Which should I get?

[torlagh]

Been offered good deals on a lyman deer stalker and a lyman trade rifle. Both .54 cal, both same basic price. Both are in excellent condition. Any thoughts as to which is the better rifle, better sights etc. No, I can't afford both right now.

 

[jethro224]

If you just want to shoot and hunt with it, get whichever one feels best on your shoulder.

If you think you might want to shoot at a rendezvous type shoot the Trade Rifle will fit in better there.

 

[necchi]

Personaly I'd opt for the Trade rifle and the 28" barrel. The Deerstalker has a 24".
Yet I like the flat butt plate vrs the curvey one.
have'm put the Trade rifle barrel on the Deerstalker, :grin:

Otherwise they's 6 of one an half dozen of the other.
Around these parts when their shakin dice and it's a tied throw they say;
"It's a horse apeice"

 

[Lonegun1894]

I'll go with Jethro and say whichever feels better to you when you mount it. The only ML I have that is shorter than 28" is a CVA Squirrel .32, and at 25", it feels too short. Shoots very well, but the feel is just off. Just shoulder both and see which you like better. HAving said that, I'd go with the Trade Rifle if choosing between those two. I like the curved buttplate and the longer barrel better than the flat plates on more modern stocked guns.

 

[sdhunter]

go with the trade rifle, i would get one if they made them for lefty's. :bull:

 

[BrownBear]

My wife is the eggspert on these two, and with both in the rack to choose from she greatly prefers the Deerstalker 54 for it's balance and lighter weight. She's not a fan of hooked butts, so that may be a factor too. Whichever she picks up, you can put money on her landing the shots right where they belong.

 

[hanshi]

I'd vote for the Trade Rifle as being "closer" to authentic and for the longer barrel.

 

[wattlebuster]

My vote would go for the trade rifle :thumbsup:

 

[hrchotaw]

Trade Rifle :thumbsup:

 

[William O.]

Shoulder them both, pick which one points the best. If they both feel the same at that point then I'd choose the trade rifle. The TR's stock is chunky but that would allow you to sand or plane some of the wood off later on down the road to customize it a bit. Good luck, I hope you get the one you want.