I have owned Knight, Thompson and CVA. My current muzzleloader is a CVA Apex with a Begera barrel and Thompson Omega. I sold my CVA Optima to my son, both CVAs shoot better than I can. The Thompson Omega is a good shooter also, but I'd probably give a slight edge to the Apex. The quick release breech plug is really nice, something my Omega and old Knight didn't have. I really believe the muzzleloader market is much like the center fire market, there are some really accurate guns for not a lot of money. I definitely recommend getting something that shoots blackhorn 209 powder, it is a game changer when it comes to barrel fouling. For a all-in budget of $500 you can come up with a good combo.