Lyman GPR Flintlock or TC Hawken Flint?

[ericv]

Hi, I have been shooting black powder for many years in Australia, but I'm new to this forum. I have a Charleville and until recently had a .50 cal GPR flintlock, which I sold to pay an urgent bill. Though I loved it, there were a number of issues. 1) the lock seemed to strike the frizzen at a slight sideways angle, eventually moving the flint and sparking unreliably. 2) the trigger creeped, 3) the set trigger was inconsistant, 4) the front sight dovetail was slightly crooked so the front sight not dead in line with the barrel. 5) I found the rifle quite front heavy. Putting that aside, I miss it and am thinking of getting another another one when my finances improve.
My question is: Has anyone else had these problems with the GPR? I've seen at least 1 post somewhere that did. Is this common or was I just unlucky. Many posts seem to indicate that the GPR is a good enough rifle for target shooting. Should I get another GPR or should I hang out for a TC Hawken? Would that address these issues?
Thanks a lot.

 

[mykeal]

The TC Hawken is a fine rifle. I do not own the flint version so I can't comment on a direct comparison with a GPR flint. However, I do own a flint GPR in .54 caliber. I have had none of the problems you mention with it.

I also have a percussion .54 GPR, and a .50 TC Hawken. Both are excellent rifles. You will not go wrong with either.

 

[spud]

You can't beat the T/C warrenty program!!!

 

[ericv]

Thanks guys re: GPR problems

Thanks for your replies guys. I think I should have titled the thread "GPR problems" or something, maybe I would have received more replies.

No-one else seems to have had these problems, so I guess they were unusual. I have a leaning towards the GPR, though the T/C warranty sounds inviting. Thanks again.

 

[sundance44s]

When I had a Lyman GP I found out Thompson parts would fit it ...so I put a set of Thompson triggers on the GP ...I like Thompson triggers much better ...I also put a Thompson lock on my Lyman cap lock ...Those Itilians are good at copying .

 

[frontiergander]

I prefer the CVA Mountain Rifles over the other 2 listed. I had a hawken which was a very nice rifle but just didnt satisfy me. My .54 GPR flinter i sold due to blackpowder being hard for me to buy in my area. I sold it and bought a cva bigbore mountain rifle in 54cal and curly maple stock for $175 shipped. Previously had a .54 flinter mountain rifle flinter that i sold to buy the GPR, what the heck was i thinking?

 

[Oldnamvet]

So a big part of your decision was based on the use of substitute blackpowder rather than actual blackpowder? Flintlocks usually are not reliable if you don't use real blackpowder.

 

[frontiergander]

The GPR was reliable yes, i just could not keep it stocked enough, the added cost of driving the 5 hours round trip was not to my liking , especially with the price of gas.

The hawken was a pretty gun but the LOP was a bit to short and accuracy was fair.

GPR, perfect fit. Couldnt really tell you my dislikes other than the already stated creepy/gritty trigger, which was softened by using some molly lube.