Which pistol should I buy?

[Kevin2241]

I have been looking at buying a basic percussion cap pistol for a few months. After looking at several pistols and what I was willing to spend, I think I have narrowed it down to either the Traditions "Trapper" or the Lyman "Plains" pistol. (I initially liked the way they both felt in my hand.)

The main difference I see is that the Trapper has a set trigger and the Plains does not. One of the local merchants is currently running a special on the Trapper ($199)that is $50 less than what I can find a plains pistol being offered for. Something for me to consider when there is other black powder gear I need.

Does anyone have any advice or experience they could share on either of these pistols? Thanks.

Kevin

 

[Rebel]

They are both a good pistol but i would give the accuracy nod to the Trapper.

 

[bwhoffman]

Kevin,
I'd go with the trapper. with that set trigger, I'll have shoot a tad better in the near future!
Istarted with and still have my trapper, which shoots great, its just that I fell into the billy parker and it shoots just a bit better! and you have seen my scores.
the trapper is a shooter pretty much out of the box.
We're gunna shoot new years day at home, you are welcome to attend my "pasture shoot" with me and Eric if you like and can shoot my trapper to your hearts content!
the price you mentioned for a new one is good!

Brett

 

[Jumpshot]

Midsouth sells the Lyman Plains pistol for $189...
[url] http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000156010609[/url]

 

[mark/wi]

Kevin2241, I have both pistols. The Trapper in .50and the plains in .54. I like both, if I were you I would get the Trapper now and next get the lyman plains. I think you will like both and they are fun to shoot. :grin:

 

[Blizzard of '93]

I got started in BP guns with a .50 CVA kit Kevin. the 'Hawken' kit sold for 29$ in '79. I still have and shoot it. so you have a good start with either one of those.

 

[Kevin2241]

I want to thank each of you who responded to my post. I really appreciate your thoughts and advice.

I went to town this evening and picked up the Trapper pistol and just finished reading the owners manual. I'll be off to the range soon!

Thanks again for the advice.

Kevin

 

[bwhoffman]

Kevin,
when I got mine, sights were'nt anywhere near POI and I ran some oiled 4 OOOO steel wool up and down the bore as I was cutting patches on the lands pretty good. That took care of any barrel issues I encountered, but this is somewhat tyical to any barrel first time out!

Mine really likes 15 to 18 gr 3F goex for what its worth!

 

[torn moc]

KEVIN, :applause:
let us know how she shoots!

 

[Kevin2241]

Brett:

Thanks for the heads up. I'll be bringing my 4/0 steel wool then on Tuesday. I will stop and get a can of 3f from Ole tomorrow.

Haven't found any locals that have spare nipples for that pistol in stock. The book says most Traditions firearms have M6 x 1 threads. We tried to put a Red Hot M6 x 1 in at the store last night, but it was the wrong size. Have you tried to get a spare for your pistol?

Talk to you later.

Kevin

 

[Kevin2241]

Will do, Scalper. Thanks again for the advice and personal messages.

Kevin

 

[bwhoffman]

actually, the nipple that came on mine broke in half! had a spare for a cva I swapped out, direct fit! mine is 6x1 metric. acva nipple should work, keep length the same as it will make a difference in how the hammer aligns onto the cap.
I'd pick up a spare...and 1 or 2 for your lymans (6x.75)!


have you tried sportsmans warehouse?

 

[Kevin2241]

Brett:

Breaking in half, that doesn't sound good.

I purchased a 6-1mm nipple by mistake this fall and did not return it. I just tried it in the pistol and I now have a spare.

I have (2) nipples in my range box that fit the great plains and the trade rifle.

Kevin