Lyman Trade Rifle

[Stockman]

Hi all,
I have just purchased a Lyman Trade Rifle in .54 calibre (percussion) after having been shooting for 30 odd years.
Thoroughly pleased with the purchase and extremely pleased with its accuracy out to 100 metres.
I cant get much info on the rifle itself and although a reproduction they are stated here as having been used on your Great Plains in the 1840's as Buffalo Guns.
Can anyone help with a site where i can gain a reputable historn of these arms.
Regards Stockman (Australia)

 

[Swampman]

IMO they aren't really a reproduction of any original rifle. They seem like Lyman's answer to the Thompson Center Hawken. I've never owned one but I've heard they are accurate.

 

[playfarmers]

I don't know about a reproduction of anything, but a fine rifle. I used a .45 for the first 3 years I muzzleloader hunted, then I got a Lyman Deerstalker in .50 and used it for 16 years. Last winter the new .54 Trade came, and it has taken 2 whitetails so far. I hope you have as good service out of your Lymans as I have from mine.

 

[Blizzard of '93]

Lyman is a relatively new maker of BP guns. they also have made sidelock pistols, supposedly fine pistols. seems around 1970 they went into production.

 

[CoyoteJoe]

In the general scheme of thing muzzleloading I wouldn't call Lyman "relatively new", They've been at it longer than most. The whole concept of a mass produced modern replica is relatively new, but Lyman was there early on. I agree with Mark Lewis that the trade rifle is not a replica of anything except the T/C hawken and at that it is a very good replica at 1/2 the price. Lymans are good rifles and offer good service. Including the Great Plains Rifle they offer a choice of .50 or .54, flint or percussion, left or right hand, fast, slow or medium twists all for 1/2 to 2/3 the price of a T/C which is available only as right hand .50 caliber, 1-48" twist. And as used guns the Lymans generally sell for as much or more than a used T/C, of which every pawn shop has several.

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

I have two .50 cal caplocks, one for me & one for my son. These trade rifles are not historically correct, but they sure shoot darn good! PRB's or conicals, the 1 in 48 twist works really good. I hope you enjoy shooting yours!

Dave

 

[torn moc]

Congrats on your choice ! The trade gun is sweet..although not a true copy of any historic type,,,the 48 twist will handle a conical very well.
I have a caplock in 50 and its a tack driver...
Previous owner " tacked " it up with style and to some it may look tacky....but it suits me very well......
try some conicals at 100 yds and you will have a smile from ear to ear.!