Help with Buying a Traditional Percussion Rifle

[paul54]

I am wanting to purchase a traditional percussion rifle in either .50 or .54 cal. that will shoot conicals and round balls.

At present I own an Omega .50 cal. Wanting to experience these guns as well. I may or may not hunt with it. They just sound like a real neat gun to shoot.

I am left handed. Willing to spend up to about $800.

I know nothing about these guns, a bonafide rookie. Have been looking at many brands online.

Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.


Many thanks,

Paul

[mountaineer magic]

You will probably get as many answers are there are people. I will start with my opinion. I would get a .54 cal Lyman GPR with a 1:60 twist for round ball. Then buy the 1:32 twist barrel for it. just switch barrels if you want to hunt with conicals. many people use the 1:48 twist compromise to shoot both but I don't like the 1:48 twist. The Lyman is a very accurate gun.I have had one for 30 years and never had a problem with it. It will outshoot guns that cost 2 or 3 times as much. Just one opinion of the many you will get

[MountainDevil54]

54 great Plains!

[Muley Hunter]

Being left handed your choice is limited.

As was already posted. The Lyman Great Plains Rifle (GPR) is a good shooting gun, and come left handed. A lot of guns come with a compromise twist in the barrel. Which is 1-48. It does ok with conicals and a PRB, but it's not ideal with either.

A twist for a round ball (PRB) should be at least 1-60. The GPR comes with a 1-60 twist. The same gun called a Great Plains Hunter comes with a 1-32 barrel, which will be good for conicals.

They are both exactly the same gun except for the twist in the barrel. You can buy the GPR with the 1-60 twist barrel, and then buy just the GPH barrel which is 1-32 twist. You then have a no compromise setup to shoot a PRB and a conical.

MidSouth has the best prices for the gun and barrel.

[bronko22000]

Paul - two things. Being a fellow lefty I can feel your pain. However, I have no problems at all shooting right handed percussion rifles. Secondly, Chetmarks is right on the money with the Lyman and the two barrel idea. You can get a used or new CVA or T/C but these barrels have a 1:48 twist (not real sure on the CVA). Now this twist rate will handle both RB and Conicals b ut is sort of a 'happy medium'.
Now, the fact of the matter is that the patched round ball (PRB) is a horrible projectile ballistically. True it has killed tons of animals. But I think you might find yourself shooting conicals and saboted bullet a lot more than the PRB and probably with better accuracy. You might want to weigh the options on that before laying down your hard earned cash.

[Daveboone]

I own a Lyman Great Plains in 50, and love it. Quality is very high, and it is capable of fantastic accuracy. I have only shot round ball in it, but I know you can get it with a bbl designed for conicals. The only thing I did was trade off the traditional buckhorn style sights for Lymans folding sight and white dot front sight, allowing a bit easier sighting and adjustment for me.

[paul54]

Thank you folks for the input. I appreciate it!

Paul