Need help on my first choice.

[splinter84]

If I were to go with a Lyman, I don't think the breech plug is flat so probably a concave scraper?

Scrapers don't work for poot in the Lyman breech unless you shape your own. Too much trouble for me, so I just go with the 35 cal bristle brush that Lyman recommends. Same for Cabela Hawken, which is made by the same folks that make Lyman (Investarms).

I will make note of that since I will probably be going with a Lyman for my first rifle. Thanks!

 

[splinter84]

I was planning to put an order in for a GPR tomorrow but my wife mentioned making another trip to Cabelas to check out a few rifles there. I am going to try and find a rifle similar
to the GPR to get a feel of the butt stock. Maybe their Kentucky rifle would be a close comparison. It won't be like holding an actual GPR but close.

I found a picture on google images of a Trade and GPR sitting next to each other and I was pleasantly surprised that the GPR wasn't that much longer than the Trade rifle.

Been reading that the GPR trigger assembly needs a little work out of the box. Is this a big issue or more of a personal preference and taste?

You'll probably find the Cabellas Hawken rather than the Kentucky more like the feel of a GPR, and especially the Lyman Trade Rifle. Good to feel and compare though, because each of us is built a little different and has a little different tastes.

I did shoulder a Cabelas Hawken when I was there. It felt much better than my neighbors CVA. I would have picked one up on clearance but they had no .54's left. If the Cabelas Hawken is close to the GPR than I probably have my answer. Never hurts to check once more to be sure though.

I am a little leery about purchasing used ones on this board. Nothing against the forum, just my inexperience and lack of knowledge. I wouldnt have a problem with someone guiding me though a purchase but I'm thinking "new" will bring peace of mind to my first ML.

 

[segner05]

I can attest for the GPR in .54 cal. I have been shooting it for almost four years and it has been a pleasure. Being a taller guy (6'2" 170 lbs), the drop in the comb makes for easy shooting...the recoil is more pleasant than my Dad's T/C Hawkin in .54 cal. I have tromped around family owned property, leased land and rondevouz and the weight has never bothered me,even with the 32" barrel. It is a very accurate rifle with 55 and 80 grains of 3f, .015 pillow ticking patch and .530 Hornady swaged round ball. I've even won quite a few matches. The 80 grain load took a large doe at 75 yards last year with complete pass thru. She made it about 30 yds. It's my go-to rifle for target shooting and hunting.

 

[splinter84]

I can attest for the GPR in .54 cal. I have been shooting it for almost four years and it has been a pleasure. Being a taller guy (6'2" 170 lbs), the drop in the comb makes for easy shooting...the recoil is more pleasant than my Dad's T/C Hawkin in .54 cal. I have tromped around family owned property, leased land and rondevouz and the weight has never bothered me,even with the 32" barrel. It is a very accurate rifle with 55 and 80 grains of 3f, .015 pillow ticking patch and .530 Hornady swaged round ball. I've even won quite a few matches. The 80 grain load took a large doe at 75 yards last year with complete pass thru. She made it about 30 yds. It's my go-to rifle for target shooting and hunting.

Thanks for the info seg05. I think I am going with the GPR. This forum has been very helpful with narrowing down my decision. I will try and get some pics posted when she finally makes it in the mail.

 

[William O.]

I found a picture on google images of a Trade and GPR sitting next to each other and I was pleasantly surprised that the GPR wasn't that much longer than the Trade rifle. Been reading that the GPR trigger assembly needs a little work out of the box. Is this a big issue or more of a personal preference and taste?

I think it's more a matter of what you expect out of a set or double trigger set-up but in my experience they all benefitted from a little tuning. On my flintlock GPR both the trigger and the lock needed work and it took a little studying of how Lyman builds their triggers to really understand how to make them work well. As has been mentioned, you can buy drop in triggers for the GPR from Davis, it the "Deer Slayer" model. The thing about Lyman set triggers is that you need to understand how much the adjustment screw, which is under the trigger guard, affects the amount of force needed to trip the lock. Some like very little effort, less than 2 pounds while some want as much effort and control they can get. Very few folks I know liked how the factory had then adjusted and always fiddled with trigger pull. Now, with the Trade Rifle and it's single trigger, there is no adjustment to it at all. The lock still has the halfcock/fullcock positions just like the GPR but a single trigger drops the hammer. Also, the buttplate differes between the GPR and the TR, so if you get a chance, should both of them to see which you like best.

 

[splinter84]

Hey guys. I decided on the GPR. I shoulder a 51" Kentucky rifle and a hawken once more at Cabelas. I compared the lenght differences and didn't really see it as an issue. I thought the longer barrel helped me steady my aim a bit more.

I am going to contact DNR sports center to make my purchase. I will let get some pics posted when she arrives. They have a price of $460 before shipping on their website. Hopefully they have a couple laying around still.

Thanks for everyone's input here. I appreciate it. I'm planning to start a new thread with questions once it arrives. I'm sure I will have plenty. I took down the list of accessories that were recommended above. That will should be a good starting point.

 

[mga2588]

I have a lyman trade rifle and its my first muzzle loader and u cant go wrong! I shot two deer with it this year and its a joy to shoot. The short barrel makes it easy to carry hunting and is accurate and easy to clean with soap and water.I can hit a paper plate at 100 yards with 75 gr of powder and a hornady rd and get good groups. Hope this helps and by the way my trade likes 2f powder.

 

[William O.]

I think you've made a good choice then and I'm looking forward to seeing it in your hands soon. :grin:

 

[splinter84]

Well fellas. I contacted DNR Sports and they stated their website price of $469 is incorrect. In fact the price I was quoted was $499. They explained to me that I would receive and email explaining the price change prior to my purchase. I didn't feel like arguing, but I am glad I called prior to purchasing the ML.

I decided to go with Midsouth Shooters Supply. The gun is on back order for now. Total price with shipping is about $495. Gun price was $480. I was told a new shipment should be arriving by this Friday. I won't be shooting it in this sub-zero weather so a little longer wait won't be a problem.

 

[William O.]

Well, a little wait time will make it that much sweeter upon arrival.

 

[Billnpatti]

I have two .54 cal rifles and I shoot 3f in both of them. It burns a bit more cleanly than the 2f.

 

[mtech]

You might check out Natchez Shooters Supplies, Graf and Son's, and Midway USA as well to see if they have any GPR's in stock.