This is my first muzzleloader, so nothing to compare it to, but it worked like a charm my first try. For those new to muzzleloaders, be sure to research them beforehand and decide what you want. You may need to be patient as they are often out of stock everywhere. I waited about 6 months for this one. Be patient as you use your gun as well, like clean and maybe lube after every 1-2 shots. This Pedersoli gun is gorgeous, very sturdy, smooth percussion action, a joy to handle and shoot. Note it's very hard to find #11 caps too, but you can make your own from kits you can get here on muzzle-loaders.com.

This was my first real authentic Kentucky hawkens muzzleloader...it was sighted in at 75 yards and hit bullet on bullet with no errors in craftsmanship...if you have the money and want a challenging hunt similar to bow hunting...I highly recommend this rifle...if your budget is tight...well...another great rifke line is by traditions...I recommend doing your homework...read...research...discuss with other hunters before making a purchase...it provides less issues when deciding if you want a .32 caliber up to a .54 caliber based on your hunting or recreational firepower needs...I'm lucky...I have .32's and .36 and .50's and a .54...good luck and have fun shooting how our forefathers did and by the way...these rifles will be great to pass down to your kids or grandkids.