Lyman GPR Kit

[beerman3133]

I have posted here in the past, but have been without a smoke pole for about a year or so now. Looking to change that, really want to buy a Lyman GPR Kit and have a go at it, shocked at the amount of scratch required, but that is the lay of the land these days. I will be reading, and learning, been in and out of the smoke pole game numerous times over the last 3 decades. Thankfully I still have several hundred pounds of lead, and several pounds of black.

Dave

 

[Zonie]

Welcome back.

We have over 27,000 members now. :shocked2:

 

[fleener]

is that 27,000 with an active account or 27,000 that has simply registered with an account since the board started?

Fleener

 

[Captjoel]

Welcome back.

We have over 27,000 members now. :shocked2:

WOW! This forum constitutes a small city! I say we should vote Zonie our "mayor".

 

[Okie Hog]

Yep, new high quality conventional muzzleloaders are expensive.

i have this aversion to buying high priced new stuff. Discovered some very nice used muzzleloaders on the web and in pawnshops. The condition of the bore is everything.

 

[beerman3133]

I have been looking, but I really think this time around I want to build one, have more connection with the rifle.

 

[longcruise]

Welcome back! I think you will enjoy that GPR and building it will just make it more meaningful when you use it.

Check Graf and sons on pricing. They always seem to be competitive. When your kit arrives, check all the pre inlet parts for fit and proper location! They often get it wrong.

Also, take those little flat head screws that come with it to hold the escutions and throw them away. Don't try them first, just throw them away. Get some good replacements. The ones that come with the kit are notorious for breaking off.

 

[stinkyfeet]

Hinterlands is the cheapest I found I pay under 400 delivered to the door.

 

[pab1]

Welcome back! Be sure to post some pics of your kit when you finish it. :thumbsup:

 

[sidelock]

Congrats zonie, and many thanks.

 

[longcruise]

Hinterlands is a new one to me. Great pricing at $394 & change for the GPR kit.

 

[F.G. Ford]

Many, I repeat many pawn shops have GPRs for sale at about $250, most in new condition.
Even new from the factory, there is plenty of wood to be removed.
Not to mention all of the crazy stampings on the barrel.
Even though a new gun has a nicely blued barrel, most people that have Hawken type guns, prefer browning, so you can remove the blueing and stampings.
If you do decide to remove the instructions and warrantee instructions on the barrel come back and many of us here will help you out.
Fred

 

[vulture]

I have one of those kits sitting in my shop half finished. I got a good start on it and then good weather showed up and I had to shelve it and do other things, will get back to it when the weather turns bad again. I really like the Lyman GPR, in fact it is my favorite of all the production rifles and kits out there, but thats just me. The wood is some form of walnut but on mine I have found it to be some what soft and easy to remove, have to be careful not to take too much off in places. Just for the fun of it I splurged and got me a new replacement lock and a set of replacement triggers for my kit. The lock comes from L&R and I believe the triggers are Davies (spelling, sorry ). The new lock is better as is the trigger set, but not necessary. Check the net for prices, I got mine for less than $400, can't remember now who from but if you shop around you can find the best price, the kit is the same no matter who you get it from. Good luck.

 

[BrownBear]

Even new from the factory, there is plenty of wood to be removed.

Amen to that, and the kits have even more wood. Lots to gain by slimming, but do lots of looking at comparable guns and have a clear plan in mind before picking up a rasp.

 

[beerman3133]

Thank you one and all, hoping to have enough put by near Christmas to splurge and pick one up! Definitely want the kit! While I have never attempted anything like it, I do want the connection, just like my reloading, I like to be a bigger part of the equation.

Dave

 

[richdeerht]

I built one of these kits a couple years ago and I'm pleased with how it turned out. I browned all the steel parts. I did not stain the walnut stock, but sprayed it (blasphemy!)with satin urethane and the wood looks great. It shoots roundballs well, and, like most Lymans, sparks well.

 

[MSW]

good luck with your build ... if you're at all as I am, it will be the first of many ... send pictures ...

we love pictures! :grin:

 

[longcruise]

Seems those kits always look better when finished without stain.

 

[Litemup]

I have been building scratch flinters for over 10 years. For the hell of it & a cheap knock around, I just received a Lyman GPR today in percussion. I already ordered an L&R drop in lock.
My interest was to be able to also switch to flint, w/o the huge expense.
I solved that with locating a replacement breech plucg at TOW for $38. Now just a lock & I'm good with this .54.
The quality of the stock Walnut is VG IMHO, & I look forward to a close replica of a Hawken rifle.
I think you should be pleased, especially @ this price (417). To the issue of stain, extra wood etc... THIS IS A KIT! Trying to avoid the full price & thinking all you need is 10 mins & a screwdiver, is, well, cheap & lame. It is obviously the opinion of those w/ no interest in the art or history. Oh well.
Try Laurel Mountain Forge stains & finishes, not the run of the mill Birchwood Casey, & do some reading. Learn something & you will have a beautiful accurate rifle.
Best of luck!

 

[beerman3133]

Thank you for all of the replies, I will be sure to keep you posted when I acquire my kit. Right now a vet bill has set me back a few months! Will continue to read, and enjoy others experiences.