Paul B asks: Shopping for a good entry level ML. Looking at CVA Optima, Knight Disc Extreme, Traditions Buckstalker, and T/C Impact. Hunting in Indiana, and not likely to be shooting beyond 50 yards. However, because of my eyesight (very high prescription) I have trouble focusing on iron sights, especially in low light, so I’ll be mounting a scope.

My question is what rifle/scope combination would you recommend (of those mentioned above)? I’ve had good experiences with Vortex and Leupold but open to other suggestions. Thanks in advance!

We’re presenting these answers to help provide you with a variety of opinions to help you, the reader, select your next muzzleloader. Happy hunting!

Answers from the Facebook group were as follows-

Angel R- Go with the CVA Optima V2 with the Konus scope good all the way out to 300 yards and the scope is great.

Tracy C- T/C made in the USA & Leupold VX-Freedom Muzzleloader 3-9x40 also made in the USA

Troy T- If we’re being totally honest here, ANY of the modern muzzleloaders will work well for what you need it for. The competition is great, and the consumer gets to benefit from that.

Tom P- I think the best suggestion one could give you here, both from a practical & economical standpoints is to simply buy a " Combo " muzzleloader already set up with a scope mounted on it. It solves everything that you listed. You can easily find TC & CVA Combo ML's with scopes on them online. Perhaps doing a search for a used set up online or pawn shops are fantastic for deals exactly like what you're looking for. Good luck.

David L- Knight or CVA. The accura is also a good shooting gun for the money. Get nitride or stainless barrel if you can. Leupold vx freedom is a great buy. The Konus scopes that come with the CVA’s is junk.

Sam B- I really like my Buckstalker. I bought the package that came with a scope and ammo

Darius T- For short range cva wolf or traditions buckstalker.. Good to 100125 yds. Or get a traditions pursuit with scope for a little more. Cva accura is very good and the Traditions LDR is super accurate at long range

Rick W- I’m with you on Vortex & Leupold. Think about the used market as well.

Cary P- I own knight 45 disc extreme bought new in 2003.tc impact tc omega. Cva optima v2 cva accura v2 pr and lr. My knight outshoots them all. Has a leupold vx freedom scope as all my others do also.

We hope this helps you select an entry level inline muzzleloader for hunting season. If you are interested in reading more about muzzleloader hunting, check out the NMLRA Blog section on hunting.