Hawken kit update

[Enfield]

I have never seen an engraved Hawken???

[Jim Kibler]

Look at any of the reference material on original Hawkens.  Quite a number are engrave to some degree.  This is very common.  I would suggest people forget about what they have learned from modern recreations.

If they have a cheek inlay there is engraving.  Locks commonly have engraving.  Sometimes standing breaches have engraving.  Oftentimes patchboxes are engraved as well.

[Ben I. Voss]

I like Hawkens. I’ve been lucky enough to have handled a few originals and see a bunch more that I couldn’t touch. I have most of the books on them. In the winter of 1979 - ‘80 I put together a Green River Rifle Works Hawken “kit”. 34 inch 54 caliber barrel and a weight of 11 1/4 pounds. I’ve dragged that thing through the woods for years chasing whitetails and I, for one, really like your idea of what a Hawken can be! What I’m trying to say is that while I know what a Hawken rifle looks and feels like, as has been said there is a wide variance in the details between them. The shorter, lighter barrel, the slightly thicker butt etc. will stand out to some of us aficionados, but as a very useful hunting rifle this will be superb. It will be designed and assembled with precision out of the best materials, but still true to original construction. My prediction is this rifle will make people who have never heard of a Hawken rifle enthusiastic about them. Keep up the good work, Jim!

[J.M.Browning]

I really like what I see Jim The lines of your stock are very appealing to me as a Kibler one time pleased customer- this rifle will be a must have !

[AZshot]

I like the concept for the new Hawken.  I had a standard TC in .50 back when I was a young teen.  Didn't notice the weight back then, they were not 11 lbs though.  But bear in mind most mountain men rode horses and mules.  They didn't carry their 11-15 lb rifle, they let the saddle and horse carry it.  If I was trapsing through the woods like I did when I was younger, I'd want an Applachian rifle, like Jim's SMR.  7 lbs, it's like a feather. 

[ColonialRifleSmith]

No offense taken.  I don’t think it is at all cookie cutter, though.  I think the lines and shaping are pretty good, especially when compared to the vast majority of Hawkens, old or new.  I’ll probably add an optional oval cheek inlay as well, perhaps with optional engraving.  Funny thing is that you can’t please everyone.  Some would like it to have more of my style, while others can’t stand anything that deviates from original designs in the slightest.  In the end people are going to get what I like and am happy to produce.  I’ve worked hard at this stuff for decades, gained a decent reputation think I’m qualified to design more than most.

Sorry for the rant.  Again please know I didn’t take any offense, but just decided to get on a soapbox.

Jim

Hi Jim,
I think you're exactly correct. Plain is the way to go with options. As you stated, "You can't please everyone". Do what you do best and run with it. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished gun.
Rick

[Enfield]

At the Computer generated Pictures it looks like the fore hand stock is very slim... Like a triangel, tip down .. and the Buttstock relative strong. Could you may be show a Picture from the down site, maybe standing... I just like to get an Impression how it will feel

[Jim Kibler]

It’s all well shaped and nicely proportioned. 

[Bob Roller]

Does the lock in the new ones have a 2 position tumbler with "fly" or the old fully cocked to fire? The quality of the lock and trigger will be top of the line so no worries there.
Bob Roller

[Jim Kibler]

Yep, it has a half and full cock.  I will be using most of the internal parts from our late Ketland lock.