Since you asked, my first observation is to say the following: in one of your first videos, make sure you explain that what you are building is no more a Hawken than a Lada is a Lincoln. It is at best, a generic half stocked percussion muzzle loading rifle. I wish you luck on this "build".
I wasn't going to get into this thread, but after seeing Taylor's comment I decided to add a comment of my own.
First, I heartily agree with all Taylor said. In addition to what he said,
my personal feeling is the names Hawken, Kentucky rifle, Pennsylvania rifle, etc. have been incredibly prostituted for decades by CVA, Traditions, TC, Pedersoli, and several others (many of whom have gone out of business). Many people just starting out in muzzleloading that bought one of these kits, or finished guns, were duped by the manufacturer's hype into thinking that what they bought is an authentic representation of what the name implies. Not to say that these guns aren't any good, that is not my intention. They are for the most part fully functional guns. It just rubs my fur the wrong way to see the manufacturers blowing smoke to folks that don't know the difference.
I think this series of videos is good in getting people started out in muzzleloading with an inexpensive kit that is easy to build and teaches them some basic gun making techniques. If built correctly and with care taken in the process, a functional, perfectly shootable, entry level gun can be obtained. Let's be honest, most of us started out with one of these entry level guns, as I did well over 40 years ago. Just my tuppence worth.
Don Richards
