Traditions Canyon as a first ML?

[zeeto]

Anyone have any experience with this muzzleloader? I'm thinking of picking it up for the lone ML weekend of the season. I've never hunted ML, so I'm looking for a good entry-level one especially since I'll probably only use it during the week of ML season anyway.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Traditions-Canyon-50-Caliber-Muzzleloader-with-Gun-Case-and-Starter-Kit/1289732.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fcompare_items.jsp%3FcategoryIds%3D%26entityId%3D1289732%26entityId%3D735321

[13BVET]

I have a Traditions Thunderbolt, and I love it. I use strictly 100 grains of White Hots pellets. Plenty for deer hunting. I use strictly 100 grains for a reason. I've read too many reports of 150 grain loads destroying barrels on muzzleloaders, apparently due to softer steel. 100 grains of Pyrodex, etc., is plenty.

[phade]

I'm pretty sure the Canyon is new so reviews might be a little limited. Because of that, I'd probably go with a proven model.

For an entry-level - but COMPLETELY CAPABLE - MZ...there's no better than the CVA Wolf. Load that thing up with a two pellets and a quality choice on the business end (Harvester Scorpions are cheap and effective or the Hornady XTPs) and you'll be impressed.

Right now, my FIL is using my Wolf with a single 777 pellet and a 300 gr. Scorpion and his groups are impressive out to 75 yds. Two pellets and you'll be sending them a long way with good accuracy.

It's a good, cheap, and effective deer killer. Perfect for most NY deer woods with its shorter barrel. I own a CVA and a Traditions (Wolf and Vortek UL)....I have ZERO problems killing deer with either. In fact, I hunted with the Wolf Sunday night.

Edited December 6, 2011 by phade

[First-light]

I have a traditions pursuit and really like it. Can't beat it for the money.

[wooly]

I have a traditions pursuit and really like it. Can't beat it for the money.

I'll second that.

Affordable, accurate, and easy to maintain.

I'd hesitate to call it a beginners ML though..it's deffinately a performer.

[Phillygunns]

I recently bought a Traditions Buck Stalker and like it. Just got it sighted in with 100gr of trip7 and a 240 gr hornady XTP bullet. I am finding the ML to be really fun.

[Kevin]

I have a Traditions Pursuit also.... love it. I don't hesitate using it during Reg season. Traditikns makes a very nice weapon. Have fun with it.