Percussion Hawken

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

This rifle is the subject of much of what I posted in "Hawken Stuff".  There are several things I like about this rifle - even more than my own.  One is the length of the barrel.  This is a Rice .62 cal tapered from 1 1/8" to 1" at the muzzle, over a length of 36".  right off the bat, because my own rifle is so heavy at full length, I bobbed this one at 33".  where my rifle is nearly 12 pounds, this one is an even 9 pounds, and it was all off the muzzle.
Also, I gave this rifle a much nicer wrist area, making it a lot 'finer' and better feeling in the hand.  I put sling swivels and a strong leather sling on my personal Hawken, but I think this one doesn't need it.  I'm looking forward to shooting this rifle...perhaps Monday this week.
















Notice in the above image that the lock sits at a definite incline.  this is not an accident...many original rifles bear this feature.  It has to do with getting the rear end of the lock in the middle of the wrist, and greatly affects the relationship of the hammer to the nipple.




















Many of these images appear to be quite dark.  It's the rifle.  This one came out very dark, yet the curl is prominent, especially outside in the sunshine.

[sqrldog]

Taylor that is a really nice Hawken rifle. Sam and Jake would be proud of you. Tim

[Joe S.]

Again very nicely done,at nine pounds it will make a fine hunter.After seeing it side by side with your other it should be a quick handlerer as well after slimming it down like the flintlock version.

[Tim Crosby]

 Wonderful rifle, very clean lines and the metal finish looks perfect. One question;  What is the cap made of, almost looks like horn?

  Thanks, Tim C.

[Mike Brooks]

Well done. I actually like these guns when they are done as well as you do them. I actually built one or two myself back in the day.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Thanks guys.  Tim:  the nose cap is a steel casting from MBS. 

[Hemo]

Beautiful, clean job! I have a couple of questions though--maybe you addressed these already in your earlier thread.
Is the silver material filling the rib at the muzzle solder? If so, is the entire rib filled with solder?
Also, I like the matte brown on the metal parts, especially nice on a hunting rifle, but were the originals finished with a matte brown?

Gregg

[Boompa]

 Really like the clean look of your inlayed plates for the barrel keys. The way the screws are filed flush w/ the surface, very nice!

[PPatch]

Nice! Really NICE!

dave

[FDR]

Bridger would have loved that one!  Beautiful clean Hawken.

[Curtis]

Impeccable workmanship Taylor!  Your skill and experience really shine on this one.  It's a beauty!

Curtis

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Hemo:  no, this finish is strictly contemporary.  Original rifles have rust blued barrels, and all of the furniture is pack hardened, sometimes in colours but subtle, and sometimes just grey.  But I still really like the matte brown, especially on a hunting rifle.  It is impervious to rust and is tough.

The hollow rib has a plug of steel wool about 1/4" in from the front end, and then filled with silver bearing solder.  The back end is open to allow air to circulate and keep from rusting.  I appreciate the comments and questions.

[Bill Ladd]

That's a mighty fine-looking rifle.

[oldtravler61]

Taylor I can look at your craftsmanship all day long. Gives me inspiration. Cause when I look at my guns I think hmmmm another steel reinforced canoe paddle.

[David Rase]

Taylor,
That is a beautiful gun.  The craftsmanship and attention to detail you displayed on this rifle can only help to grow and maybe revive the numbers of people who love and appreciate Hawken rifles.  Well done!
David