Hylander, I emailed Perdersoli last year re that very subject, thinking there was a market for a slow twist .50 other than the Lyman. Here was their reply:
Dear Mr. Xxxxxx
Thank you for your inquiry.
We do apologize for taking sometime to answer you, but we wanted to extend your inquiry to some shooters using Pedersoli's guns, who are in contact with us.
They found the inquiry good and interesting, such to ask it, too:
"Why does Pedersoli build an absolutely gorgeous Hawken rifle, one that would look wonderful at any rendezvous or competition, and not offer it in a suitable "round ball" barrel in 50 caliber."
"The finest Hawken rifle in production should also have a barrel available in the most popular caliber and twist rate for the sport the rifle is best suited for."
Well we will certainly consider this possibility.
We appreciate your confidence in our guns.
Best regards,
Customer service
DAVIDE PEDERSOLI & C.
Via Artigiani, 57
I-25063 GARDONE VALTROMPIA
(Brescia) Italy
ph. +39 030 8915000
fax +39 030 8911019
http://www.davide-pedersoli.com/guns-for-sale-pedersoli.asp?
Fyi: the two quoted statements above were probably from an Italian shooter and not my words, I don't speak like that. Anyway I was able to snag a 20 (?) year old Lyman r/b shooter (from 24 hour campfire) in excellent condition and it shoots lights out.