Looking for some opinions on various kits

[gfanikf]

I did actually pick up a cheap old CVA recently (Mountain Stalker) for $100. But after getting some advice from a black powder shooter (namely even not having Diktar on the barrel only shoot it at reduced loads), that I should get a black powder build kit. He mentioned that even for companies he didn't like such as Traditions, with a kit it eliminates most of the worry of bad assembly (and shops like The Possibles Shop and Track of the Wolf will back the products they sell). So I was wondering if people have any views on theses sets (left or right doesn't matter, and it's going to be a caplock).

1. Traditions Kentucky Rifle
2. Traditions St Louis Hawkens Rifle
3. Lyman Great Plains sets

Any others that are under $400 that you would recommend.

Thanks!

 

[mykeal]

Lyman kits: very good, not excellent. Some minor problems with fit on occasion, but easily corrected. Once assembled, excellent rifles.

Traditions kits: regardless of Hawken or Kentucky design, kits are good to very good, not excellent. Also minor fit problems, easily corrected. Lock parts can be poor to moderate quality. Otherwise good to very good rifles when assembled.

Lyman is better.

The above is an opinion based on experience with a few specimens of each, not enough to be statistically relevant.

 

[gfanikf]

Lyman kits: very good, not excellent. Some minor problems with fit on occasion, but easily corrected. Once assembled, excellent rifles.

Traditions kits: regardless of Hawken or Kentucky design, kits are good to very good, not excellent. Also minor fit problems, easily corrected. Lock parts can be poor to moderate quality. Otherwise good to very good rifles when assembled.

Lyman is better.

The above is an opinion based on experience with a few specimens of each, not enough to be statistically relevant.

No I appreciate it, I'm leaning towards the Traditions since I can get it new for $299 shipped from a reliable dealer...it's also what my spouse is "willing to tolerate." but I think I'll look around to see if I can find anything in the Lyman area first.

 

[gfanikf]

I wound up getting the Hawken $299 shipped was a price that couldn't be matched and it was the last one in stock. Cheapest Lyman was around $400 give or take a few.

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