Lyman Trade Rifle vs GPR

[Matabele]

Hi all,

Just wondering for those of you that might have handled or own both of these, which one do you prefer and why? Is there a difference in accuracy or quality, as the Trade Rifle is quite a bit cheaper?

Im going to go for a .54, which model depending on the feedback I get. Ive handled a GPR in .54 and it seemed really nicely balanced, better than the .50 I hefted but there weren't any Trade Rifles to try out.

Also do you guys find the Trade Rifle more handy for hunting or is it not such a big deal with the GPR?

Thanks :thumbsup:

 

[BrownBear]

It depends on how much store you put in set triggers. I like em, and miss them on the trade rifle. Balance is an issue for me too, and I like the feel of the GPR better. In reverse of the situation with the GPR, if a 50 Trade Rifle (haven't handled one yet) was more muzzleheavy than the 54, that would be a plus for me.

Long or short doesn't seem to matter for me in woods handling near as much as balance. Put the center of balance between your hands and any rifle is going to feel quick, compared to one that is muzzleheavy.

 

[PreglerD]

I have both of them. A .45 GPR and a .54 traderifle. I find the traderifle more handy for hunting because it is not so long. The GPR is best for target shooting because of its longer barrel and the set trigger. I will get son a flinter trade rifle in .50. It will be my first flinter.

Greetings from GE.

Kirrmeister

 

[cowpoke1955]

I have two GPRs, but have only seen a Trade Rifle. They should be equal in quality, for they are both made by Lyman (Investarms). I think it comes down to which style you like and what you are planning to shoot. The Trade Rifle has 1 in 48" twist for shooting round ball and conicals. The GPR has 1 in 60" twist for shooting round ball. The Great Plains Hunter has a 1 in 32" twist for conicals. As for over all length, I agree with BrownBear. I have handled both long and short rifles in the woods with ease. The GPR has double set triggers and the TR has a single set trigger. Quality is there in both. It all boils down to which style you like and what you are planning to shoot out of it. As for caliber, the .54 is a personal favorite of mine. Either way, I think you will have a winner :thumbsup: .

 

[Mad Professor]

If you decide on the trade rifle and want double set trigger I think the one Davis sells for TC rifles will fit with a little inletting. I have two of these on my TCs and they are nice triggers

 

[torn moc]

I have both and love Both .You will be happy with either,,,,but I suggest that you purchase Both!

 

[playfarmers]

I used a friends .54 Great Planes rifle one Deer season, and now have my own .54 Trade rifle. I like the lighter, and shorter Trade much better than the planes rifle, but I also like my .50 cal Deerstalker almost as much.

 

[Matabele]

Thanks for all the replies, its appreciated!! Seems as though the only way I'll make a decision is to get both...always a reason for another rifle :grin:

 

[torn moc]

Great choice!!! But dont wait too long cuz the value of our Dollar is declining and prices are climbing everyday...rifles I could have bought brand new in the 70's for $100 are now over $500

 

[JohnnyAce]

I'm new to all this and have been considering both rifles you mentioned. I know the GPR has two twist rates... 1 in 60 good for PRB and a 1 in 32 fast twist... The Trade rifle is in the middle with a 1 in 48 twist. What can you tell me about the differences? I'd love to know more ...

 

[tg]

I owned an hunted with LGP and have handled the other gun, I would take the LGP just for fit and feel..it feels much more like a real ML with the length and weight, I have never cared for the short "compromise" type production guns.

 

[410-er]

I have had Deerstalkers,Trades,and GPR.Flint and perc.If you are using RB's go with the GPR.You will get good hunting accuracy with the Deerstalker and Trades but I have found the GPR to be a real tack driver.Never had a GPH but with conicals it HAS to be excellent with a 1:28.

 

[410-er]

Sorry....1:32.

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

I liked my .50 trade rifle cap gun soooo much that I went out and bought another one for my son to use in competition alongside me. I don't have any experience with a GPR or a .54, but have a very nice load with a T/C 370 grain Maxi-Ball over a .50 cal wad covering up a 70 grain charge of 3F Goex. This loading produces a speed of 1347 FPS and a power factor of 499+, roughly that of a 20 ga. 3/4 ounce rifled slug! Placed in the boiler room, not too many things walking in the woods need more killing than that!

My next gun might be the Kodiak Double Rifle. :hmm:

Buy both and have fun with both! Lyman has a really great warranty too! All the best!

Dave