much more than a well made, say 30.06. Despite HCI's mantra that 'all guns are bad,' (how do assign a moral character to an inanimate object? - but that's another tirade for another day) a gun is a tool and it's relative utility is greatly perceptual. if all you want to do is put birdshot downrange, and you don't really care what the piece looks like and you don't want to drop a wad of cash, get a used Mossberg 500 from your local pawn shop, go out, and have fun. there's absolutely nothing wrong with this- i've done it. but remember that when your're talking about a muzzleloader, the character of the relationship between you and the tool is much different than, say, the way you feel about your framing hammer, so, since my muzzleloaders are more valuable to me than many of my other tools, i don't hesitate to spend more money on their construction, aquisition or upkeep.
third, accept that you're only gonna 'go round once,' so (as they said in the movie) 'have it the way you want it.' i would urge you to go ahead and spend the extra money, spend the extra time, and in the end have what you really want, rather than a poor compromise.
just one guy's opinion (probably worth what you just paid for it).
once rockbangers fires have you, forever will they dominate your [strike]destiny[/strike] range time.
