SP...the architecture of a fullstocked Hawken rifle is more like the longrifles you may be used to than the half-stocked version. For one thing, you probably won't be going with a 1 1/8" barrel - likely 1". Most folks these days cannot handle the mass of a traditional Hawken. Even so, the forearm comes to almost a knife edge along the barrel channel, and is ovoid in section from the lock to the entry pipe. It does not have flat sides on it, so watch out for that - a common mistake with some builders. You may have up to a 1/4" web between the barrel and the rod hole, and that coupled with a minimum 3/8" rod hole, plus the necessary wood beneath the hole, gives quite a robust forearm. , More so in the half stocked version. You are right...far as I know, the forearm on the fullstocked rifle does not have a belly. It is not concave either. Better to have it a little plump than the converse. Don Stith (valued contributor here) has a web site featuring many styles of Hawken rifle and it would be good for you to peruse them. I cannot speak to the authenticity of the TOW plans, never having seen them. But I've studied every piece of information that is public, and hope I have somewhat of a grasp of what makes the rifle, and what does not. You should do the same. It's a great journey.
