I’ve heard good and bad (mostly good) about Lyman rifles made by Investarms of Italy. However, as gun makers go, they’re probably at the bottom of the Italian Gun Suppliers in quality. Traditions are made in Spain and the only Muzzle Loaders imported from there at this time, that I know of.
I’m also thinking about purchasing the Kentucky Rifle for Hunting (I already have a couple of flinters for Target). My reasons are 1) it’s inexpensive so if it gets dinged up a little in the woods, I won’t be heart broken. 2) most of your hunting choices (Traditions Deer Hunter & Lyman Deer Stalker) have 24” barrels with 1-48” twists (round ball or conical). My concern is if you’re shooting a patched Round Ball with say, 80 grains of powder, how much of it, unburned, will exit the muzzle. With Traditions 33.5” barrel, I’m thinking most of it will be used to get the maximum benefit from the charge. As mentioned by someone else, the 1-66” Round ball twist will make it exceptionally accurate for either target work or hunting.
Getting used to that flash in front of your face and learning to ignore it will take a little time and practice. I’ve been taking mine out once a week for the past three and am finally getting some good targets. The most import advice I can give you is 1) don’t take you eye off the target, 2) Don’t forget to follow through; leave it (sight picture) there as if you’re watching the ball pass through it.
Now, having said all that, Lyman IS the only production company that makes a left-handed rifle. Traditions locks have an Adjustable Sear so that you can lighten the Trigger Pull!
The first set of targets is from our monthly match on December 26th. The second is from yesterday after several weeks of practice (both @ 25 yards)!