Brewer,
The Traditions Trapper is sort of a knock-off of the TC Patriot. The TC version comes in .45 cal. I think early ones even offered a .36 cal.
in my opinion the TC is a much better pistol. It has a walnut stock. The triggers and lock are excellent. The spur on the upper portion of the stock is reminiscent of a saw handled pistol. It provides a positive place to locate your hand on the stock and helps to prevent gripping too high on the stock. It also helps keep the wrist more straight and in closer in line with the axis of the bore. That helps control recoil.
The Trapper has the ‘mystery’ wood, birch stock. The wood is good. It just doesn’t look as nice as the walnut.
The TC has very nice sights. The rear sight is fully adjustable. The Traditions has nice sights.
There have been concerns over cracks developing in the stocks of the Patriot models. That is more likely caused by over tightening the lock bolt, or improper loading techniques.
I have owned for over twenty years, two Patriots. Both are excellent in fit and finish and are very fun to shoot. I have absolutely no complaints or experienced any problems with those pistols.
The Traditions and TC Patriot, as far as I know, are not historically accurate, if that is of concern. You may be able to find a used Patriot for what you would pay for the Traditions.
Just my two, maybe three cents...