Author Topic: Lyman Trade Rifle VS Deerstalker (Read 2250 times)

Blitzkrieg · « **on:** February 16, 2006, 03:34:20 AM »

Hey, I am new to blackpowder and I've been reading this messageboard for a while. I plan on buying my first rifle in the next month or so (Traditional of course) and I have pretty much narrowed it down to two.

The two choices I am left with are the lyman Deerstalker and the Lyman Trade Rifle .50 cal and flint. I've been doing a lot of research and it appears that for this price range you really can't beat the Lymans, the only other rifles I have seen in this range are Traditions and they look like they are poorly built. So my real question is, what is the real difference between these two rifles? Both have a 1 in 48 twist and they both have what appears to be primitive iron sight, the only difference other than looks that I can see is the Trade Rifle's extra 4" of barrel length.

If anyone has any information on the performance of these rifles I would be thankful. I am particularily interested in the Trade Rifle as I believe it looks overall more attractive and its slightly cheaper than the Deerstalker.

The prices I have for these rifles are as follows;
Deerstalker .50 cal Flint: $259.16
Trade Rifle .50 cal Flint: $252.68

These prices are from www.dnrsports.com, if anyone has any better prices let me know.

DECKAPE · « **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2006, 06:18:05 AM »

seems to me i saw one on gun broker.com for around $150.00 or else it was auction arms........sorry deer stalker

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2006, 07:03:20 AM »

http://www.lymanproducts.com/store/page191.html
The above link is lyman recondition deerstalkers in flint.
I had dealing with D@R can't say anyting bad they are excellent.
I myself always like the trade rifle but I would get the 54cal. seem the rifle is a little lighter then the 50cal. and shoots a 230 RB excellent.

sabotloader · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2006, 07:34:33 AM »

I am totally biased, because I have had them both in 54 percussion. The only one I have now is the Trade Rifle - I really like mine.

Blitzkrieg · « **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2006, 08:17:52 AM »

Hey thanks for the reconditioned Deerstalker site, I'm kinda leaning towards the Trade rifle right now though based on looks. I know the Deerstalker comes with a folding leaf sight but what sights do the Trade Rifle come with?

The main reason I'm leaning towards .50 cal rather than .54 is availability of ammunition. I live in Ontario and hits hard enough to find muzzleloader balls at all let alone trying to find a less popular caliber. Also I think I would have more choice in conicals should I want to try them.

Snowshoe · « **Reply #5 on:** February 17, 2006, 08:43:29 AM »

Don't sell the Deerstalker short. I like the Trade rifle, but bought the Deerstalker and have been very happy with it. It is the better hunting rifle in my opinion, with the 24" barrel it is a treat to carry and is very fast to swing in the bush. I have put the Lyman reciever sight on it, and really like the set up. This rifle using a patch and ball, has taken first place in competitions quite a few times, and has taken many whitetails. I have an Austin and Halleck Mountain rifle in flint, that I love to shoot, but the Deerstalker is the rifle I reach for if I have a tag to fill, and limited time to do it.

Landngroove · « **Reply #6 on:** February 17, 2006, 12:08:27 PM »

I have a Deerstalker, in .54 percussion, with the 57SML rear peep sight on it. Very accurate with a patched round ball. I would recomend the 57SML rear sight, as the folding rear sight that comes with it, leaves a lot to be desired. The standard front sight works with the 57SML.