Pedersoli vs Lyman

[mikegalante]

Gentlemen,

Since I'm a newbie and don't have a rifle yet, I'm trying to settle in on an acquisition. I have 2 different opportunities before me and could use your words of wisdom.

Both of the guns are used but in very good condition. Accept for the obvious things like cost, availability of parts and ease of assembly/takedown which should I buy. The gun will be used for hunting and shooting at the range for fun. I'm withholding the prices as to not sway your opinion but I can tell you that they are both a steal and each one comes from a different local seller.

1) 50 Caliber Lyman Trade rifle (flintlock) with fiber optic sights.

2) 50 Caliber Pedersoli (percussion) with iron sights. I'm not sure of the model (maybe Pennsylvania) but the barrel was about 26"-28". FYI...I'd be eventually converting this to a flintlock to hunt our primative weapon season here in PA. I spoke with the gundealer and he said it would be an easy conversion I could do myself but would run about $125. Money is not the issue in this case. However, I believe the additional dollars could end up yielding me the ability to switch between flintlock and percussion.

Would you please share with me your choice in this decision?

Thanks,
Bison

 

[cayugad]

If the price is so good.. Get them both!! ::

I have no experience with the Pedersoli but I have a Lyman Trade Rifle Flintlock and there is no way you could make me give it up... I really like the rifle and the way it shoots.

Since it sounds like your looking for a flintlock and the Lyman is already a done deal being a flint, I would get the Lyman. It seems when there is work to do on a rifle I never seem to get around to doing it like I should. I just buy what is already the way I want it to be..

Good luck on your choice.

 

As for the Pedersoli "conversion", you can simply unscrew the "drum" and re-install a vent liner in it's place, plus buy a "flint" lock. (last I heard Pedersoli's locks were sell'n for almost $200.00)

YMHS
rollingb

 

[jim gray]

I said pretty much what Cayugad said in my original post, but he posted his before I did. I too have a Trade Rifle and am quite happy with it.

Take what he said into consideration, but when all is said in done you should go with the rifle that you feel more comfortable with. I think you'll be very happy with the Lyman, but don't know about the Pedersoli.

 

[booshway]

One old buckskinner told me, "You can never have too many guns." If you intend to go into re-enacting or buckskinning, fiber optic sights are out., But the sights can be replaced. You can use a percussion. I have a Lyman trade gun in 50 cal flint, and it's a very nice gun. I can't afford a Pedersoli.

 

[Buzzard Breath]

I'm new at the muzzle loading, smoke spewing, spark showering, flame throwing activities mentioned here in this forum, but :m2c: I have the Pedersoli Blue Ridge Flintlock .50 cal. On the range, it shot sweet.

Took it out first day of last year's muzzle loading season (early season) here in Somerset County.

At daylight it rained and rained and rained. Being new I was unprepared. Needless to say ALL my powder got wet and set up like Sakrete.

To have a fair chance against the weather, I bought a Lyman Great Plains Percussion in .50. Just put it together and haven't shot it yet.

Long story, short.....the Pedersoli is a good gun (it's owner is a jack-ass....but that's for another forum).

 

[Flint50]

I dont own a Pedersoli, but I have a .54 Lyman Trade Rifle, and I am very pleased with the gun. Not PC but I like the looks of the rifle. It's also heavy enough that bigger loads dont beat me up too bad.

 

[Zonie]

Bison: IMO, the conversion of the Pedersoli to Flint might not be as easy as your dealer thinks it is.
First off, Pedersoli locks are Expensive (around $230, or so I've been told). You might be able to find a quality American lock ($125) which would replace it, but I'm not aware of any which would be a drop in.
If the Pedersoli has a breech plug that has a cast swirl or snail around the nipple, it could be very difficult to convert without changing the breech plug.
Unless Pedersoli offers a Flintlock Breech Plug, finding a replacement might be another hard job. (I would bet the breech has metric threads, and the common plugs available in the USA are inch series threads).

All in all from where I'm sitting (without being able to see the gun) I would not recommend buying the Caplock unless you just want to target practice with it.

 

[Rebel]

A friend of mine has a Pedersoli Kentucky that is convertable from cap to flint. It has a drum that you just screw out and replace with the ventliner and change locks. But like has been said, Pedersoli is right proud of their locks, and they will cost as much or more than an L&R or Siler.

 

I had Pedersoli's Jaeger from DGW with both percussion and flint locks. The flint lock (and percussion lock) was $99.95 about a year and a half ago. That flint lock was FAST.

 

[eat moose meat]

There is a company called Flintlocks Etc. R.Beauchamp and sons. They have everything needed to convert your pedersoli.

 

[mikegalante]

Gentlemen,

I'd like to thank you all for your opinions.

Well after some thought and being able to see the Lyman Trade rifle from the private seller, I finally purchased my first muzzleloader.

I decided to go with the Lyman because it was in great shape, came with fiber-optic sights and cost $200. It was close though. I was very close to buying the Pedersoli and spending the money for the liner and the new lock to convert from percussion to flint.

Thanks again for all the great info.

Bison