Rooster, I'm thinking that you're really going to enjoy picking and using your muzzy. What follows is just my opinion/experience -
I love shooting my muzzleloader at the range and taking it hunting. Muzzy shooting is a cool experience, different than rifle or shotgun....if you really like guns, you'll appreciate and enjoy the extra steps/extra work involved in the operation. If someone is not into a little extra effort and they are impatient, this is not the platform for them. Also, this is not a platform that you shoot one day and clean a week later - if you wanna take care of your gun right, you clean it the same day you shoot it. Even if you've been hunting all day, bag a deer at last light, and go through all the work that entails...that blackpowder gun ain't gonna clean itself...and blackpowder does not wait to be cleaned. Others may disagree with me, but this is what I was taught when I first started shooting, so I clean mine fanatically. Regular smokeless powder is forgiving, but blackpowder (and corrosive ammo, like the milsurp for a MosinNagant) is not forgiving and needs to be cleaned right away. Like Ric said, if the T/C Encore cleans easy, that might be worth the extra money.
If you're looking for economy and just want to "dip your toes in the pool" so to speak, you could get a T/C Impact or a Knight Wolverine (used, I don't think Knight produces them new anymore but the accessories are available). Neither has a very long barrel, and are an extremely easy carry. (I own the Wolverine and it's one of my two favorite guns...really fits me well.) And even though they are the most economical of each companies line of products, they are both capable of taking care of any 150 yard shot here in Ohio.
That being said, you'll most likely be hooked, so making the investment in an Encore up front would save you money in the long run.
But then, if you start with an Impact then buy an Encore, you'll have two guns, which is never a bad thing.:smiley_coolpeace:
So many options...mischeif.gif
Then there are the accessories - each of the manufacturers puts out an accessory kit (a bunch of goodies you'll need to get started) and oftentimes the price of the kit is less than if you bought the items a la carte. Then there's the decision of powder vs pellets. Then there's the decision of which bullet to use. then there is the decision of scope vs open sights. Decisions decisions decisions. Trial and error. Practice practice practice. And safety...O Lord, safety is a biggie....you absolutely have to be more focused when shooting a muzzy.
Just a thought - if you know a shooter who could coach you thru your first time with a muzzy, it would be worth it to get with them.
I don't know where you're located, but I'd bet a buck that there's a TOO member relatively close who'd be willing to get together with you and show you the ropes. If you're in SW OH, I'd go to the range with ya. Bet Ric would too.
PS - This is the reason I own a Knight Rifle - when I decided that I wanted a muzzy I didn't know squat about 'em. Went to my FFL guy and he suggested them exactly for the reasons noted in your first post - USA made and high quality. I went out and handled both the Wolverine and the Impact. Either would have been just fine and both companies have great reputations. The Knight just fit me better. And I've been tickled pink with it. And the price was right. But actually handling the guns is what made my choice.