Question on Caplock ....

[sharps4570]

I'm interested in a Hawkens Percussion Lock re-production rifle (calibre to be determined) and would appreciate some insight prior to commencing my search for one ......

What would be the manufacturer brand(s) to look for in terms of:
- Overall build quality, fit and finish
- Quality barrel
- Excellent quality factory installed, adjustable iron sights
- Ease of availability of parts

Any major difference in product quality between a Pedersoli Traditional Hawken and the Traditions Hawken Woodsman?

What is the product quality of the Lyman Deerstalker?

Any gunshop (GTA and vicinity ..... say couple hrs drive +/- ) that may have a current inventory of various brands? Haven't seen much so far.

Thanks,

[GoldenLakePete]

If you could find a really good used Thompson/Center you would be well served with it. They are extremely well made and seem to last forever. A friend of mine has one (a flintlock) that he abuses and yet it still functions and is very accurate.

Davide Pedersoli firearms are also well made and the wood to metal fit is excellent. I have a Pedersoli 12 ga SxS that I've had since the early 1970's and it still is beautiful.

Traditions rifles seem to be OK. The quality isn't the same as a T/C or Pedersoli but they still shoot well. Another friend has a couple of them and he often wins the shooting events at the Rendezvous.

The various Lyman rifles are well made and good shooters. See Huntaway's posts for the results of his Lymans. I have a .50 cal Lyman Trade Rifle and I love it. Good wood, good barrel, accurate.

As to gunshops - try Cabelas, Basspro, Ellwood Epps. Finding traditional percussion side hammer rifles seems to be more and more difficult. I looked at the Cabelas and Epps web sites and I didn't find any. Guys want modern in lines.

If you didn't mind ordering one - Wholesale Sports has a Lyman Deerstalker for $469.

Parts for the Lymans are easy to obtain. Not sure about the others.

[Marker]

I started BP shooting recently and now I am a regular, its definitely been a learning experience. I have a Mavi hawkens (now Investarms) in 45, the sights are not to my liking and you will see a lot of aftermarket sights for that reason, it does shoot well but maxi balls are tough to find in that calibre ('shooters choice' or 'track of the wolf' seem to be the only sources so far), whereas cabelas and BP both sell maxis in 50 and 54. I also have a 58 but it would not be my first choice for hunting due to accuracy and loping ballistics.

As such I am also on the market for another BP in 50, as said above Cabelas has a decent inventory (at least in Dundee), you can also try gunnuts, or landsbourgh auctions if you want something cheap.

[jaycee]

I started BP shooting recently and now I am a regular, its definitely been a learning experience. I have a Mavi hawkens (now Investarms) in 45, the sights are not to my liking and you will see a lot of aftermarket sights for that reason, it does shoot well but maxi balls are tough to find in that calibre ('shooters choice' or 'track of the wolf' seem to be the only sources so far), whereas cabelas and BP both sell maxis in 50 and 54. I also have a 58 but it would not be my first choice for hunting due to accuracy and loping ballistics.

As such I am also on the market for another BP in 50, as said above Cabelas has a decent inventory (at least in Dundee), you can also try gunnuts, or landsbourgh auctions if you want something cheap.

Accuracy difference between maxi bullets and patched round balls , is all in the rifling twist of your rifle , a maxi requires a faster twist than a patched round ball.

[sharps4570]

If you could find a really good used Thompson/Center you would be well served with it. They are extremely well made and seem to last forever. A friend of mine has one (a flintlock) that he abuses and yet it still functions and is very accurate.

A TC rifle would've been my preference if those were still available (I've been on the lookout for a gently used one in excellent condition over the past little while).

Le Baron apparently carries the Lyman or at least that's what the catalogue says. Cabelas (Barrie) has the Traditions .... I shall try to check those out over the weekend.

[MikePal]

I understand from Huntaway that you can buy ML online and have them shipped to Canada with few problems.

Maybe take a look thru a site like this and see what might tickle your fancy;

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Category.aspx/485

I bought my ML south of the border, but picked it up and bought it back...NO problems at the border.

[TPM]

I understand from Huntaway that you can buy ML online and have them shipped to Canada with few problems.

Maybe take a look thru a site like this and see what might tickle your fancy;

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Category.aspx/485

I bought my ML south of the border, but picked it up and bought it back...NO problems at the border.

I believe that only applies to flintlocks.

[TPM]

I stand corrected...

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/f...porter-eng.htm

[bdog]

No PAL needed on flintlocks, Lebarons has good prices on Lyman guns, if you're buying new do it now, all prices are going up at Lebarons, I just purchased the Great plains hunter, that I was told not in stock over the phone when I called, went on line and ordered it Monday it was at my door on Thursday at the price quoted in the on line catalogue, there's a .50 TC Hawkens on Nutz right now $300 shipped, TC stopped making traditional guns

[sharps4570]

I believe that only applies to flintlocks.

True, flintlock will be deemed a primitive item. Percussion lock, not sure how that may be treated under US ATF policies but it is a non-restricted category here and I may have to clear that from customs. It is possible though to import most sporting firearms via Prophert River (AB).

I will try to speak to that shop .... the .45 TC Hawken looks interesting.

Thanks again everyone.