Need help identifing a Lyman flintlock

[Aggitator]

I have a Lyman 54 cal flintlock I bought used off of a private party that I can not figure out what model it is. It looks like a trade rifle, but has a double set trigger and a patch box. I cant figue out how to add pictures, if any one can tell me how I'll post some.

 

[Aggitator]

I try to post a picture and it asks for a URL I can find that in the propertys in my pictures. Probly some thing easy,but not for this dumb truck driver.

 

[mazo kid]

Arthur, go to the "using the Forum" section. It will guide you through the process...not hard at all.

 

[theDuck]

You have a Lyman "Plains Rifle". Not a "Great Plains Rifle" and not a "Trade Rifle". All three were offered for a couple of years or so then the Plains Rifle was discontinued. The patchbox will open by pushing on one part with a circular design on it and the other part opening.

 

[Aggitator]

Ok I think I've figured it out. here is some pictures.

sorry for the poor quality cel phone pictures.

 

[Aggitator]

You have a Lyman "Plains Rifle". Not a "Great Plains Rifle" and not a "Trade Rifle". All three were offered for a couple of years or so then the Plains Rifle was discontinued. The patchbox will open by pushing on one part with a circular design on it and the other part opening.

Ok thanks, there is nothing on the barrel to indicate a model or name other than Lyman or 54CAL. :hatsoff: Any Idea when they were made?

 

[theDuck]

The pictures are of the gun I also have only in 50 cal. The 1982 3rd edition of the Black Powder Gun Digest lists the Plains Rifle and the Great Plains rifle so they go back that far.
I wish to correct my info above. The Digest does not also list the Trade Rifle at that time with the other 2. I'm speculating but the Plains Rifle could have been withdrawn when the Trade Rifle came out.
I asked about this rifle on this forum too when I got mine. A search may come up with more info.

 

[Aggitator]

Thanks Duck. I dont have a digest to look at, I'll see if i can find it on the web now that I have some info.
It is in real nice shape for a thirty year old flinter. The seller had a pound each FF and FFFF Goex, about 50 balls, short starter, brass pime and larger flasks,cleaning and maintanence tools and jags and a belt bag that went with it. I almost broke my arm (reaching for my wallet) when he told me $125 for everything! :shocked2:

 

[410-er]

Yep a PLAINS rifle not the Great Plains.I have a 45cal in one with a low 3 dig ser number.Mine has a 1:48 twist.

 

[theDuck]

For that price I'd have been looking over my shoulder for the Police figuring I was being set up in a sting operation for catching thieves. :grin:

 

[Aggitator]

Yeah I had to ask the seller twice for the price, because I thought I miss heard what he said! Almost $125 in accesories! :grin:

 

[Dave K]

On the barrel is a pair of letters that are code for when it was built. If you find the letters, you can then do a search for the proof codes as to when it was made. My GPR has a letter code of AE, which translates to 1979.
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/236956/

 

[theDuck]

Good info. My Plains Rifle also has AE so was made in 1979.

 

[Aggitator]

Thanks Dave. Mine is stamped AD That would indicate it was made in 1978. It can be seen in the photo.