S. Hawken..inspiration and tribute

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Yes, I was really surprised to see it up front again, and it brought back lots of good memories, and some sour ones involving Photobucket.

[Daryl]

Taylor, thanks for doing that!  I bet you never thought you'd be maintaining a 11 year-old post.

It's been THAT long - WOW!

[SteveK]

Taylor, I am gathering parts for a full stock Hawken rifle and was looking through some pictures of one of your builds. I’m having trouble finding an appropriate nose cap. Do you have any recommendations that you could share?

[Daryl]

This is the one Taylor made for this full stock Hawken build.

[SteveK]

Thank you Daryl, that one seems to be round where the commercial ones I’ve seen are more oval shaped. I like the round better. Thanks

[HighUintas]

Thank you Daryl, that one seems to be round where the commercial ones I’ve seen are more oval shaped. I like the round better. Thanks

There are some rounded ones available through suppliers, I just can't remember where I saw them. It may have been muzzleloader builder supply, or muzzleloading emporium.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I made mine using examples of originals from Jim Gordon's fine book, and from one Don Stith posted here several years ago.  It is one piece steel.

[troutbum]

Thanks to all for the photos provided in this thread, especially those close-ups of the snail and tang provided by Taylor. 

Am working on a kit, and somehow knew mine wasn't looking right.  Your photos show the details I need to make this a better build (at least until my reference books arrive; Gordon's 3-book series and Wilson's The Peacemakers are en route!).

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

A great observation about the snail area of Hawken breeches as received!  One of the issues is that the nipple sometimes doesn't seat well into its hole in the snail, and there isn't enough room around it to get a wrench.  And if you look at pictures of originals, almost all of them have decorative filing that amplifies the grace of the snail.  These improvements are easy to do, but the builder must be aware of the need and what was done in the past.  Thanks for mentioning it, Troutbum.

[flatsguide]

Taylor, what a beautiful rifle you built. The lines and craftsmanship are just first class.
Cheers Richard

[Jeff Murray]

Beautiful work.  The detailed explanations were very interesting.  We don't see them that often.