T/C Hawken .50 cal smooth bore?

[Jimfern]

I was at a local gun store during lunch today and ran across an excellent condition Thompson Center Hawken precussion rifle. The only thing odd about it is that it appears that there is no rifling in the barrel. I have a T/C flint lock and have been looking for a precussion for a while. If I had seen rifling, I would have bought it.

The barrel is marked Thompson Center Hawken .50 and it has a T/C adjustable rear sight, so I'm pretty sure it's a factory barrel. The inside of the stock had 45/50 stamped in it.

Does anyone know anything about this rifle?

I think I answered my own question. This must be the QLA system where the tip of the barrel is smooth bore to ease bullet starting. Thanks anyway.

 

[Chawbaccer]

I think you figured it out.
The 45/50 would indicate it is for those two calibers and not the 54

 

[NEWENGLANDCHARTERS]

smooth

Way Back when T/C first stared making Muzzleoaders the had the Hawkins avail in Rifle 1:48 or Smoothbore. .45, .50 or .54 cal . in Caplock or Flintlock

As they were in New Hampshire and Taxachusetts was right over the border the smoothbores wre for that Market where you were not allowed to have a "rifle" at the time. I think a few other states had the same ruling.


Well since we all know that Smoothbore cant hit **** ( A guy at my gun gulb will shoot you all under the table with his hand made smooth bore flintlock) the smoothbore was detined to become history.


There is not much market for them anywhere anymore.


So if you dont want it? Ill trade you a almost New Traditions inline .50 cl for it.

Capt Walt

[email protected]

 

[goon]

I'd probably buy it anyway.

I've often thought that a flintlock fowler in about a 20 gauge would be a SWEET gun to own!

 

[Jimfern]

bought it

I ended up buying it and it's in near new condition. Once I cleaned the barrel I was able to confirm that it is rifled after the 1st inch of barrel. Hope to shoot it next week. Thanks for your help and thoughts on it.