Author Topic: Just finished 54 Hawken  (Read 3230 times)

Offline mountainman70

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Just finished 54 Hawken
« on: August 22, 2018, 04:18:13 AM »
Hello all,here are pics of my recent build, a 54 cal Hawken assembled from a collection of parts from Pecatonica. Precarve /inlet stock was purposely picked to save my tired ol hands as much hand work as possible, and this is the one I kept time on for reference. It took me 78 hours to go from parts to what you see here. Lots of work,and I was happy with Pecatonica's work. They inlet the buttplate so well it only took 1 hour to get fit and screwed in place. Many thanks to Kingsbury for polishing the trig guard.

Finish is lmf nut brown with ebony toner, sealed with  spar varnish/turpentine/japan drier, with Trueoil applied many times.
Metal was cold rust blued built up and carded back lightly,then sealed with tranny fluid
Specs are " weight 9lbs
                LOP 13 1/2
                 OAL 48 1/2
               Drop 3 1/2
   Barrel .54 x 32 x 1"


















« Last Edit: August 22, 2018, 04:21:23 AM by mountainman70 »

Offline rich pierce

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #1 on: August 22, 2018, 05:39:58 AM »
I’m not a Hawken expert but that’s a very pleasing build right there.
Andover, Vermont

Offline smallpatch

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #2 on: August 22, 2018, 06:19:48 AM »
I'm not even a Hawken fan, but that's darn pretty.
In His grip,

Dane

Offline Cades Cove Fiddler

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #3 on: August 22, 2018, 06:21:23 AM »
 :o :o... nice job,... !!!.... sometimes I get to thinking I would like a Hawken again,..... missed seeing you at CLA show this year,... !!!

Offline Rwnblack

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #4 on: August 22, 2018, 06:25:55 AM »
Nicely done,  gives me some ideas.  I just purchased a set of parts and stock to build a 34" - 50 cal half stock Hawken that originally came from Pecatonica.  The fellow I purchased it from bought the parts about 5 years ago and decided he wouldn't get around to building it.  I am now the beneficiary of that decision. I should receive it on Monday so I am looking forward to working on that project this winter. I wish I could finish a project in 78 hours.  I am very slow so who knows when I will finish my rifle.   

Offline mountainman70

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #5 on: August 22, 2018, 03:13:48 PM »
Thanks guys.
Fidler---my weekend was very busy with out of town family. My mentor,Bob W had just had eye surgery and couldnt travel,so we see y'all next year  ,it would have been good to see ya.

This is probably my 8-9th halfstock and 5-6 th Hawken style since 2010. I have 1 more just needing finioshed,and 2 more in planning using blanks.
The secret is just take your time,use this forum HEAVILY and walk away when frustrated.
Welcome aboard rwnblack.
Time to go tune up Bobs 30 Chev, and get some stock wood.Have a goodn y'all. Dave F 8) 8)


Offline D. Taylor Sapergia

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2018, 04:56:29 AM »
Dave, it's great to see a Hawken rifle build.  Your rifle appears to be a success.  The fit, finish and colour look good.

In the lock panel forward of the snail, try to get an evenly smooth curve around the nose of the panel.  Your's has an abrupt corner that takes away from the flow of line.
I like a butt plate for a Hawken that has more heel, but I know these parts are not easy to find...Don Stith has quality parts, for those inclined to authenticity.

But you have a credible rifle, and it'll be fun shooting her.
D. Taylor Sapergia
www.sapergia.blogspot.com

Art is not an object.  It is the excitement inspired by the object.

Offline alacran

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #7 on: August 23, 2018, 03:10:51 PM »
I agree with Taylor on the lock panels. The forward end is kind of kinky and led me to zoom the pictures to see them better.
First let me say your inletting looks very good, specially on the lock. The tang looks very good also. Both those areas are commonly botched. The only other critique I have, is the trigger guard fit to the trigger. There seems to be quite a gap between the TG and trigger plate. They should be snug.
Overall looks better than most.
A man's rights rest in three boxes: the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box.  Frederick Douglass

Offline mountainman70

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #8 on: August 23, 2018, 04:36:35 PM »
Thanks guys. The trigger guard needs heated and bent to relieve the tension. If I screw it all the way, it messes up the trigger alignment.
I will most likely amend the lock panel.Isnt difficult to touch up the finish.
I have considered selling it,just haven't decided. Got to make the correction. Havent even fired it yet,may not.Have a goodun.Thanks again,Dave 8) 8)

Offline mark brier

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #9 on: August 23, 2018, 07:23:46 PM »
I can't see clearly enough in your picture but I will also add that the lock plate needs filed also to continue the line of the lock panel on through. Here is my example.
Mark Brier


Offline D. Taylor Sapergia

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #10 on: August 23, 2018, 08:04:52 PM »
Mark is correct, as he describes the Sam Hawken treatment of his very late rifles.  However, there are several different treatments of the moulding/panels, as evidenced in Jim Gordon's Book III, and his wonderful collection of Hawken rifles.  We could nit pick your rifle to death, and it would be a good thing for those wishing to do the very best reproduction they can.  Your rifle carries enough of the flavour to be a credible contemporary build, and you should be commended for that.  I cannot remember in your first post if you were seeking critique, or not.
As far as building a rifle that emulates the many details that set these rifles on a lofty pedistle, far away from mediocrity, today's builder is still faced with and somewhat limited to parts that are not always right.  The buttplate is an example.  Many of us, Mark included, is ambitious enough to alter commercial parts to make them more appropriate.  The hammer in your rifle is an example of that.  The lock that Track sells has a very English styled hammer that does not climb over the fence of the standing breech as closely as it should.  Some of the breech plugs available have the nipple seat too high which compounds that problem.  The hammer should closely approach the fence, clear it, yet strike the nipple well down toward the centre of the bore so that the shooter is protected from powder gases and cap fragments.  This is where ALL modern "Hawken" rifles, ie:  T/C, Investarms, Euroarms, Navy Arms, etc, fall into the toilet.  I'm getting carried away and shuffling too closely to edge of my soap box.
Here's a couple of examples of my rifles that hopefully demonstrate what I am talking about.


