Where to buy muzzleloaders?

[claytonp]

Looking for insight on where to shop for antique muzzleloaders. I know of online sights such as midway USA, muzzleloaders.com and other various sites. With that said, buying new rifles can be expensive and also a hassle to obtain (I very unfortunately reside in Illinois). I was perhaps looking for insight on where to look in Illinois, maybe gun shows or local mom and pop shops (I am located in the tri-state area near the Mississippi River). I am also wishing to stick with a percussion rifle rather than flintlock as I am new to muzzleloading. A very easy kit might be ok, but I’m on the fence as I am not very patient (I swear it’s hereditary). With that being said what is everybody’s recommendation for a first rifle and what to look for when buying one? Wanting to go with a 50 caliber or possibly a 54 if conicals/bullets are readily available as I plan to hunt with it. I’m a fan of the Lyman half stock rifles with long barrels or a beautiful full stock rifle, just not an insanely long one. Any pointers and advice is appreciated! Sorry for the terribly long post!

Thank you in advance, Clayton

 

[Omahkapi'si]

I have 3 Pedersoli Frontier model rifles all .50 caliber. I've had good luck with them, fit and finish is great on mine. 1 flintlock in maple, 2 percussion, one in walnut and the other maple. I like that they came ready to shoot and did not break the bank. There are other options and others will chime in shortly I'm sure.

 

[JohnBHM]

I had never shot a muzzleloader until a couple of years ago when one of my sons told me he wanted a flintlock. I told him to research and get a good kit and I would build it for him. He ended getting an old Thompson Center kit for me to practice on and a Kibler Woodsrunner in 54 cal.. I knew nothing of flintlocks but have not had any problems and have no interest in percussion any more. The Woodsrunner kit can be put together into a functioning rifle in a matter of hours and lets you do as little or much as you want to personalize your rifle.

 

[poker]

There are as many options as you care to look thru. Your major problem appears to be the Illinois thing requiring you to pay an ffl also for a transaction. That would really suck.

 

[longcruise]

With that said, buying new rifles can be expensive and also a hassle to obtain (I very unfortunately reside in Illinois).

Examine the law in Illinois carefully. It may not apply in every geographic location. Don't know that for a fact but should be worth looking into.