Thinking of getting a GPR kit for my Christmas present. I Don't know squat about what it takes to complete. Is this a good or bad idea for a green horn like me?

The GPR is a damn good kit to start with! Easy,! the 95% fit made to the GPR kit by Lyman for barrel and lock is,and has been bragged upon for years! If you know the differance between 180 and 240 grit sand paper and what a sanding block is for, your in.
Figger 20 hrs labor, an maybe another 30-40$ material(paper, blocks, finish an polishin tool's)(or less,don't know what ya have ta hand!?)
Heck, fer the money, it's the best shooter 'out of box'! made , kit wise.
(Go for the .54!!)(the wood is better! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />)

Redhat,.... I've assembled and "finished" more then 25 of the Lyman GPR "kits" in the last 30 years.

Tacks is tell'n you right 'bout the "kit" and the "calibur",.... 'bout all you need is some "course-to-fine" sandpaper (even a few strokes with a wood-rasp if you got one and yore familiar with it), broken glass makes an excellent "scraper", metal files, emory-cloth, or even a "buff'n wheel and polish'n compound" (tho the metal don't NEED to be thet "slick").

I've always prefered to "draw file" the "WARNING label" off the barrel (the "originals" had no such label on'em). Prepare to look for a "longer set-screw" for the set-triggers, as the one thet comes with the rifle is on the "short side" due to "liability reasons".

You'll also need some "browning" or "blueing" to finish the barrel and all the "hardware",.... plain dish-soap and water will work for a "de-greaser".

I've always prefered "Tru-oil",.. for a stock-"finish".

Be sure to "pin" the ramrod-"tip" to the ramrod.

The average craftsman should enjoy finish'n one'a these "kits",.... I know, I always did!!

Good luck!!.... and, "HAVE FUN"!!