TC Hawken 2-screw or 3-screw difference

[Bluehawk]

I have a .45 caliber TC Hawken percussion barrel laying around in my "shop"...was a freebie from a friend some years back. I won by auction a Hawken stock with triggers, all the metal and brass on it, including the tang with two screws (but no lock). Then I discovered there is a 3-screw Hawken tang. Besides the extra screw...what is the difference and does it make any difference as to whether the barrel will fit or not?

 

[OrangePwrx9]

AFAIK, the third screw (in the center) was there so the owner could mount a tang peep sight using the center screw and front (closest to the breech) tang screw. The center screws I've seen were merely tapped holes filled with a plug. A machine screw was used in this hole to retain the rear of the peep sight.

To my knowledge, the two-screw tangs should be interchangeable with the three-screw tangs with one caveat. Tangs were often fitted to the breech of the barrel they shipped with. Therefore, the mating between the rear of the breech and the front face of the tang might not be perfect with a randomly selected tang.

 

[BADUNAME30]

Yep, what OrangePwrx9 said.

 

[Bluehawk]

Thanks for that heads up guys. I'm thinking the "mating" shouldn't be too much of a problem...Accraglas with steel or aluminum mixed in should solve that if there is a gap...or some careful filing on the tang if the fit is too tight. What do you think?

 

[BADUNAME30]

The only problem i ever encountered Hawk when fittin these was the 'hook' not fittin proper into the tang. A wee bit o' carefull file work on the 'hook' fixt 'er right up.
Oh wait, not entirely true. I've run into tangs havin too much 'curve to 'em and had to give jist a wee bit o' flattenin' to make 'em lay proper in the stock.
( was easier than whittlin' wood out o' there.)

 

[Bluehawk]

Thanks Jim...I'll be on the lookout for those problems too!

 

[BHP FAN]

One can take a largish Cresent wrench, adjust it to fit the tang, and give it a very slight ''tweek''. useing a little leverage is a little easier than beating on it with a hammer. Either way'll work.

 

[Bluehawk]

wouldn't putting it in the vise and bending it that way be a little easier? the only large wrench I have is a huge pipe wrench about 30 inches long...I think that would be over kill! :banghead:

 

[BHP FAN]

LOL, yeah that might be a bit much. pad your vice jaws, and you're in.

 

[BADUNAME30]

Another way to do what BHP suggests is to use a piece of black gas pipe.
Clean the inner 'lip' up with a file, chuck the tang in a vise, slip the pipe over the tang and gently have at it.
He's correct in that this method is better and more controlable than whailin on it as i first suggested.

 

[Bluehawk]

The jaws are already padded...now all I have to do is sit and wait for the post office to deliver the stock...and find someone willing to part with a percussion lock for a TC Hawken...at a good price for me ...not the seller!

 

[Bluehawk]

Here it is Sunday...post office delivered the Hawken stock on Friday. Removed it from the box...grabbed the .45 barrel...said a prayer under my breath...slipped the hook into the tang...pushed down on the barrel...went right in with a slight "squish". Looked at the barrel/tang fit...was perfect!!!!!!!!!
Boy did I get lucky!
I found a TC lock for about $65...it's on it's way. All I need now is the wedge pin!!!

I'm thinking now about sending in both of my Seneca barrels and the Hawken to TC to have them reblued. (unless you guys know of someone that can do as good or better job for a better price)

 

[BADUNAME30]

Great news Hawk !!!!
It may be cheaper to find a local gunsmith for the bluing.