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Whats a good out of the box flintlock

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murph

40 Cal.
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Is a lyman trade rifle a good out of the box flinter.I'm on a buget and need a first time flint rifle.And is it historicly some what correct.
Thanks,murf :hatsoff:
 
I bought a Lyman Deerstalker flintlock Brand New in 2001.The lock was no good whatsoever.I ended up buying the L&R RPL and now it shoots like a dream.I have though heard where some swear by the Lyman Flintlock quality so maybe mine was a fluke or something.
My 2 cents
 
With apologies, the Lyman trade rifle, the GPR, the T/C "Hawken", A&H, and etc all should be percussion to be close to historically correct. The flint versions were introduced to comply with flintlock only seasons. It would be closer to go with the Pedersoli longrifles of various models in flintlock. Cynics will say none are historically correct. I have seen excellent shooting done with Pedersoli rifles.
 
Murf,
I have the Lyman GPR in F/L .50 cal that
is my first F/L. After learning some of the ins
and outs of shooting a F/L(most here on the MLF)
I am very satisfied with its performance. I have had it for two years and for what I paid
for it,$250, it has served me well. IMHO.
snake-eyes :hmm:
 
Mike Roberts said:
With apologies, the Lyman trade rifle, the GPR, the T/C "Hawken", A&H, and etc all should be percussion to be close to historically correct. The flint versions were introduced to comply with flintlock only seasons. It would be closer to go with the Pedersoli longrifles of various models in flintlock. Cynics will say none are historically correct. I have seen excellent shooting done with Pedersoli rifles.

Historically accurate or not, Mike is right. The Pedersoli's I have and have been around are quite good shooters. My personal experience has been with my Cabela's Blue Ridge flint .50 rifle (aka Pedersoli Frontier). I did do some tweaking on the frizzen to pan fit but the lock is quick and reliable (in my experience with it). I have seen good results from the GPR, too. TC has a good reputation, but I haven't personally seen their flint version in action. Is there a Cabela's in your area, Murf? They have a "bargain cave" (read returned items shop) and you can often pick up nearly new ML's for a less than retail price. Other large sporting goods type stores may have similar deals. Good luck in your search . . . Otter
 
If you're on a real tight budget take a look at Traditions. I got one in .50 in a trade and after setting the sights it is a fine shooter. There is a small change required on the butt but it will pass muster.
Two Trails
 
murf said:
Is a lyman trade rifle a good out of the box flinter.I'm on a buget and need a first time flint rifle.And is it historicly some what correct.
Thanks,murf :hatsoff:

Responding only the title of your thread, today's current production TC Hawken Flintlocks are outstanding...accurate, reliable and with a lifetime warranty second to none.

Responding to the text of your post however, as others have said, TC Hawkens are not exact replicas of any particular HC design from the past...and if that's a swing vote for you, you'll want to keep looking elsewhere.
 
If you want something out of the box without breaking the bank go with a TC or Lyman.
 
murf said:
Is a lyman trade rifle a good out of the box flinter.I'm on a buget and need a first time flint rifle.And is it historicly some what correct.
Thanks,murf :hatsoff:

Yes!! for an off the rack rifle the Lyman Trade Rifle will get the job done right smartly for hunting or competition.
Dollar for dollar your will have what amounts to a T/C Hawken with a single trigger and deeper rifling at roughly half the price.

Toomuch
............
Shoot Flint
 
A Thompson/Center, Hawken, or Renegade are excellent flinters. Both can be had in .50, .54, or .58 calibers. There are also used ones on Gunbroker, and Auction Arms. You can't go wrong with T/C.
 
Thanks for all the help guy's.I was thinking about a lyman trade rifle in flint.Were can you find pedersoli on the web for sale?.
I'm not a rich guy but i do belive in you get what you pay for.Thanks,murf :hatsoff:
 
You can find used ones at
[url] http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/Browse.asp?Cat=2324&Timeframe=0&Page=1&Items=50[/url]
[url] http://www.auctionarms.com/search/auctions.aspx?ab=90[/url]
[url] http://www.auctionarms.com/search/auctions.aspx?ab=90[/url]

It is ok to post auction sights isn't it? It is not another forum. If not i apologise.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Murf,
Opinions on these forums are a dime a dozen.Some good and some bad.It probably would be best if you could maybe get to a shoot or Rendevouz where there might be several differant guns to look at or maybe even try.
But like I said opinions are a dime a dozen. :winking:
 
"Is a lyman trade rifle a good out of the box flinter.I'm on a buget and need a first time flint rifle.And is it historicly some what correct."

You are leaving out some important info such as what you want to do with the gun. Hunting, target competition, re-enacting, plinking... All of these have some bearing on what people will recommend.

The Lyman Trade Rifle is a good intro gun in some ways. It is cheap and accurate for a short barrel. However, it is not correct for any period -- especially in flint. This style would have been a caplock and it does not follow the lines of any period gun that I know of.

I would save up some more money and contact TVM, Tip Curtis and several other makers to get pricing on a plain flinter of good components and to my measurements.

I know that is not exactly what you asked, but it is the best answer.

If you insist upon a half stock intro gun to egt your feet wet, look around for a used gun. Invest in a bore light and learn a bit about the components and problems so as to get a good shooter. These guns can be had for $150 or less if you are patient and careful.

Good luck,
CS
 
Lots of opines on this subject. If possible, make some doings, see what others are carrying, prices etc. Ask questions to determine what might suit in your price range, nothing worse than buying a piece sight unseen, then finding yourself dissatisfied with it.
 
for what it's worth, i almost bought a Lyman but a used T/C beat it out those many years ago.. i've never fired a Lyman but i've heard many good thing about them.

i've had great luck with the T/C, and i wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

(my two cents)

good luck with what will become a statsfying hobby!

MSW
 
murf said:
Is a lyman trade rifle a good out of the box flinter.I'm on a buget and need a first time flint rifle.And is it historicly some what correct.
Thanks,murf :hatsoff:

Back to the original question: you asked first about a good inexpensive flinter and then about historical correctness. After reading the replies it is obvious you need to make a decicision about which of those questions is most important to you. If all you want is a decent shooting cheap flinter, you can go with either a Lyman (I like the GPR) or T/C product and be happy. IF historical accuracy is your main concern (and it doesn't seem to be) none of the plains rifle styles of various trade names are correct in flint. Then, your best choice is something like the Cabelas Blue Ridge/Pedersoli Frontier rifle in flint. For a couple hundred more you can go semi-custom. If you check out certain websites you can find used custom rifles and in the white semi-customs for reasonable prices. Try the for sale section on American Longrifles, Wayne Zurl, Tip Curtis, etc.
 
A rather new and little known company named RMC makes a nice little flinter with a Green Mountian 1/28 twist barrel. It's designed for shooting sabots though. Great shooters. They have laminated stocks,fiber optic sights and a waterproof LR lock. I love mine. A far as I know they don't have a slow twist barrel available for roundballs. These are well made rifles and are American made. Try one and I am sure you will like them.
 
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