As I had posted much earlier I have pretty much decided on getting a traditional muzzleloader, and from reading posts and reviews the cap lock GPR was at the top of my list. It seems to be a very highly regarded gun. My question is... Does anyone have anything bad to say about it? I'm not trying to talk myself out of the GPR, but I would not be opposed to buying the CVA Mountain Rifle or spending the extra money on an Austin Halleck Mountain Rifle if the quality of either is better. I guess what I am asking for is how the GPR stacks up against these other two. And also, for those of you that own one, what little pet peeves do you have about the GPR. Before even owning one I like the fact that additional barrels are readily available. I'm aware that some view the weight of the GPR as a down fall, but I'm not terribly concerned out that (with scopes, my bolt rifles weigh in the same range). So... Is there need to look further than the GPR?

Thanks in advance,
Bob

bobvthunter asked:

quote:

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Is there need to look further than the GPR?

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In a word...No!!!
X

The only 2 possible things that I can find fault with are actually very minor. First the nipple(if you're getting a percussion) is , or at least used to be a metric thread. No big deal but it limits the number of choices you may have when replacing it. The other thing I think can be improved on is the slickness of the trigger/sear. Take the lock out and smooth it up and you're ready to go. We used these rifles at a boy scout camp where we fired 50,000 rounds through 4 rifles each summer for two summers. Failures to fire etc. were very rare. Damn good rifles.

Only little trouble i had was with the wedge pins.One was loose fitting but that was easily fixed with a few taps of a hammer.Its been a reliable shooter.Mines a 54 and i like it.

I replaced the trigger guard with one off of a T/C but thats only for looks(JMO), and as to a better nipple,look no farther than an "Uncle Mikes Hotshot". I f you want to get carried away later the GPR makes a fine base for refinements(as in Long locks or triggers). Might I suggest that you drop into northernrifleman.com and have a look at the acc. that Mike has to offer! derf

Is the barrel on a GPR browned or blued?

Blued. I just got one last week.

I got mine also last week. I was very impressed with the overall appearance of the rifle. The wood was nicer than I figured it would be considering the price I paid. Mid-South Shooing had the best price at $327.00 (I bought the Great Plains Hunter with 1 X 32 twist 32 inch barrel). Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. Will be able to in a couple of days hopefully and can let you know whether I can hit a barn from the outside when I shoot.

No complaints about mine. It is a .50 cal percussion, with a either a 1:66 or 1:72 twist (I forget which) for shooting round balls. I've taken a couple of deer with it and it shoots great.

Fourtails; You can always buy another barrel for other kinds of specialty shooting,and a drop in bbl really opens up the possibilities. Like a F/L Shotgun? derf

Derf, you bet on the extra barrel. I want to shoot round ball besides the concicals for hunting. I think if I rememeber the twist it is 1 in 60 or 1 in 66. Either way, I'll be getting one as soon as I get the casting problems I've incured solved. Later, Mike

What is the problem. I and no doubt many others have been casting for years and wouldn't mind trying to help. derf

Bob--I too have a Lyman GP--it is still, after 15 years, my favorite muzzleloader. Ditto on slicking up the lock--you learn how the thing works and get a very slick action in the deal.
On the other hand, I coach a team in muzzleloader rifles, and have had more problems with CVA and Traditions than with other brands, although these problems are not really serious. Best reliability in production gun seems to come from TC and Investarms (Lyman and Cabelas). Best thing about the Great Plains is the muzzle-heavy balance, which just seems to stay on target regardless... Chuck

Don't worry about a blued barrel. Some of the old ones WERE blued.