traditions front stuffers

[stompingbear]

have been looking at the kits from traditions. does anyone have any info good,bad. any accuracy problems to speak of.

 

[Arrowstorm]

You're going to get different opinions from all kinds of people. Some are gonna tell you not to bother with a mass-manufactured weapon and get an american made custom, and some are gonna tell you that they've had major problems with accuracy, sight picture and all that type of stuff. I own 4 traditions firearms and as long as I treat them right, they shoot excellent for me. For me. Mind your possibles and propellant/lube/projectile combinations and you should have no problems. I have had NO problems with a traditions firearm that didn't ultimately boil down to my own ignorance/inexperience. Lol. EXCEPT for an incorrectly tempered frizzen on my longrifle. Which was replaced by an entirely new lock by Traditions at NO cost.

 

[Arrowstorm]

Ahem.... erm... haven't put any together though... so in regards to "kit" problems, I admit, I know nothing about what you may or may not encounter.

 

[john12865]

Not your most expensive gun, but I have several that shoot just as well as the big money guns. :grin: So with that being said, just use common sense, have patience and experiment with different loads and patches. You'll find what it right for the gun. It's fun figuring it all out. Shoot Goex BP, the large white clouds are the best part. :winking:

 

[Swampman]

If you can't afford a custom rifle, buy the Lyman Great Plains rifle from Midsouth Shooters Supply.

 

[J.D.]

I have heard both good and bad about traditions guns. Quality appears to be inconsistent.
IMHO, TVM, or equivalent semi custom "kits" aren't all that expensive, and quality is much better than traditions.

Run a search on "Traditions rifles", or some such. You might find more comments about their quality.
J.D.

 

[Pittsburghunter]

I have seen some nice looking Traditions kits for under $200 the two piece stocked Kentucky for under $150. I always wanted to buy one but when I have gone to KTP to pick one up I usually run into something that needs my money more urgently. The kits look good to me in fact KTP takes them out of the box so you can see all the parts to them before you decide to buy. I would like to buy the flint Hawken myself.

 

[Zonie]

The kit you asked about is like other Factory Kits in that it is about 95 percent done for you.

If you haven't built a kit like this but you are handy with things like files, screw drivers, sandpaper, finishing products like Linseed or Tung Oil and stains you can build a nice gun which will work well for you.

The Traditions guns are made in Spain and IMO do not have the quality that is found with the Italian guns. The price is also not as high as the Italian guns so it is like the old saying, you get what you pay for.
This is not to say the Spanish guns are not good for shooting, but the types of wood used and the general fit of the parts in the lock aren't as nice.

If you decide to build one of these kits, be sure to visit the Builders Bench here.
We have some of the best custom rifle builders around who post there and they all are more than willing to help anyone who is interested.
In other words, they aren't a bunch of snobs who won't help you just because your building a Factory Kit.

 

[Elkinde]

My 1st muzz wuzz a Traditions Hawken Woodsman 50 cal. Shoots beautiful. Did most of my target shooting at 70 yrds. with PRB and have amazing groups. Took four deer in as many years with it; 2 squirrels and a woodchuck to boot. Have new faster twist guns now for sahooting conicals and sabots but that ole ball spitter is still closest to my heart. Good luck with your project.

 

[rebel727]

We have some of the best custom rifle builders around who post there and they all are more than willing to help anyone who is interested.
In other words, they aren't a bunch of snobs who won't help you just because your building a Factory Kit.

That's what I like about this place.Most gun forums I've been om have their own lil cliques especially anything specialized. if you're not part of it you get ignored for the most part but if you screw up and show your ignorance on something heaven help you. If someone here disagrees with you they do it in a non argumentive way for the most part. Everybody here is friendly and helpful, especially the craftsmen. But back to the original topic. If Traditions is all you can afford and it'll get you shooting bp then I say go for it. You can always upgrade later.

 

[Two Trails]

I shoot a .32 cap and a .50 flinter from Traditions and both shoot fine. The quality isn't anywhere near the higher priced guns but the receiver of the round ball doesn't know they are being taken with a lower priced gun. Accuracy is not a complaint.
Two Trails

 

[Cherokee]

I have a traditions kentucky kit I built. I dont care for the stock but its a great shooter. Shoots better than I can.

 

[bwhoffman]

...some great postings here already!
I shoot a traditions trapper out of the box. nice looking gun, shoots great and I treat it well. You can have this one after rigormortis has set upon my body!
My long guns are both cva, one being a mt rifle from a kit and the other from spain. Both shoot great, are made ok and please me for the time being.
All of the 3 mentioned above are the" gramma's malibu with mag wheels and glass pacs" model. These are chevys that I see as cadillacs!
Keep that thought in mind.
If it works for you, its in your budget...great.
I do not think anyone will look down on you because of what you shoot. If they do, you really dont need them as friends.
I have competed agains deep pockets in many aspects in my time and found that money does not mean success. in this arena, trigger time is key.
I envy the lyman gpr, but shoot a cva, usa made. the lyman, I am told is an import, so what, it looks good to me and is a step or two above what I have know, which by the way is working for me!
If you are going the kit route, regardless of brand, you will get out of it what you put into it (time). take your time, read the postings on this site, learn from others and do not rush.

Best to you,

Brett

 

[jderrick]

I've got a Traditions Kentucky I built from a kit.... So far no problems that can't be traced to inexperience....

 

[crmyers]

I have a Traditions Fox River Fifty in 32 caliber that shoots very good. The bore was a little rough when new, but after a treatment with 0000 steel wool it shoots excellent groups.For 139 dollars what more could you ask? :thumbsup:

 

[Slake]

My son shoots a 50 cal Traditions Deerhunter, it is a fine rifle, extremely accurate, it's a pleasure to shoot and to clean. I love it

 

[stompingbear]

Thanks for all the help. think i will buy one.great forum