Well,
Took out a newly acquired Lyman GPR for the first time today. If you are new to black powder and want a nicely made off-the-shelf gun, I highly recommend the Lyman GPR. It fired every time but once (shot about 15 rounds) and grouped nicely at 40 yards (but needs to be sited in). It is also a beautifully constructed gun.
I initially bought a Traditions Shenendoah and had some problems with it, so I picked up the GPR. The Shenendoah is currently being worked on by a local gun smith who is making some structural, as well as, some cosmetic adjustments. Should be like a semi-custom when he is done. But I am finding out that several gun smiths have heard or experienced design problems with the Shenandoah's breach plug and vent location - certainly was my experience. While flintlocks may be more finicky then modern guns, my GPR and my friend's Cabela's Hawken indicate that proper firing should not require an involved ritual to have excellent results.
Also, I had a chance to see a Austin and Halleck and felt that the GPR had a nicer build quality. I really didn't care for the Austin and Halleck, but my friend thought it was nice. Just goes to show you how actually seeing a gun in person can change your impressions. It also shows how different people will come away with different impressions. I think the problem for most of us is we don't really have the opportuntiy to try before we buy - pity really.
In any case, as a new comer, I just thought a little information from a beginner might help other beginnners make up their minds on an initial rifle.
For me, it was simply a joy to go out and focus on the shooting and just become absorbed in the activity - I had a great time.
And please don't take this as me speaking in absolutes. I know there are several here who own Traditions and A&H and like them and that's what matters. Although I will say that the Traditions really does seem to have a breach plug that is too small in its dimensions to work properly, which is why you see all the posts about placing your pan charge in a certain spot. That didn't help me and shouldn't be necessary to get the flintlock to fire consistantly. I also think it gives a abnormal impression of how fussy a flintloick is.
So there you have it. Input from a newbie on several common off-the-shelf guns. For me, I would take the GPR without hesitation and advise that people be wary of the Shenandoah.
Hope this helps some and insults no one.
Take care,
john
Took out a newly acquired Lyman GPR for the first time today. If you are new to black powder and want a nicely made off-the-shelf gun, I highly recommend the Lyman GPR. It fired every time but once (shot about 15 rounds) and grouped nicely at 40 yards (but needs to be sited in). It is also a beautifully constructed gun.
I initially bought a Traditions Shenendoah and had some problems with it, so I picked up the GPR. The Shenendoah is currently being worked on by a local gun smith who is making some structural, as well as, some cosmetic adjustments. Should be like a semi-custom when he is done. But I am finding out that several gun smiths have heard or experienced design problems with the Shenandoah's breach plug and vent location - certainly was my experience. While flintlocks may be more finicky then modern guns, my GPR and my friend's Cabela's Hawken indicate that proper firing should not require an involved ritual to have excellent results.
Also, I had a chance to see a Austin and Halleck and felt that the GPR had a nicer build quality. I really didn't care for the Austin and Halleck, but my friend thought it was nice. Just goes to show you how actually seeing a gun in person can change your impressions. It also shows how different people will come away with different impressions. I think the problem for most of us is we don't really have the opportuntiy to try before we buy - pity really.
In any case, as a new comer, I just thought a little information from a beginner might help other beginnners make up their minds on an initial rifle.
For me, it was simply a joy to go out and focus on the shooting and just become absorbed in the activity - I had a great time.
And please don't take this as me speaking in absolutes. I know there are several here who own Traditions and A&H and like them and that's what matters. Although I will say that the Traditions really does seem to have a breach plug that is too small in its dimensions to work properly, which is why you see all the posts about placing your pan charge in a certain spot. That didn't help me and shouldn't be necessary to get the flintlock to fire consistantly. I also think it gives a abnormal impression of how fussy a flintloick is.
So there you have it. Input from a newbie on several common off-the-shelf guns. For me, I would take the GPR without hesitation and advise that people be wary of the Shenandoah.
Hope this helps some and insults no one.
Take care,
john
