[Ratdog68]

I snagged up another percussion smoke pole. It appears to be identical to the "Renegade" model, but does not have a model designator on the barrel. The only designator on it is Cal 54. The serial number is the 199xx series. It has the same trigger guard design as the Renegade, has the double set triggers, has the sling studs already on it, has the adjustable rear sight.

Any idea the approx. age of this little beaut? It appears to be pretty well cared for, the stock has some "age" look to it... normal wear from use type. The barrel is a heavy octogon barrel. It's blued, not browned. The only identifying mark on the stock is in the area of the barrel bed... it simply has:

2
2


Is there an archive site somewhere to run the serial number, to see if I can find out a little more about this one?

Thanks guys.

[mykeal]

Thompson Center serial numbers are not archived due to a factory fire several years ago. I know of no ad hoc effort that's had any success in dating serial numbers or even ranges of numbers.

There is an individual who uses the nickname 'roundball' on The Muzzleloading Forum/Percussion Rifles who has an extensive background on T/C rifles; he may be able to provide some information, if you can get past his OCD.

[Ratdog68]

I guess I'll need to pass an intense background check too? :banghead: :D

Didn't know about the fire they had... too bad all that history is gone. :(

[Ratdog68]

This is the one I recently bought. It appears (from all I can tell) to be identical to the Renegade model, but has no such designation on the barrel. Overall, looks to be a pretty nice rifle.

http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv134/Ratdog68/TCRifles/54CalBarrel.jpg
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv134/Ratdog68/TCRifles/54CalLeft.jpg
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv134/Ratdog68/TCRifles/54CalRight.jpg

The more I cleaned this, the nicer it started to look. It looked a little rough when I first brought it home.

[Ratdog68]

I suspect this one is a "Kit" since the serial number is a "KXXXXX". The ram rod appears to be oak, with no stain on it. The "brown" appears to be wearing off, the front sight appears to have been filed on each side... flattening what appeared to be a "round" topped blade, the rear sight's blade has a "V" shape to it instead of the straight across style, the stock looks to have been dinged up a little when assembled, and quite a few of the screws appear to have been turned with a non-gun style of blade type.

It looks like a Hawken, but, again, no "designation" on it to identify it as such.

I know... I need to go shoot 'em... well... been busy with archery stuff for a while. Besides... I JUST bought this puppy yesterday while taking a break... I just couldn't leave it sit there when I was able to scoop it up for $125.00.

I'll see how I like this one next to the Traditions .50 Hawken I have ordered up. :cool:

http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv134/Ratdog68/TCRifles/50CalBarrel.jpg
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv134/Ratdog68/TCRifles/50CalLeft.jpg
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv134/Ratdog68/TCRifles/50CalRight.jpg

[Ratdog68]

offer me a confirmation on whether this T/C 50Cal (browned) is a Hawken. I'm starting to think that for what little money I have in this thing... I might look into a new stock for it. Anyone have an experience with these folks' product? The curly maple stock is lookin' danged sweet to me... and I'm thinkin' of strippin' this puppy's barrel down and having it blued. If this thing IS a "kit" (Serial number being a "Kxxxxx"), are they close enough to the non-kit guns that a replacement stock like this could work ok?

http://www.gunstockwood.com/products.html#tchawken

[mykeal]

Opinion: It's a Hawken kit. T/C Hawken stocks should interchange with no problem. In general T/C guns are good to very good quality and excellent shooters. I'd refinish, rather than replace, the stock if it were my gun. You're unlikely to get a replacement with as much curl, and a high quality finish job will really make it look nice (and substantially enhance the value).