Lyman Plains Rifle

[wa0elm]

So, I've come across an opportunity to purchase a Lyman Plains Rifle. I thought the seller had listed it wrong, and that it was a GPR.

After looking at the photos, it sure enough is a Plains Rifle. Anyone have any info they'd be willing to share about this rifle? A Google search turned up bupkis.

Thanks!

 

[hrchotaw]

I think my cousin had one back in the late 80's .Maybe the GPR's predecessor?

 

[Iceberg]

I purchased a .50cal LPR back in the 70's and shot thousands of PRBs through it. I still have it today, although I have replaced the original barrel with a Green Mountain. I've never had any problems with the lock and wish I had a nickel for every pound of venison it has put in the freezer.

 

[bubba.50]

the Plains Rifle was one of Lyman's earlier clones of the T/C Hawken. the ones I've seen all had the large patchbox.

 

[necchi]

There are no known nor have there ever been any problems with the rifle.
If the bore is good buy it.
There are current replacement parts available for any issue that may develop.
Again, with any used rifle it's all about the bore.
We can help you with everything else.

 

[bob308]

the later trade rifle is an incarnation of the plains rifle. I have been around a lot of both and have never seen or heard of any problems with either.

 

[Cowboy]

If I remember correctly, it had a patch box that covered a huge area. A lot of brass! Something like you'd see on a decorated Kentucky. I always thought it looked rather pretty though!

Respectfully, Cowboy

 

[SDSmlf]

The Lyman Plains Rifle is listed in the original (1974) Lyman Black Powder Handbook. Also found it in Peterson's 1981 Guns and Ammo Annual. Shows a photo of the flint version, description calls it percussion, with a list price of $240. The GPR in the same annual lists at $290 for percussion and $325 in flint. Just a point of reference.

 

[wa0elm]

Thanks for the help, guys. I suspected it might be "related" to the trade rifle, it looks nearly identical, with the exception of the set trigger.

With that being said, would it be reasonable to believe that it's probably 1:48, as opposed to the 1:66 of the GPR?

 

[hrchotaw]

The 1976 Black Powder Guide says 1 in 48,but it is listed in 45 cal!

 

[bob308]

I would say 1-48. that seams to be the standard of the time.

 

[wa0elm]

It's here, it's here!

Showed up at the post office yesterday.

I was a little worried that maybe I was getting fleeced, inasmuch as KY Choctaw said the catalog listed it as .45. The pics the seller sent were true and correct, and it was indeed a .50.

When I figure out this whole photo attaching thing, I'll see if I can't post a few. And, with the way the weather has been here at home, I may just be able to make it to the range this weekend.

 

[bob308]

they made then in.45 also. you would not have been hurt if it was a .45. a .45 will make a deer just as dead as a .50.

 

[cowboysteve]

It's a fine production rifle. You'll be happy with it. I still have my early Plains Rifle with it's huge brass patchbox. It was my first muzzleloader that my wife gave me as a wedding present back in 1982. I wouldn't trade it for all of my others combined. Killed my first blackpowder buck with it all those years ago. I've since had Bobby Hoyt bore it out to a .54.

 

[kodiakmarine]

I used to have a LTR in .50 cal. It has a 1 in 48 twist, but the rifling is .010 deep, as opposed to the .005 rifling that most "Hawken" rifles of that period had. The result is that with a tight patch and ball it won't strip the rifling as long as you don't go hog wild with the powder. Your most accurate load is all the powder you need for deer hunting. Good luck and have fun! :hatsoff: - John

 

[Mad Professor]

I have one that came with two barrels. One is a 58 1-48 twist the other is a rare 62/20ga smooth bore.

It is very similar to a Cabelas or Investarms Hawken but the patchbox is different with a rectangular shape. Brass furniture, double set trigger.

The 58 will shoot PRB or conicals well.