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Great plains rifle
5/17/2011 7:30:09 PM
So my dad decided that he needs a Great plains rifle, he is mainly looking for a wall hanger, but he wants something that he could shoot if he should feel like it.
I know next to nothing about muzzle-loaders, but I told him I would check around for him.
From searching a bit online it looks like Thompson/Center Hawken and Lyman is the best options out there, are there any others that he should consider..?
Any information/opinions about these rifles would be greatly appreciated.
ETA: Whats the deal with These rifles ..??
I assume the fit and finish are a lot better than some of the "cheaper" ones, but are they worth that much extra..??
I know next to nothing about muzzle-loaders, but I told him I would check around for him.
From searching a bit online it looks like Thompson/Center Hawken and Lyman is the best options out there, are there any others that he should consider..?
Any information/opinions about these rifles would be greatly appreciated.
ETA: Whats the deal with These rifles ..??
I assume the fit and finish are a lot better than some of the "cheaper" ones, but are they worth that much extra..??
5/17/2011 8:34:59 PM
The Lyman Great Plains rifle is the best production example of the 19th Century plains or mountain rifles you can get. You can get better quality and more authentic rifles but they will be custom or semi-custom guns. The GPR is a fine shooter and will look good hanging on the wall as well. The T/C Hawken is a well made rifle but not authentic.
The Lymans are made by Investarms in Italy. They're available in .50 and .54 caliber, percussion or flintlock. Also, they are available complete or as a kit.
5/18/2011 8:52:48 PM
Thanks for the reply, just out of curiosity, what makes the Lyman more authentic..??
5/18/2011 9:03:28 PM
+1 on what Dave M said.
The Lyman is an excellent rifle. Many reports of excellent accuracy.
The kits and guns from the Hawken shop are top of the line in historical correctness. As just shooters they are the same as the Lyman.
Cherrys guns
Look about half way down the page at the Hawken repro. Thats a pretty damn good clone of a late fur trade era Hawken rifle.
Thompson/Center
Now look at these "Hawken" rifles. While an excellent rifle it isn't anywhere near what a real Plains rifle would of looked like.
The Lyman is an excellent rifle. Many reports of excellent accuracy.
The kits and guns from the Hawken shop are top of the line in historical correctness. As just shooters they are the same as the Lyman.
Cherrys guns
Look about half way down the page at the Hawken repro. Thats a pretty damn good clone of a late fur trade era Hawken rifle.
Thompson/Center
Now look at these "Hawken" rifles. While an excellent rifle it isn't anywhere near what a real Plains rifle would of looked like.
5/18/2011 9:45:39 PM
Thanks, makes sense now, I'll show him the difference between the rifles.
Thanks again for all the info from both of you, I knew I could count on this place..
Thanks again for all the info from both of you, I knew I could count on this place..
5/19/2011 12:21:45 PM
WB Selb makes some of the finest reproductions based off original examples. Look at his rifles to get an idea of what an original actually looked like. Probably not in the price range you are looking for but there's none closer to an original. Now compare these to the Lyman and the TC. You'll find the Lyman to be much more similar in looks.
