I have a Savage AND an SMI. Both shoot well and I love both of them. Actually by the time you figure in the cost of the H&R shotgun a blue/black Savage is about the exact same price as an SMI.
One major advantage the SMI has over the Savage is thier is no damn vent liner to screw with in your breech plug. That being said, SMI's are sort of "homebuilds" and the machining is not as precise as the Savage cookie cutter. This does not hurt the functionality or safety of the SMI, but does effect the aesthetic quality.
I give kudos to both SMI and Savage customer service when dealing with thier muzzleloaders. Both seem to do whatever necessary to "make things right".
Owning and hunting with both I can honestly say the choice of SMI or Savage is a toss up. Completely up to personal preference. HOWEVER, I will add that SMI can "custom build" your muzzleloader. Therefore, YOU CAN BUILD A YOUTH/LADIES MODEL IN A SMOKELESS MUZZLELOADER!! Which is exactly what I did for my wife. Whoever has handled the Savage muzzleloader will agree that it is a tank, and certianly not kid/small framed shooter friendly!
BTW what loads are you shooting out of your SMI
thank you for the info, ElkStalkr.
Let's not forget that now anyone can use smokeless powder in any modern inline. It's called "Blackhorn 209" and is a black-powder-equivalency smokeless powder. Yes, they add something to make it smoke, but in my understanding it's a smokeless powder base.
justinsaneok - see my reply to your delay issue in the other current muzzleloader thread.
but I've been told it would shoot 150g with no prob
You've been TOLD? What does the manual say? You do realize you're dealing with use of your hands, eyesight, etc. here right? According to Chuck Hawks, the manual says 120 gr BP or pyrodex is max - and that means maybe 100-110 triple 7.