Percussion to Flintlock

lyman54

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Is it possible to change my Lyman Great Plains rifle to flintlock from percussion? It's a .54 with a 1 in 60 twist. Have had it for 11 yrs and thought I'd like a change. Can't afford another in flintlock but then again the change might be too expensive also.
 
Well, you would need a lock, and the breech would have to be altered to suit.
Did Lyman make a flintlock version of this same rifle?
If they did, it would probably be an easier job.
Are you looking for a one way conversion, or something that could be switched back and forth?
 
It is probably easier to buy a replacement flint barrel than to rebreach the existing one. While you can find flint breaches, the big worry would be finding one that is a match to your barrel.

cheers mooncoon
 
Well, you would need a lock, and the breech would have to be altered to suit.
Did Lyman make a flintlock version of this same rifle?
If they did, it would probably be an easier job.
Are you looking for a one way conversion, or something that could be switched back and forth?
Yes they still make I believe a flintlock version, I should try and contact them. Thanks.
 
Yes the snail drum would be a problem

My point is that you would have to remove the snail breach plug and install a flint version of the same thing. You can buy generic ones for $15 or so but then have to fit it and install a vent liner and hopefully the vent will line up with the pan on the flintlock. If you do the work yourself, you save a moderate amount of money but if you have a gunsmith do the work, the savings diminish rapidly.

cheers mooncoon
 
Contact Lyman and ask whether you can buy a replacement flint barrel and lock that will drop into your stock. That would be the most cost effective approach and you could even have a barrel of different calibre if you wanted. Converting the percussion barrel would not be simple and you would still have to buy a new flint lock.. If Lyman advised that the switch could be done, you might be able to buy a used flinter cheaper than a new lock and barrel then swap the parts in, or just use the second gun as is.
 
I see that Track of the Wolf is listing kits for both percussion and flint Lyman Great Plains rifles.
Why not give them a call and see if they can supply a lock and barrel?
 
Lyman says the stocks are different and you cannot convert 'em. Needs a new lock and barrel.
"...might be too expensive..." Yep. Lyman says the same. Mind you, they do want you to buy another rifle.
http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/faqs/muzzle-loaders.php
"...Lyman make a flintlock version of this same rifle?..." Yep. Stupid thing is that the flint is more expensive.

It is entirely understandable that the flintlock is a little more costly. Any kids cap gun from the dollar store can set off a cap but a flint lock has more critical geometry and more particular tempering to produce decent sparks every time.

There are also a few more parts in a flint lock - frizzen and spring possibly with a roller, 3 part hammer (cap hammer is all one piece).

As to the conversion, unless you have a rifle that has a screw on bolster and there is an identical lock available you generally can't swap back and forth. And even a permanent conversion is likely to cost nearly what a new rifle would go for.
 
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