Ideas on beginner Guns

[markjustinmoore]

Hi, I'm new to the sport of muzzleloading and I got some gift cards from Cabelas and I am going to put them towards a new Muzzleloader. I am mainly going to be using the gun to hunt deer and some recreational shooting. I am debating between the Cabelas Blue Ridge Percussion Rifle, Cabelas Traditional Hawkins (I have read that there are things that need to be fixed but for the money would it be cheaper to replace them vs. jump up 200 dollars), and last but not least the Lymans Great Plains Percussion Rifle. And if you happen to have other thoughts on something else to buy please let me know. Thanks for any help

 

[wvbuckbuster]

If the curved butt plate doesn't bother you(might hurt your shoulder if you are thin or boney) than go with the Great Plains.

 

[Rebel]

Nothing wrong with their Traditional Hawken either. They are made by the same company that mkaes the Great Plains rifle. The Blue Ridge is a nice gun but not worth the $500+ they want for them now. IMO

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

Their Traditional Hawken is nice. I'd stay away from the Lyman Great Plains, only because it can be had for at least $100.00 less at other places.

Don't be fooled into getting a rifle with a barrel length of less than 28", as it limits the amount of powder that it will burn efficiently, thereby creating more of a cleaning problem during recreational shooting.

You'll need all of the standard acc's, including a nipple wrench, nipple pick, range rod, cleaning patches, pre-lubed shooting patches (.015-.020), balls, caps (#11's), and don't forget REAL black powder (FFFg), a BP measure with spout, some type of flask or horn, targets, and lots of practice!

Welcome to the Forum & Happy New Year! We'll be here when you need more advice.

Good shopping

Dave

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

If the curved buutplate is hurting your shoulder, then you are mounting it wrong. It should be mounted on the upper arm above the bicep and below the shoulder muscle. Very comfortable and easy to acquire the sights if the gun is properly stocked.

 

[Old40Rod]

I have both a GPR and 2 Cabelas' Hawkens. If I could only pick one for big game (deer on up) hunting, it would be the Hawkens. They are well balanced, well made rifles for the money. The 1:48 twist in the Cabelas' hawkens shoots PRB just fine.

 

[Kevin2241]

Nanook:

I went through the same decision making process this fall. I am new to black powder and wanted a good rifle for deer and elk hunting as well as target shooting. I am interested in shooting roundballs and black powder only.

Before I brought my rifles, I shot a friend's Thompson Center and Lyman Great Plains. Both are very good rifles.

I decided on the Great Plains in the .54 caliber percussion. It is a fun rifle to shoot and hunt with, and I would do it again. A few weeks later a friend made me an incredible deal on a used .54 cal Lyman Trade Rifle. It has also been a fun rifle to shoot.

Some day when I can afford it, I want to build a replica of the 1803 Harper's Ferry, mainly because of my interest in Lewis and Clark and the Oregon Territory.

Good luck to you in your search. Let us know what rifle you purchase.

Kevin

 

[FPDoc]

You don't say whether you are interested in Percussion or Flintlock (supplies and accessories would be somewhat different) I have a Cabelas .50 perc. Hawken, a Cabelas .50 flint Hawken and a Lyman .54 flint GPR. I got the Lyman through Lyman's "reconditioned" program for about $320. You can also find some pretty reasonable kits for the GPR. Cabelas Hawken kits are available also. I like them all (all are made by Investarms). They are accurate and seem to be a good value for the money. If I had a Cabelas gift card I would probably get the Traditional Hawken.

 

[markjustinmoore]

Thanks everyone for the help. And I am interested in Percussion. Also does anyone know of a good book, video, or other source of information. Thanks again for the help.

 

[Rebel]

The Lyman Muzzleloader Handbook and The Black Powder Gun Digest are 2 good ones.

 

[jtmattison]

Anything written by Sam Fadala is a good choice. He's an "expert" in muzzleloading. I own a few of his books and manuals and he is very good with providing useful information.

HD

 

[WV MZL HUNTER]

Dave Ehrig black powder whitetails is a good book. Plus if you can find the movie Black powder whitetails it is very good and has a lot of information. Good luck :hatsoff:

 

[Lonegun1894]

if you are getting a rifle from them, and have a store within driving distance, you might want to go and handle the rifles in question. I have a CVA Hawken, a CVA Squirrel, and a Lyman GPR. I like all 3, but the GPR definitely fits me the best and i shoot it best of the 3. Go and see if one calls your name when you hold and shoulder it.

 

[mike992]

I just bought a Cabelas Hawkin last year in percussion and couldn't be happier. The only modification I had to make was the nipple. I had to file the outside of it down so the cap would seat better.The nipples are metric because the gun is made by an Italian company. I also opened the hole a little and the gun gos bang every time.

 

[FPDoc]

BTW Investarms nipples and touch/vent hole liners are M6 x .75mm pitch. Took me forever to find that out.

 

[Halftail]

Nanook,
If I was new to muzzleloading and was looking to buy a muzzleloader and I wasen't all that interested in "PC/HC" I'd get the Lyman GPR.Good guns they are. :thumbsup:

 

[wyatt243]

If you google "Black powder notebook" You will find a good deal of information there on everything black powder an some good reading.

 

[cowpoke1955]

I have two .54 GPRs (one cap and one flint) and a .45 Blue Ridge flinter. They are all great rifles. As Rebel said, the Cabela's Hawken is made by Investarms of Italy, the same company that make the GPRs. The Blue Ridge is nice, but not $500+ nice. For that matter, Cabela's price on the GPR is also too high. You can find them cheaper on other sites. The Cabela's Hawken is a good solid all around rifle. A friend of mine has one that he use in matches and for deer hunting. He shoots both round ball and conical very well. I think this might be a good place to start. Just my thoughts :v.

 

[zepman]

My choice out of the ones you mentioned would be the Lyman Great Plains Rifle. I have shot these and I currently own a "Deerstalker"and these Lymans are just well balanced great shooting rifles and if you take the time to work out the right patch/ball combo can be extremely accurate.
Welcome to the sport and I know you will enjoy yourself more then you ever thought you could(with explosives, fabric and lead balls that is!!!) :hatsoff: ...........John