Caplock to flintlock conversion

[Coyote Rider]

I just recently got my first black powder rifle, a Lyman trade rifle (.54 cal percussion), and I was wondering if it would be relatively easy to get a flintlock for it (would that include the frissen, I also wonders) and be able to quickly and easily switch back and forth between the caplock and the flintlock depending on what I felt like shooting that day. Does anyone know?

 

[4v50 Gary]

Check your parts diagram and compare the lock with the one for the Great Plains Rifle. If the lock plates are the same, you're in luck. It might be a matter of buying another lock and another barrel.

I don't have a Lyman Trade Gun and so I don't know how difficult it would be to pull out the drum (the part that holds the nipple). If the drum rotates off, it might be a simple matter of pulling it off and inserting a touch-hole liner. If it doesn't, then you'll need another barrel.

 

[nicholst55]

What you're suggesting is certainly doable, but it's more of a permanent conversion than a 'which one do I want to shoot today?' kind of thing. Buying another lock and barrel may or may not work, as the new lock may require additional inletting to fit into your stock. Why not save your pennies and simply buy another rifle? And yes, the frizzen is an integral part of the lock.

Oh and BTW, once you shoot a flintlock, you'll be hooked for life!

 

[Plink]

I believe the lockplates on the Lyman are interchangable. The big problem is the breech itself. Since the Lyman uses a patent breech rather than a drum, it's not as simple as just removing the drum and threading the hole for a vent liner. Even if it was, that's still a permanent change. You can swap breeches to a flint breech, but that's pretty permanent also. I'd suggest just buying a flint barrel and lock. That way you truly do have the best of both worlds, without a lot of work and machining.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Thanks Plink. It is as I suspected.

 

[Coyote Rider]

Yes, thanks indeed. Not as bad as I'd feared, but not as good as I'd hoped either (in my wildest dreams, of course) (well, okay, not wildest...).

 

[Plink]

Keep an eye on Ebay. I see locks and barrels go through there occasionally. You might find a bargain. I just recently found a .58 barrel for my Investarms Hawken. A few weeks earlier, I picked up an original T/C tang peep sight for the Seneca. Both are rare as hens teeth. You also might check with Midsouth Shooters Supply to see if they have parts. They have the best prices on Lyman that I've found so far.