Which Muzzleloader?

For Christmas my father bought me a Thompson Center Omega. I live in Pennsylvania and you can not shoot bucks with an in-line Muzzleloader so I took the in-line back and got store credit. I am new to Muzzleloader hunting so I am not sure what kind of Flintlock I want. I would like to stay around the $325 range. I was wondering if anyone might have some suggestions on choosing a gun? Every little bit of help is greatly apperciated. THANKS!!

 

[brushbuster]

for that price or a little more you can get either a traditions or a lyman great plains rifle .personally id opt for the latter but its up to you to decide

 

[Rebel]

Check into a flintlock Lyman Great Plains rifle in either .50 or .54 cal. I personally would go with the .54 cal. You could also check into a caplock Great Plains if you don't plan to hunt during the Pa. flintlock only season if a caplock is legal during the general season.

 

[chickenlittle]

You could have used your Omega during the regular firearms season. I used my White in-lines at that time but only saw a protected spike buck.

For your money, a T/C Firestorm or a Lyman Great Plains Rifle, Deerstalker, or Trade Rifle. The T/C is only available in .50 but is available in blue or stainless (more, I think). The Lyman guns are blued and available in .50 or .54. The Lyman GPR is the only one with 1:60" twist, rest are 1:48". The GPR is heavier with a 33" barrel while the rest are 24-26".

The Lyman Trade and Deerstalker are $250-$300, GPR is $350-$400. I haven't looked at the Firestorm prices too closely but they should be in that range.

Best deal is probably special order from Walmart or, if lucky, a real good deal on what's in stock.

edit: changed from Deerhunter to Lyman Deerstalker

 

[Hota]

Check with flash_in_the_pan, he just got a Lyman Great Plains Rifle from Walmart on closeout for $200.00. I have one of these rifles in flintlock and I love it. For the money you can't ask for more. It is accurate and I have not had one misfire or any other problems. I bought mine from Kinsey outdoors for 330.00 and that is there standard price.

I will be looking into the TVM Late Lancaster rifle when the ole tax refund comes in. That is a mighty fine lookin weapon. By the time the finish accessories are added though, you are looking at probably over $1000.00.

 

You CAN use an in-line in Pa . You are NOT alowed to use an inline in "Flintlock" season.
That being said. You did good by gettinga credit for it and looking into a flinter!
Now as far as what type flinter to get?..... that would depend on what you want to use it for. If you plan on hunting deer . elk ect with it. Then I would go for the .54 or .58 cal. in a slow twist for shooting round balls. a fast twist you would not be able to shoot roundballs and roundballs are not as expensive to shoot.
Since season in Pa is over take yuour time and get what you want. Even if you have to add a few more $$$ to it.

:m2c:

Woody :yakyak:

 

[jim gray]

Woodhick,
I think I can clear up what PA Deer Hunter meant in saying that you can't hunt bucks with an inline in Pennsylvania.
The late muzzleloader season (our real muzzleloader season) is limited to flintlocks, as you obviously already know.

In the early muzzleloader season,(which was created to appease those too wimpy to handle the cold and/or a real muzzleloader.) is for any single shot muzzleloader larger than .44 cal. and is limited to does.

I don't think PA Deer Hunter considered the inline for use in the general deer season.

No offense intended to anyone I was joking about the reason for establishing an early season. I actually the opportunity to take my two children hunting without the crowds of the regular season.

PA Deer Hunter ,

There may be a Wal-mart in your area with a Lyman Great Plains Rifle or Trade Rifle still in stock. If so they are on clearance sale now. I picked up a Trade Rifle for $140 dollars in late October, and when the GPR hit the clearance rack I upgraded to that for $200. If you look around you may find the same deal, but don't give up if the first store you call is out of them.

 

[shadyrest]

big retail store or smaller mom and pop i work for dicks and used to work for gander i know the availabilities that arent on thier shelves what store?

 

[shadyrest]

flash, still got the trade rifle, looking to sell by chance? drop me a pm

 

Hey Thanks alot for your suggestions! I was looking on the internet at some flintlock guns and I think that I might go with one of the Lyman Flintlocks. Does anyone have a Lyman? Are they a well built dependable gun? From just looking at pictures on the internet I can't really tell a whole lot about the guns. Any information or personal suggestions are very helpful in my decision. Thank you!
PaDeerHunter

 

I have a Lyman GPR .54 flinter, and it's a fantastic gun! I had to drill out the touch hole, but I think you probably need to do that on just about every gun out there. It shoots straighter than I can, is beautiful, and goes bang every time I pull the trigger. Can't ask for much more than that... until you want to start getting fancy. :winking: It is a completely functional, good-looking arm that will give you many long years of dependable service. You could do a lot worse. :m2c:

 

[CrackStock]

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000156031115

 

[Rocky Johnson]

PaDeerHunter A flintlock is going take some geting used too so take it slow. All guns are differant you will have to see what loads,patchs,balls or conicals,grind of powder work best. But you get to spend a lot of time at the range Good luck and have fun. :winking: Rocky

 

[RiverRat]

I have a GPR flinter in 50cal. I got it at Walmart in Vestal NY for $200. I LOVE IT! I sold my TC PA hunter after I got the Lyman and never looked back! I have a TVM early Lancaster in 54cal on order with some upgrades. I will keep my GPR though because it is a proven deer slayer for me. :m2c: