Investarm Rifles

[BigSkyRambler]

I've had some interesting discussions with people on the subject of rifles built/imported by Investarm. Most recently, it concerned the Lyman Deerstalker rifles. In the attached photos are three "basically " identical rifles. The top two are stamped LYMAN and DEERSTALKER. The bottom one, which is a little fancier, is stamped SILE NEW YORK. All have the Investarm logo and MADE IN ITALY. My position has been that these three rifkes, as well as the Lyman Great Plains Rifles are built with the exact same barrels. There are those who claim that a rifle stamped LYMAN (a brand name) are superior. What are the thoughts of the Hive Mind?

 

[longcruise]

Investarms built a lot of rifles for various retailers. Lyman, cabelas for example. Minor variations but essentially the same rifles.

 

[#BPBReloadingFFL]

I always did like the Invest Arms with the Chrome lined bores.
Any of the ones that were made by invest arms, I always thought that they were good rifles . Especially for the money

 

[Iceman]

I would have to agree with you that the major components are the same. It would be cost prohibitive to make “special” barrels just for Lyman.

I wouldn’t doubt if you’re a big enough importer or distributor you could specify some minor things like the wood grade and finish or the amount of polishing done before bluing, not major component specification changes. So could one brand be superior to another? I suppose so but it would have to be just cosmetic.

I own the “Cabelas” percussion version that looks just like your bottom picture. The only difference is probably the name stamped on the barrel.

 

[smokeum54]

Out of the 8 investarms guns i have i can say mechanical quality and accuracy have all been great, and equal. I will give a extra to the Cabela's sporterized with checkered stock and chrome lined barrels. You can almost spit down the barrel, run a patch and call them clean.

But in all honesty i would consider the lyman deerstalker one of the best hunting guns ever. It's short, handy, and the single trigger is great for gloves and has a nice pull. Mine is a.54 by the way.

I do have a little bit of grief towards my Cabela's.58 flintlock. The ignition is a little bit finicky, but when it goes off, i feel sorry for whatever is in front of it

One more thing, being able to swap some parts is nice. I can throw a 28 inch 50, 54,or 58 barrel on my deerstalker easily.