The Hawken Shop kit

[bob woodfill]

I just finished the assembly only of THE HAWKEN SHOP kit of a classic Sam Hawken rifle.  The kit parts are of the highest grade and are provided in sealed plastic bags with associated screws/bolts. The 34" Rice barrel is tapered from 1 1/8" to 1" and has the traditional Hawken 1:48 twist.  The component parts are copies of original Gemmer shop molds that were acquired by Art Ressel in the 1970s. This is not a beginner's kit but rather an opportunity to make a traditional Hawken rifle of the 1850-70 period. THE HAWKEN SHOP has done a wonderful and historically faithful job offering this kit.  Bob Woodfill  P.S.  The two images posted are of the components of the kit assembled only and the rifle is not shaped or finished.

[flinchrocket]

Would you happen to have a link for there website?

[bob woodfill]

www.thehawkenshop.com

[Notchy Bob]

Looks good, Bob.  I hope you'll show it to us again when it's finished!  I've heard the Hawken Shop kits are among the best, with regard to authenticity.  They should be commended, especially, for the barrel... Seven grooves, 1:48" twist, and tapered octagon, as much like the originals as they could get.

I like your new book, by the way.  I ordered it as soon as I found out about it.  It is a nice reference.

Notchy Bob

[Yazel.xring]

Looks great Bob, though I suspect you could make any pile of parts look good.

This will definitely be in my list.

[flinchrocket]

Thank you Bob, looks really nice.

[Craig Wilcox]

Bob, first - welcome to the forum. 

Second, with the skills you have demonstrated on the Hawken, I predict you will go far as you wish on the building aspect.  It really looks great.

[borderdogs]

Welcome Bob,
I love Hawken rifles and yours is looking good.
Good luck,
Rob

[Bob Roller]

I have thought about reviving lock making for these rifles but then remembered how labor intensive they are and decided against the idea.I can furnish triggers if wanted but that will be all.
Bob Roller

[wapiti22]

I live about 60 miles from The Hawken shop and have visited several times. A really neat place to spend some time. They even have a shooting range out back if you are so inclined. They are on an island in the middle of Puget Sound so you need to take a ferry or drive to the other end and cross a very scenic bridge.  Well worth the visit.

[bob woodfill]

In reference to a question THE HAWKEN SHOP informs me that their patent breeches are cast with #8620 and X-rayed.  Their locks are near copies of the originals on the Gibbons lock plate.  Barrels are 1:48 and by RICE.  Their website is www.thehawkenshop.com.

[flinchrocket]

I need to just call them,I’m interested in a 58 cal. I don’t think that would be any  problem.

[Scota4570]

That looks good.

I built my first Hawken from a plank.  As far as I can tell it is pretty spot on.  It was an excruciating slow build. 

I am looking for a project.  I have been eyeballing the Hawken shop for several years.  I am between projects.  I may just have to order one.   

[Jim Kibler]

Hopefully, this won't stray too far off-topic.  I don't know much about Hawken rifles at all.  I've been considering developing a kit.  Recently I've handled a couple of originals and to be honest have been less than impressed.  The biggest turn-off is the disproportionate size of the buttstock relative to the forestock region.  Seems they are almost two different guns jammed together.  Maybe this isn't so with some of the Hawken rifles.  Can anyone expound on this?

Thanks,
Jim

[Ats5331]

Hopefully, this won't stray too far off-topic.  I don't know much about Hawken rifles at all.  I've been considering developing a kit.  Recently I've handled a couple of originals and to be honest have been less than impressed.  The biggest turn-off is the disproportionate size of the buttstock relative to the forestock region.  Seems they are almost two different guns jammed together.  Maybe this isn't so with some of the Hawken rifles.  Can anyone expound on this?

Thanks,
Jim

While you probably have much more knowledge in this area, Jim; I would think maybe it could have something to do with durability?

Will be interested to hear about more kit ideas!

[iloco]

Hopefully, this won't stray too far off-topic.  I don't know much about Hawken rifles at all.  I've been considering developing a kit.  Recently I've handled a couple of originals and to be honest have been less than impressed.  The biggest turn-off is the disproportionate size of the buttstock relative to the forestock region.  Seems they are almost two different guns jammed together.  Maybe this isn't so with some of the Hawken rifles.  Can anyone expound on this?

Thanks,
Jim

Jim you need to get with Herb about Hawken rifles.  I would like to see a nice Kit Carson Kit.
bob's Hawken from the Hawken Shop looks great.  Hope to see it when finished.

