Lyman Great Plains Rifle kits - experiences?Canadian source?

[Ol' Smokey]

Smokey,I am new to black powder and have been looking at the GPR as well .Only I was thinking of getting one ready to go right out of the box.Do you know if there would be any import/export issues with the rifle vs the kit?Good luck with your project...

I don't believe there is any issue with percussion or flint rifles leaving the US.

I was a bit concerned about the kit, as it is a box full of parts. One of the parts is a barrel, and generally, shipping of barrels without permits is a no go. But there has yet to be an issue with these kits.

Muzzleloaders whether new or old are, I believe, classed as curios and relics, and not subjected to export restrictions on firearms.

A flintlock long arm can freely enter Canada, but I believe you should be required to present a PAL to take delivery of a percussion rifle.

The rifles are available in Canada, in theory. Le Baron lists them at a very competitive price, but its always uncertain whether they actually have stock. The big mail order outfits don't seem to carry them, so some phoning around seems to be in order. The ones I did find in Canada were not priced competitively with the US retailers.

FYI, TOTW charges about $70 to ship, insured, to Canada via USPS. No duties are payable, just a customs fee, which wasn't charged on my shipment, he he. IIRC, its up to $10 now, was $5.

 

[bandanaman]

Thanks for the input. I didn't know about le Baron,they do seem to have good pricing as well as some really good specials.Now I just have to finally make up my mind and make the plunge...I have also been pondering the Pedersoli Hawken.I have never checked one out and like to see things in hand before I buy.Being able to buy an optional barrel for the GPR is a definite plus in my mind as well.Thanks again...

 

[leeelmer]

Check out Rocky Mountain hawkin in maple they are beautiful as well available threw mar star more money though

 

[Ol' Smokey]

Thanks for the input. I didn't know about le Baron,they do seem to have good pricing as well as some really good specials.Now I just have to finally make up my mind and make the plunge...I have also been pondering the Pedersoli Hawken.I have never checked one out and like to see things in hand before I buy.Being able to buy an optional barrel for the GPR is a definite plus in my mind as well.Thanks again...

From what I've read, the Pedersolis are well regarded and likely a notch above the GPR in fit and finish, but they are more money too.

I looked into buying some of the lower end custom rifles from the US and was put off by some seriously negative reviews about quality and business practices. The GPR just seemed to (pardon me) offer a lot of bang for the buck.

 

[eaglesnester]

I just finished a Lyman Great Planes flinter kit in 54 caliber. The gun is more accurate than I can shoot it. I can hit a 10 inch gong at 100 meters from a sitting position every time. The kit went together like a charm, no problems at all. Ordered it direct from Track of The Wolf. As it was a Rock Lock no restrictions on it at all. A percussion rifle is a different story it is considered a firearm in Canada but not in the US as it is a black powder muzzle loader. U probably can order one direct. Call track and see. In any case U will need a PAL. For my money a 54 is the only way to go. It is just as accurate as a 50 and more of a good thing with more knock down power.

 

[Goldenlakepete]

If anyone is looking for a really beautiful flint lock (either rifled or smooth bore - kit or finished) have a look at John Clarke's guns at clarkindustries.on.ca. Pricey but worth it!

 

[Fall Guy]

For my money a 54 is the only way to go. It is just as accurate as a 50 and more of a good thing with more knock down power.

I have a .54 cal percussion TC Hawken and have noticed that finding .54 cal ammo is getting difficult - lots of .50 and .45 though. Good thing I don't shoot mine that often and have enough of a stash of maxi's and round balls - but I'm always on the lookout....

 

[bandanaman]

I finally made the plunge and ordered a .54 cal Pedersoli Hawken 1:65 for round balls so I am not going to have that problem.In my travels I came across" Precision Rifle" which look like they may have some options to look at in sabots etc.Their selection excited a buddy who has a Thompson Omega but his is a .50cal.

 

[Ol' Smokey]

I finally made the plunge and ordered a .54 cal Pedersoli Hawken 1:65 for round balls so I am not going to have that problem.In my travels I came across" Precision Rifle" which look like they may have some options to look at in sabots etc.Their selection excited a buddy who has a Thompson Omega but his is a .50cal.

Congrats!

That's a very nice gun, have fun shooting it!

I still haven't had time to start on my GPR kit.