Narrowed it down, opinions....

[Henry2357]

.... on these 2 would be appreciated. Unfortunately both out of stock until end of Jan. but that's OK.

Lyman Trade rifle. 54 Cal.

Lyman GPR. 54 Cal.

On a budget, the trade rifle looks like a good buy but, all I want to shoot is round balls and the twist is faster than the GPR. Any problems with that?

Thanks, JOe

 

[nkbj]

None at all.
48" twist is good with patched ball.

 

[Trot]

I have a flintlock Trade rifle and it is an excellent round ball shooter.

 

[good ole boy]

Those two Rifles are dissimilar enough that it shouldn,mt be that difficult to decide which one would suit your style of Rifle you prefer.

 

[bubba.50]

get the Trade Rifle now and then when the budget allows get the Great Plains as a companion piece to it. Problem solved.

 

[hrchotaw]

My trade rifle is an excellent PRB shooter. Its a 54,fun to shoot :thumbsup:

 

[nkbj]

I gotta chime in here on something.

A .54 GPR has a righteous hang to it.
Has the right weight and it feels good.
It's ergonomic sculpture per eccellenza.
Makes ya wanta dig around in the closet VCR box for a spaghetti western.

 

[BrownBear]

Both are excellent round ball shooters, with the Trade having the advantage with conicals if you ever want to play with them. The trade is shorter and handier, but still fine for deliberate offhand shooting. The Great Plains is longer and not quite so quick pointing, but only marginally less. You might earn a few more points in a match with the GPR because of a little more weight out front, but might not. I own several GPRs, but just never seem to get around to buying a Trade, even if I like shorter and handier in the thick stuff. Go figger.

You'll be happy with either, but it may fall more down to a style question than anything else.

 

[nwtradegun]

the lyman gpr has a slow twist opion. perfet for round ball. http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/muzzle-loaders/great-plains-rifle.php

 

[Henry2357]

:bow: LOL. now that's a good choice, thanks gents, gonna put the 54 trade on order tomorrow. Then keep options open.

 

[Henry2357]

Being new to the trad. side of BP shooting not really sure on a couple of you guys saying it's a style thing in choice. Are you referring to time line or location / lifestyle?

 

[excess650]

The Lyman Trade Rifle and Great Plains are of the same time period. The GP is similar to the Hawken while the TR is styled more like a short Leman or Henry. Thousands of Lemans (flint and percussion)were purchased by the Gov't for trade with the Indians, and varied in caliber and length, full stock and halfstock.

I checked a few sources and see .54 percussion TR in stock. Prices vary some, but I recall seeing one for $390+ $8 shipping.

 

[Henry2357]

Thanks to one of my fellow members pointing me in a direction, trade just ordered. And thanks excess650 for the info. JOe

 

[rdstrain49]

And now the adventure begins.

 

[Henry2357]

So looking forward to it. :grin:

 

[Black Jack]

That would be Midsouth Shooter's Supply for $390.

 

[Mickc01]

I'll chime in too. IMHO the GPR is a much better looking rifle. If you are at all swayed by styling and better authenticity (I know I'm in dangerous territory here) then the GPR should be your choice.

I have had one for many years and like it. In fact it its the only percussion I own. Just my 2 cents....Mick

 

[good ole boy]

Oh cut it out Mick.Your gonna get him all confused again. :nono: :rotf:

 

[rusty]

GPR for sure.

 

[Boomerang]

I like the GPR better for round ball. :metoo: