gunsnbowses

I' m considering buying a muzzleloader for the first time. Been kicking around the idea for a couple years but never acted on it. I kinda like TC' s Black Mountain Magnum, but then I spotted a Firestorm by TC and felt this could be a good choice, too.

I approached a friend at work and asked his opinion. He stated although TC makes a good ml, he strongly suggested a Lyman. Lyman Plains Hunter I believe. I understand they' re a little more money, but I' d like to ask the opinion of some of the experts here. I' ll probably keep my choices between these 2-3 models unless something else grabs my attention. Any advantages/disadvantages with these guns- especially for a novice? Thanks!

eldeguello

If you are talking about the Lyman Great Plains rifle, or the Lyman Great Plains Hunter (which is the same rifle with a faster twist for shooting conicals or sabots), I prefer them to any TC. However, the TC' s are just as good, but I prefer a sidehammer rifle that is closer to the original Hawken in style. The Lyman is this one!

WV Hunter

TC and Lyman are both great quality guns. Both will shoot well. My preference is a Lyman. Myself, I like the deerstalker...but the great plains is a great gun also. Check midsouth...I think they are about as cheap as you can find for Lyman.

I would recommend Knight if you' re looking at an inline. Great guns!

cruiser

I own both a T/C New Englander, and a Lyman Trade Rifle in flint. both are 54, 1:48. The T/C is great in fit and finish, and first rate on the gurantee!! Hseveral things done to it-the warrantee work was done no-charge, no questions asked. The custom shop work is first rate!!! The lyman is a quality peice in heft, point and balance. haven' t worked up a decdent load yet, but going to a roundball this spring( if it ever comes).
You wound do well with either one. right now, the t/c gets the nod, as it sees more field use than anything else i own.

1950KID

You can get a new Lyman for $300. THat' s a lot less than a new T/C. THere are a lot of good used ones out there if you look.

RKenSprac

My vote would be the Lyman - I have the great plains hunter in a .54 and love it. I' ve seen, handled or owned a lot of other traditional style MLs, and for an off the shelf gun, the Lyman was by far my favorite.

cayugad

First off, Lyman is a great rifle. Very original in looks, and well made. I have considered getting a GPR with the 1-60 twist in a .54 caliber myself.

If this was my first rifle, and might be a primary rifle, I would go with the T/C rifle, but it would be the Hawkins model. I would take a .54 caliber, and with the 1-48 twist could shoot the round ball or the conical.

I am not one that feels the need to get into the 150 grain rifles. My T/C Renegade will handle 110 grains, and believe me I never shoot that as a hunting load. I shoot around 90 grains, and it has done everything I have asked. The Black Mountain is a 1-28 twist which limits you to conicals and sabots for the most part. Well I like to shoot, and round balls cheaper for shooting and are fine for hunting as you will find out.

The Firestorm is a 1-48 twist but is a flinter if I remember right. I am not into flint locks. It takes people with a special skill to keep them tuned, and my hat is off to those that can. I can not. The T/C Hawkins in percussion is a good shooting hard hitting dependable rifle, that if taken care of would last a life time. I prefer the .54 caliber to the .50. That is just me although I own a .50 caliber also. T/C has a great warranty and they stand behind their products. I am sure Lyman does too, but I like the T/C better. Both are good rifles.

Ruger-Redhawk

Both T/C and Lyman are great guns.I' ve never owned a Lyman but has seen them shot many times.The reason I would lean towards T/C is their warranty.T/C will take care of any problems in a very timely manor.I have an OLD Renegade.A couple years ago I noticed the stock had cracked.I was asked to send the stripped down stock to them. In about 10 days I had a completely new rifle less the barrel and ram rod,I had other dealings with T/C and I would say they are second to none.
Ruger Redhawk