I'm gettin' ready to expand my reality a bit here. A few months ago 45-70 Ranger handed me his Hawken 54 cal. He had this goofy grin on his kisser as he did it and as soon as I pulled the set trigger then touched her off I understood the reason for the grin.
My knowledge level is based on 19th century and early 20th century Colt's pattern guns not rifles so I need some help here.
So....I've done a little research regarding Hawken kits. I'm wanting a kit simply because this is going to be "mine" in every way. My skill level is moderate but I'm not expert in any way, but keep in mind my wife has two observations regarding my skills.
#1 I'm an anal retentive perfectionist and...
#2 She calls me a "Jack of all trades, master of what interests me at the moment".
Having shared her opinion of me I'll say that I'm not afraid of a little hand fitting.
My reasoning for this Hawken is simply put: For Fun, it won't be used to hunt, nor will it be used for any sort of re-enactment or competition. It will be fed patched round balls and if I can find some, Minnie Balls but it will never have a sabot dropped down the barrel. That said, I'd like the twist to be primarily for round balls but capable of minnie's. I'd also like an adjustable sight system on it, hopefully somewhat period correct. At least one that somebody would have adapted to it sometime in the 1800's. I can accept a barrel length of somewhere between 28" & 32", crowned would be nice.
My limited research has shown me that I can spend way too much money on this if I wanted to, I don't. Although a maple stock would be beautiful.
So...I'd like some opinions regarding different Hawken kits that range in price from $300-$500. Furniture can be iron (steel) or brass, traditionally I believe they sported iron.
Several months ago I did find a Hawken kit somewhere that had been pre-fitted which was kind of a plus but I can't remember where I saw it nor find it again.
So...post your ideas for me, give me some thoughts and of course your opinions. Any help will be appreciated and we'll see where this little project takes me to.
Thanks
My knowledge level is based on 19th century and early 20th century Colt's pattern guns not rifles so I need some help here.
So....I've done a little research regarding Hawken kits. I'm wanting a kit simply because this is going to be "mine" in every way. My skill level is moderate but I'm not expert in any way, but keep in mind my wife has two observations regarding my skills.
#1 I'm an anal retentive perfectionist and...
#2 She calls me a "Jack of all trades, master of what interests me at the moment".
Having shared her opinion of me I'll say that I'm not afraid of a little hand fitting.
My reasoning for this Hawken is simply put: For Fun, it won't be used to hunt, nor will it be used for any sort of re-enactment or competition. It will be fed patched round balls and if I can find some, Minnie Balls but it will never have a sabot dropped down the barrel. That said, I'd like the twist to be primarily for round balls but capable of minnie's. I'd also like an adjustable sight system on it, hopefully somewhat period correct. At least one that somebody would have adapted to it sometime in the 1800's. I can accept a barrel length of somewhere between 28" & 32", crowned would be nice.
My limited research has shown me that I can spend way too much money on this if I wanted to, I don't. Although a maple stock would be beautiful.
So...I'd like some opinions regarding different Hawken kits that range in price from $300-$500. Furniture can be iron (steel) or brass, traditionally I believe they sported iron.
Several months ago I did find a Hawken kit somewhere that had been pre-fitted which was kind of a plus but I can't remember where I saw it nor find it again.
So...post your ideas for me, give me some thoughts and of course your opinions. Any help will be appreciated and we'll see where this little project takes me to.
Thanks