Me, an expert? Too much credit given, just some experience, but thanks for the recognition.

Anyway, I shoot .54's as well. My first rifle was a CVA hawken. It shoots VERY well with the right loads, and I have taken an elk and one deer with it. My main rifle is a T/C Thunderhawk, also in .54. I would suggest to get Firehawk instead, primarily because of the overly cumbersome safety on the Thunderhawk.

I have never had any issues with the CVA's, and I think you can find a great rifle for the price. It isn't a huge expense to see if you like the added challenge of a single shot, and if you decide to get into it even more, you can move up to my next rifle, the Remington 700.

Choose a number of different types of bullets to test your rifle with. With my .54's they both like the Hornady Great Plains, 425 gr SWC HP, but I tried at least 6 brands before I settled on one.

I like the new 777 powder, burns clean, and I never load more than 100 grains. Then again, I haven't shot an animal with an ML further than 35 yards, so I haven't needed it.

Best of luck.

Andy