Hawken #4 build

[frontiergander]

Last night I polished the lock internals, lightly moly lubed it, wow what a slick sucker! I still have a little tuning on the triggers after shes complete.

Today I got out the ol horse hoof file and remove a large amount of excess wood around the forearm and brass shoulder plate. Got it all cleaned up now with 100 grit sand paper and smoothed nicely.

On the lock, I left enough wood for at least one good refinish if the new owner road the road should ever hurt the finish, he'll have wood to work with. I even went as far as using 100 and 220 grit sand paper inside the lock area of the stock to smooth out the rough texture they always leave in there. That rough stuff makes it hard to remove fouling when it finds its way into there.

Nose piece goes on tomorrow after I get the saw and remove some extra wood so I can fit the cap perfectly and then drill the holes for attachment screws.

Im just taking my time. I catch myself getting restless and inpatient from time to time and have to remind myself, its cool! No need to get in a rush to get it together, take your time, pay close attention to detail and the new owner will love it. I may love it so much that I keep it! :lol!: I always feel myself wanting to rush so I can start adding stain and get it purdy. Just one of those deals where I love adding the color and gloss to the wood and see it come alive.


The two places I bedded the stock for extra support and a wiggle free zone channel. The wedge key area was also bedded going partially down into the ramrod channel for extra strength.

 

[44 Dave]

Looking very good!
I like to make the barrel wedge "captive" by cutting a slot in it then a pin hidden under the barrel.

 

[frontiergander]

Just some progress pictures. You don't want to know how many hours it took me to fit the nose cap. I got a compliment on how good of a job I was doing and I was like, Yes, But I doubt the new owner will even notice. LOL

I've only hit it with 100 grit so far, but man is this pattern friggin awesome! That's what I love about Beech, it can have some really neat looking stuff in it.

Standard on all CVA rifles that I work on. Bedded tang,trigger plate and now, the forearm. I still have to bed my 58's forearm and see if I can squeeze out a little better accuracy.

 

[bannockburn]

frontiergander

Looking good! One of the hardest parts I had to fit to my Traditions Hawken was the brass buttplate. It was way off on both sides when I first installed it in the pre-drilled holes and required a lot of grinding, filing, and final sanding to get it into the proper shape and position.

 

[frontiergander]

Yep same here, thats why they call it a kit! Lots of material to remove. You should try a lyman great plains rifle if you want to test your skill and patience on wood removal!

Hit the stock with 150 and wiped it with a wet cloth to bring up the whiskers. Will hit it with 220 grit next and check it over real well and then start adding walnut stain.

 

[frontiergander]

I fergot to brown the tang, so that's not in the picture DOH!

So pretty its a darn shame I'll be selling it.

Front site was replaced with a german silver blade and the rear sight will be off a Marlin with an elevator ramp set up. I love it as I set my .58cal Hawken up for hopefully 200 yards. Its a great sight to have for hunting.

Triggers are all polished, adjusted and sweet. Lock is polished as well and greases lightly with moly. New nipple installed, brass was buffed down with a M3 scuffing pad for a brushed look. Waxed the stock as well for a little protection.

Once I finish it all up, I'll find a safe place outside for waaaay better pictures.

 

[frontiergander]

Shes in the classifieds if any of you are interested!

 

[Noz]

That's a great price on a beautiful gun.