[ScottH]

Agreed, Herb and Don Stith would be a couple of guys to discuss the Hawken rifle attributes with....

[JPK]

The Carson and Bridger rifles have been done to varying degrees and are what they are. Is there much knowledge about the J Hawken or J&S Hawkens  to expand this subject? Perhaps these would be more interesting to Mr. Kibler, they would to me if he was to offer one.

[RAT]

The more-or-less standardized late period Hawken is the way to go. Since there are a lot of them to copy, it can be done correctly. In my quest over the last several years I haven't found a single casting that has the breech plug bolster right.

It also makes a great hunting rifle for the modern market.

With no surviving examples to copy, I wouldn't want to see a conjectural early rifle. While it may appeal to some reenactors, it just adds more confusion. There's already too much misunderstanding out there. Like putting a flit lock on an 1860's gun and calling it an 1820's gun.

This is something to consider. There are people who shoot muzzleloaders, and people who hunt, that never will be reenactors. I remember a phone conversation with a lady at a certain muzzleloading business that spoke about all the new people buying their product because they discovered it on YouTube and Facebook. These folks weren't reenactors, and most never fired a muzzleloader before. If this hobby/industry is going to survive it needs to bring in these younger folks.

[hermdog]

I agree with RAT. We need a good percussion half stock plains style rifle. Something of quality with a reasonable price point. I think a Kibler kit would be just the ticket. I would also like to see a half stock "squirrel rifle" too. Something with a small caliber, 32 - 40 caliber, 13/16 or tapered barrel and a scaled down plains style stock. I think a Kibler kit would be ideal for both of these rifles. Something with good quality parts that would make a nice serviceable rifle. We need something to fill the gap between the low end factory kits and the full custom stuff. Not everyone is capable of or wants to build from scratch and many of the parts sets are not any easier to build. I love to shoot muzzleloaders but I prefer percussion to flintlock otherwise I would build a Kibler kit.

[smylee grouch]

Gosh, there is already a quality Hawken kit on the market with the offering from The Hawken Shop. I would love to see a quality half stock big bore Manton flinter. Better balance and more comfortable to shoot .

[R.J.Bruce]

I second that motion for a Kibler kit leaning towards an English Sporting Rifle style stock, as opposed to a Hawken stock. The vast majority of shooters that are already invested in muzzleloading are shooting inlines with stocks that have their genesis in the English Sporting Rifle. The Hawken has a romantic history that has been blown completely out of proportion compared to the actual total number of rifles produced. I was one of those that lusted for a Hawken as a teenager, up until I actually got the opportunity to handle an original. Then I realized I didn't want to lug a 12 pound, .52 caliber rifle around the eastern forests hunting.

[alacran]

Hopefully, this won't stray too far off-topic.  I don't know much about Hawken rifles at all.  I've been considering developing a kit.  Recently I've handled a couple of originals and to be honest have been less than impressed.  The biggest turn-off is the disproportionate size of the buttstock relative to the forestock region.  Seems they are almost two different guns jammed together.  Maybe this isn't so with some of the Hawken rifles.  Can anyone expound on this?

Thanks,
Jim

When it comes to Hawkens, people either love them or hate them. Aesthetically they are not much to look at, like most pre American Civil War half stocks. However they are a practical and robust rifle.
 With your background and the types of guns you are interested in, I am not surprised that you are less than impressed with them.

[Bob Roller]

Hopefully, this won't stray too far off-topic.  I don't know much about Hawken rifles at all.  I've been considering developing a kit.  Recently I've handled a couple of originals and to be honest have been less than impressed.  The biggest turn-off is the disproportionate size of the buttstock relative to the forestock region.  Seems they are almost two different guns jammed together.  Maybe this isn't so with some of the Hawken rifles.  Can anyone expound on this?

Thanks,
Jim

When it comes to Hawkens, people either love them or hate them. Aesthetically they are not much to look at, like most pre American Civil War half stocks. However they are a practical and robust rifle.
 With your background and the types of guns you are interested in, I am not surprised that you are less than impressed with them.

I like them and only God knows how many locks and triggers I have made for this type of rifle but must admit my preference IS for the British sporting/target rifle.
Bob Roller

[snapper]

The pros and cons of a hawken, or who should be building a kit or what kit discussion should be done on a different thread.

Bob:   Looking forward to seeing the completed rifle.   Are you going to have it completed and at Friendship in a few weeks?

Fleener