Enjoy your rifle Dave, and take pride in it.  You've done well.



D. Taylor Sapergia
www.sapergia.blogspot.com

Art is not an object.  It is the excitement inspired by the object.

Offline Herb

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #11 on: August 23, 2018, 08:30:45 PM »
You can bend the back of the trigger guard down cold to make it fit correctly.  But this one doesn't fit without  the loop being bent more open.  All the triggers, trigger guards. locks,  tangs, entry pipes and butt plates of the Hawken copies I build have to have these parts modified.  I also make my own rod pipes.  There are a lot of ill-designed Hawken parts out there, including the stocks.
Herb

Offline mountainman70

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #12 on: August 23, 2018, 08:50:27 PM »
Howdie, I took a look at the cock to fence ,and noticed I didn't take the piece of neoprene protector off before I took the pics. With it off, the cock comes down over the fence as it should. My Bad.
I agree with Herb that most of this stuff we get has to have some additional 'smithin to get it right.
The buttplate is the one Pecatonica sells for their Hawkens, and is the one they fit the precarve for. I have used a better plate on several cut it and fit it yo self rifles ,but this is what we got.On my future Hawken builds, I am gonna stick with better designed stuff.
I appreciate all of your input. By and large I am satisfied with the finished product,I am not trying to compete with those who have many years of these builds,just trying to get good as I can,and still enjoy the hobby,which I do immensely,'specially you palookas! Have a great day, Dave F 8) 8)

Offline mountainman70

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #13 on: August 23, 2018, 10:00:18 PM »
Here's a picture of revision made. I heated up the guard in a couple places and it works better,looks better to my old eyes.
Took just a smidge off the front lock panel,and remover the nipples "protection". I am dying to call it something else. As to the lock plate, I am afraid to try to improve it ,I would probably end up too much, so heres where it is. Thanks for the suggestions bros. Dave F 8) 8)



« Last Edit: August 23, 2018, 10:07:31 PM by mountainman70 »

Offline mountainman70

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #14 on: August 24, 2018, 04:02:43 AM »
Hey Taylor, do you like this Hawken buttplate better ? I do .have a goodun,Dave 8) 8)


Offline D. Taylor Sapergia

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #15 on: August 24, 2018, 06:05:41 AM »
Yes, I do, and I've built a lot of rifles using a similar plate.

A fine point of design, if you're interested.  When carving the lock panels on these late Sam Hawken rifles, follow the top line of the side flat of the barrel back through the lock and past the hammer.  this line will become the top line of your lock panel behind the breech snail.  Now drop your eye down onto the top edge of the lock plate itself, and follow it forward right through the snail onto the lock panel forward of the plate.  It becomes the top line of the lock panel there, and filing a little slope on the corner of the plate in front of the snail greatly assists in creating the flowing line that seems to never end.  As with the longrifle, the wood along the lower panel narrows considerably until you reach the back end of the plate.  The wood along the top of the panel and along the bottom are approximately the same width, and that is quite slender.

This flow of line in part is what gives the Hawken rifle the grace that is difficult to put into words, and which requires careful attention.
D. Taylor Sapergia
www.sapergia.blogspot.com

Art is not an object.  It is the excitement inspired by the object.

Offline Craig Wilcox

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #16 on: August 24, 2018, 03:50:14 PM »
I am with a few others, as Hawken's are not my cup of tea.  Yet, I can see the great workmanship that you have put into this example.  Really, really nice work!
Craig Wilcox
We are all elated when Dame Fortune smiles at us, but remember that she is always closely followed by her daughter, Miss Fortune.

Offline mountainman70

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #17 on: August 24, 2018, 04:27:34 PM »
There is actually a very small taper in front of the snail,the pics don't show it well,only knowing it is there I can see it.
I didn't want to take much off.I should have watched the lock panel line a little closer up top.Not gonna change that on this one.
 Thanks for all the help. Maybe next one will be better. I have a similar build in 50 cal 15/16, spur guard,Ed Rayle barrel,and a Golcher  lock. A bit smaller scale, but still a Mtn rifle. Balances well and fast.
Have a great weekend y'all !! Dave F 8) 8)

Offline mountainman70

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #18 on: August 24, 2018, 05:32:01 PM »
Well-I couldn't stand  it !!! I went and fixed the molding booboo. Looks way better,and I am going to get some better pics of the lock area shortly. I appreciate you guys more than you know. Thanks, Dave F 8) 8)

Offline mountainman70

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Re: Just finished 54 Hawken
« Reply #19 on: August 25, 2018, 02:05:51 AM »
Here's pictures of the lock area as it now appears.

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