Help with selecting rifle

[Ok Bowhunter]

A month ago we had a youth group shooting at the gun club and I had the fortune of maybe miss fortune of working the muzzle loader range. Well to make a long story short I remembered the old days when I would shoot my Lyman GPR and CVA Hawken and the smoke got into my blood.

So now I'm ready to scrap the inlines for something more fun and changling to shoot. Which brings me to the issue of what kind of rifle? I was thinking on going back to what I know, the Hawken, but why not go with something differen? I'm open to suggestions.

Mainly want to just shoot, but may hunt deer in the future. Sorry for any typos hard to type on this phone.

 

[Dave K]

Hard to say what another shooter would like. You had the GPR and CVA and if they fit well, they are both good guns. Buy the same models again. If you are looking for a custom gun, it may take some tail scratching. First of all, is there a style you find attractive? Then you have to try it to see if that style not only fits you personally, but also the style and size of ball you shoot with. Makes little sense to have a Jaeger in 32cal. as they would be heavy. A slender Tennessee gun in 62 cal. is the other extreme. You just have to try them.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I'd agree. If you are looking for hunting and shooting, and that's all..., then go with what you already like, unless you can try others. You can find good, used traditional rifles from Lyman, Thompson Center, and even CVA, at pawn shops or online, or you can get a lyman kit in percussion for around $450 or a flint kit for around $650. I like .54's but a .50 will do ya.

A longrifle will feel different to you, so you are going to want to try one before you dropped the cash for one, and you are probably looking at $600 for a Pedersoli Blue Ridge from Cabela's, and a minimum of $800 and more like $1000 for a basic longrifle from a builder. Many go even higher.

LD

 

[don hepler]

Nothing sweeter, than a long rifle, swamped barrel and flintlock.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[crockett]

Central Oklahoma huh, the wide open spaces mostly. I would think about a bore with a 1/48 twist so you can shoot a conical if you get into hunting with longer range shots. If you are PRB only then 1/66. I'd stay with a percussion lock. I like at least a 32" barrel.
You might want to see if deer creek still has any mountain rifles, 32" with double wedges, light wood (maple I think) stock, 32" barrel. reasonable price.

 

[nkbj]

Wow. Hope there's somebody in your neighborhood with a flinter to try out.

 

[nchawkeye]

Lancaster flinter, Chambers large lock, Davis double set triggers .54 caliber and 38-42 inch swamped barrel...With a patched ball and 80-90grs of Goex you can hunt anything you will see for the rest of your lifetime!!

 

[George T.]

The GPR is still one of the best factory rifles available. There are not all that many left new!Geo. T.

 

[750k2]

Lancaster flinter, Chambers large lock, Davis double set triggers .54 caliber and 38-42 inch swamped barrel...With a patched ball and 80-90grs of Goex you can hunt anything you will see for the rest of your lifetime!!

:thumbsup:

 

[suzkat]

Lancaster flinter, Chambers large lock, Davis double set triggers .54 caliber and 38-42 inch swamped barrel...With a patched ball and 80-90grs of Goex you can hunt anything you will see for the rest of your lifetime!!

:thumbsup:

Make that 3 votes for Lancaster, but I still love a nice Hawken. Love my Austin & Halleck Mt Rifle.

 

[MSW]

if I had it to do over ...

you might want to look at a Lyman GPR .54 in flint, or a used T/C hawken - style ... this will get you on the path at minimum cost, and both are pretty good rifles.

if you have your heart set on a long rifle, i'd look at a Southern Mountain flint in .54 cal.

just one guy's opinion ... free and no doubt a fine investment!

 

[Ok Bowhunter]

Thanks for al the information I'm thinking on a Lyman GPR Flintlock in 50 cal.

 

[FishDFly]

I have to ask, how come?

 

[George T.]

Of course that is my opinion. It is in my eyes the best rifle at this time at $600 or less. If I were looking to spend $1200 or more I would pick a higher grade rifle. As well as my GPR shoots I'm not sure spending twice the money would result in better targets.

I got the idea that he was not looking to go for a custom. When you do that the sky is the limit as far as cost goes plus the long lead time.

Later! Geo. T.

 

[FishDFly]

"The GPR is still one of the best factory rifles available. There are not all that many left new"

My question was how come not many are left for sale?

 

[cynthialee]

You can't go wrong with any of the recommendations.

My choice?
Too many to choose from. Get the first good one that comes to hand and then the next and so on.
:grin:

 

[sumoj275]

In OKC here. Where are you? I have a few different rifles you can try out and see what you like.

 

[Lonegun1894]

If at all possible, I would jump on Sumoj275s offer. Even if it is a little drive, an opportunity to try a few different guns can save you some serious money down the road by not buying guns that you know aren't comfortable to you. The way a gun fits you (or DOESN"T) can make all the difference in the world, and it is almost impossible to understand or explain til you shoulder one that fits and one that doesn't immediately after each other.

 

[Ok Bowhunter]

In OKC here. Where are you? I have a few different rifles you can try out and see what you like.

Thanks I would like to do that sent you a pm

 

[rodwha]

If you are stalking or otherwise don't have long shooting lanes you may want to consider a shorter, lighter, handier rifle such as a Lyman's Deerstalker or Pedersoli Country Hunter.

For my first rifle I chose the above Lyman's as I've never shot beyond 80 yds despite the ability, and though I've mostly still hunted from a blind I really enjoy stalking. A few extra inches won't mean much at shorter distances, and at 7.5 lbs it's much nicer to carry around all day.

I do want a rifle I can hunt long distances with, and one day will get serious about finding one. But for now this one will work just fine!