Author Topic: Round Ball Rifle (Read 968 times)

fairchase · « **on:** March 31, 2004, 05:53:19 AM »

I am looking to buy a muzzleloader in 54 cal. That will be for shooting round balls only. I am thinking about one of the Lyman rifles either the GPR or the Deerstalker, and I need some advice. Here are my thoughts and questions I need this rifle for hunting Muledeer in the mountains and deserts out west where I will be hunting spot, and walking many hours each day. Also the shot might tend to be on the long side, too. Should I get the GPR for the better RB twist and possible better effective range, even though it will be more tiresome to carry? Or should I get the 1-48 Deerstalker even though isnt as ideal, because its lighter, and easier to carry? Your thoughts please, what would you do? BTW I dont see shooting conicals at all because they are not legal under the current regulations. Thanks.

rollingb · « **Reply #1 on:** March 31, 2004, 06:52:12 AM »

Well,... I do live in the mountains and desert out west, and my "choice" would be the GPR,.... in fact thet's the "choice" I made many years ago and it worked very well for me on mulies and antelope!!

simonkenton · « **Reply #2 on:** March 31, 2004, 09:57:06 AM »

Get the Great Plains Rifle. You won't regret it.

Snowshoe · « **Reply #3 on:** March 31, 2004, 12:47:49 PM »

I have the Deerstalker and very happy with it, so that is my choice. I had a 9 lb Hawken, and did not like to carry it all day. But if you don't mind 9 lbs, get the GPR, it will be better if you have to shoot past 100 yards. You are the one that has to live with it.

Wolfhound · « **Reply #4 on:** March 31, 2004, 02:17:53 PM »

Another vote for the GPR. Mine shoots pretty good. This is a 4 shot group shot in some pretty stiff winds at 50 yds with my new 57GPR peep and 17AEU front globe sight (I think that's the number). I was using homemade shooting sticks as well.

KING · « **Reply #5 on:** March 31, 2004, 03:55:01 PM »

:-D Looks like a normal group with that sighting arraingment. My flinter GPR in .54 does the same thingie......good gun for a good price. Makes it even better..stay safe.King

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #6 on:** April 01, 2004, 03:24:45 AM »

Everyone is so scared of heavy guns - I don't get it.

I'm not any sort of bruiser at all. I was a bit nervous when I ordered up a TVM Early Virginia with a D-weight .54 cal barrel. The estimated weight was between 10 and 11 lbs. And it came out to just that 10.5 lbs.

I've carried it all day and I don't really find it to be a problem. Sure it is noticeably heavier than my old GPR, but I don't get sore shoulders from it. In fact if I'm really pushing it, I'm much more likely to notice my legs being exhausted or my shoulder sore from my shooting bag strap.

I think with the longer guns, they actually serve as walking stick of sorts. Not literally using 'em like a walking stick, but as you're walking, then stopping, you can rest the butt of the gun on the ground without leaning your body over. The GPR just gets into that proper length.

Will Bison · « **Reply #7 on:** April 01, 2004, 06:13:54 AM »

My vote would be for the GPR with round ball twist. The extra weight will be to your advantage when it comes time to take the shot.

I have a TC Hawken .54, a GPR .54 and a custom full stock flint Hawken with 36 inch bbl and tips the scale at 10.5 lbs. The flint Hawken will outshoot the other two but the GPR is real close in accuracy. The TC falls way behind.

I have always thought the GPR was a great deal for what it is. I like a longer bbl and a heavy gun so I went down the custom road. I also like flint over cap. There are some things you can do with a GPR to improve it like a good bedding job, upgrade sights and after market lock.

crow_feather · « **Reply #8 on:** April 03, 2004, 06:52:14 AM »

Wolfhound
I take it that the wind was comming from the right - or you already have your lead on those right to left running deer

C F

PS
nice group

Wolfhound · « **Reply #9 on:** April 03, 2004, 07:49:18 AM »

Quote from: crow-feather

Wolfhound
I take it that the wind was comming from the right

Yeah. I gotta go on a calm day now. POI should be closer to center without the wind. I would have waited for a calm day to go, but hadn't been shooting in a while.

Naphtali · « **Reply #10 on:** April 07, 2004, 06:29:14 AM »

Fairchase:

This is the last time I'll insert less than complimentary information about the Lyman GPR. Here goes.

My wife took delivery on her Lyman GPR .50-caliber flintlock about 2-1/2 weeks ago. It is on its way to Lyman for repair/replacement. The facts are:

1. Hammer has no arrester to stop its forward slam on its lock plate.

2. Lock plate is warped -- that is, the pan stands away from the touch hole about 1/16-inch.

3. Double set trigger cannot be adjusted. Over travel screw adjusts nothing; it's too short. Trigger assembly is budget-priced, and I'm being tactful.

4. Butt plate screw hole misaligned. Screw head tears up clothing.
*******
The unfortunate thing about the situation is that these problems are not obvious until you do make-ready. There were several other niggardly problems, but these are expected on a rifle in this price range.

I have a friend who made a similar (right-handed) GPR from a kit. His is beautiful and works -- well, like it's supposed to. B U T . . .

He replaced Lyman's lock with L & R's replacement flintlock. It strongly resembles my L & R "Late English" lock. And quality of his workmanship is superior to that available on a $400-500 muzzleloader.

If your interest is cap lock only, cheapness (as opposed to inexpensive) of lock design will be less of a problem. A cap lock is simpler mechanism, more forgiving of cheapness.

Lyman's GPR can metamorphose to a beautiful machine. The problem doing it is your cost to replace parts, your cost to sculpt European walnut changes your cost to the neighborhood where several American-made limited production rifles are from the get-go.