Stocked in walnut, this classic percussion halfstock Hawken rifle is trimmed with traditional Hawken iron furniture. The 36" barrel and iron trim are finished to a dark brown. A classic Hawken hooked breech and two wedge keys retain the straight octagon barrel. allowing instant take-down, for easy cleaning. This rifle was assembled by contemporary builder George Nelson, and is signed on the top flat of the barrel. Trigger reach is 13-3/4", to fit todays average shooter. This rifle weighs 9.4 pounds.
The .58 caliber Moody Metalworks straight barrel is cut rifled with eight narrow lands and wide grooves with a 1 in 72" twist for a tightly patched round ball. The bore is bright in as-new condition. The barrel is finished to a smooth dark brown. Located 8" forward of the breech a Mariano Modena style semi-buckhorn rear sight is dovetailed into the barrel. It is matched at the muzzle by a silver blade front sight set in a copper base behind the muzzle. The top flat of the barrel is engraved G. B. Nelson.
The walnut stock displays a small amount of figure and has a warm brown tone finished to a satin sheen. The stock is trimmed in iron furniture with a classic Hawken crescent buttplate that securely engages your shoulder. The forend is fitted with a poured pewter muzzle cap. All the furniture is very neatly fitted and finished with the screws indexed. This percussion rifle is made to accept a sturdy 7/16" tapered ramrod, ideal for a large bore rifle. The ramrod is fitted with a brass tip threaded 8-32 for loading and cleaning accessories, and in Hawken style a short band at the front to protect the end grain of the ramrod. The top view shows the long tang hooked breech. Both tang screws engage the long steel trigger plate, forming a strong steel sandwich that reinforces the wrist from above and below. This was one of Jacob and Sam Hawken's secrets. If a rifle becomes broken, it will most likely be broken at the wrist, the thinnest section of the rifle stock. The triggerplate and tang reinforce the wrist, strengthening this critical area, making the Hawken rifle reliable, durable, and famous. The beaver tail toeplate protects the pointed toe while loading. The polished and fire blued wedge keys extend just past the opposite oval escutcheons. The keys are snugly fitted and captured to the stock to prevent loss, use a hardwood or brass drift to gently tap them loose. To dismount the barrel, place the lock at half cock, remove the ramrod, drift the keys clear of the underlugs, and lift the barrel from the muzzle end to unhook the hook on the breech from the tang. When cleaning place the breech end of the barrel in a bucket of soapy water. Run a wet patch down and up the bore, the pumping action will flush all the fouling from the barrel. Once the bore is clean, run a dry patch down the bore to pick up any moisture followed by a oily patch. Dry and oil the exterior then reassemble the rifle. Notice the typical beaver tail cheek rest, double set triggers, and single lock bolt fitted to a recessed steel escutcheon, all classic features of an 1840 era Hawken rifle. It balances nicely in your hands, for offhand shooting.
The percussion lock was made for Sharon Rifle Barrel Company. The lock is a Siler Mountain lock assembled by L&R Lock Company with a unique Sharon hammer to fit a Hawken hooked breech. This mid-19th century styled lock is marked L&R on the inside and uses standard large Siler internals. The front upper edge of the lock plate has been neatly shaped to blend into lock panels. The Sharon hooked breech is fitted with a 1/4-28 threaded hardened steel nipple. The L&R double lever double set triggers are tuned to fire the lock set, or unset. The lock and triggers may be cocked or set in any sequence.
New in unfired condition, this Hawken rifle is well fitted, and is ready for use in the field. It will serve you well. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.
