Author Topic: New Flintlock (Read 742 times)

kb · « **on:** November 13, 2003, 12:14:23 PM »

Hi all,

Im looking for a flintlock in .54 caliber. My choices are narrowed down to the GPR and Cabelas Blue Ridge. I would like to hear of anyones experience with them. This will be mostly for deer hunting, but target/woodswalks as well. Accuracy is a major concern. I like the looks of each, but am leaning to the fullstock Blue Ridge. My only concern is that it has a 1 in 48 twist (GPR has 1/60). How is this for accuracy? I will be using a patch and ball. Funds are limited, so a custom job is out of the question.

What are your experiences with them? Both good and bad.

Thanks,

Kb

wallynut · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2003, 02:41:29 PM »

Can't say much about the Blue ridge rifle, but I feel the GPR is a great rifle for the price. If your a round ball shooter, go for the GPR with the 1in60 twist. The 54cal will do well with 70g 2ff loads.

River runner · « **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2003, 04:31:07 PM »

My .54 is 1:48 and it shoots rb, as well as conical very well, I don't have my load data handy, but both loads were worked up, and I'm confident with either as far as shot placement. I would think that 1:60 would be primarily for rb exclusively. By the way, I limit my shots to 75 yards. RR :-D

mamaflinter · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2003, 09:25:49 PM »

Kb I've never personally shot a Blue Ridge in .54 caliber, but I've shot the .36 & .50. The Cabela's Blue Ridge is also known as the Pedersoli Frontier. They shoulder and balance very well. Don't worry about the 1:48 twist. This is a compromise twist and if you take your time and play with your loads, you should be able to find one the rifle will like and shoot well.

In any case, I think you would be satisfied with either rifle. Both are well made rifles.

HWooldridge · « **Reply #4 on:** November 14, 2003, 06:13:23 AM »

I have a Uberti Hawken with 1-48 twist that shoots round balls exceedingly well with 80gr of FFFg (less than 3" groups at 100yds). However, the 1-60 will probably give you a wider window to move up or down with the charge and still have good accuracy. I'd pick the one that feels the best and appeals to your eye with the assumption they'll both shoot well.

MAINER1234 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 15, 2003, 02:21:17 AM »

Why not look at the TC HAWKIN or RENEGADE in a 54 flint ? :lol:

alpini · « **Reply #6 on:** November 15, 2003, 03:20:44 AM »

I go with the GPR as it looks to be better able to handle heaver charges than the Blue Ridge. The Blue Ridge seems to have a thinner wrist area and a shorter tang than the GPR. The GPR also has an underlug to soak up some of the recoil.
To me the Blue Ridge would be a good target shooter and the GPR would be a good hunter.
I think the Blue Ridge is pretty good in the smaller calibers.

rich e · « **Reply #7 on:** November 16, 2003, 10:59:05 AM »

KB, I have both a GPR in 54 only its a perc. and the BRR I have in flint only its a 50. They both shoot great, The flint lock on the blue ridge is a really good sparker and gives fast ignition. I'm sure you'll be happy with either one, the blue ridge is pretty long, a little hard to hunt with in thick cover.

xnmr53 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 20, 2003, 05:20:05 PM »

Another advantage (maybe) to the GPR is that if you aren't satisfied with the lock, L&R locks makes a replacement. IIRC, you can also get a percussion lock with a drum. I am going from something that I read several years ago. You would want to both of these items out before accepting them as gospel.

All in all, I would go with the GPR anyway. I've known too many people that have had good luck with them to believe that it's coincidence, and I am a firm believer in the slower twist barrels for round ball.