This percussion Rocky Mountain Hawken half-stock rifle was manufactured by Davide Pedersoli & Co. The rifle is stocked in curly maple, trimmed in traditional iron furniture with color case hardened finish. This rifle is used and the stock has developed a drying check at the corner of the buttplate comb where the wood has pulled against the buttplate. Weighing in at 10.2 pounds the rifle has a trigger reach of 13-3/4" making it well suited for today's average size shooter.

The barrel measures 34" in length and has a deep plum brown finish. The barrel is rifled with seven lands and grooves in 1 in 65" twist for a patched round ball. A Rocky Mountain step adjustable rear sight, which sits 4" ahead of the breech, serves as the rear sight. The front sight is a nickel silver blade with an iron base. The rifle has all the required Italian markings on the off flat near the breech, including serial number, caliber and proofs. We recommend using a .530" swaged round ball, #Ball-530, combined with a .015" lubricated patch, #OX-15-50-W. This combination should result in good accurate shooting.

Stained a golden brown, the curly maple stock has attractive figure through the buttstock into the forearm. The buttplate is fitted with a modestly curved buttplate to engage the shooter's shoulder. The stock has a 1-1/4" check at the front of the corner comb that has developed as the rilfe has aged. The check is visible on both sides of the comb. All of the furniture is color case hardened in traditional fashion. Ahead of the comb, the wrist is reinforced by the long tang of the hooked breech system. The tang is just slightly proud of the wood. To dismount the barrel remove the two wedge keys, along with the ramrod, and the barrel can be easily lifted from the stock for easy cleaning. Two bolts engage the tang and pass through the stock to connect with the long triggerplate below.

From below the classic iron toeplate that protects the toe, ending in a beaver-tail finial, can be seen. This toeplate is a popular theme found on the Hawken rifle. The long trigger bar, anchored to the long tang with two tang bolts, supports and reinforces the wrist. A desirable feature for a mountain man in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, many days by horseback and keel-boat from Sam Hawken's gun shop in Saint Louis. Strength made the Hawken rifle famous! The forend is fitted with the color case hardened steel forend cap, and an iron ramrod entry pipe. The sturdy 3/8" brown ramrod with brass tip is threaded to accept 10-32 worms and accessories. The single lock bolt, and iron tear drop escutcheon, fitted flush with the side panel, are classic features of a half-stock Hawken plains rifle, from the 1835 - 1845 era. A beaver-tail shaped cheek piece adds comfort for a right hand shooter, the cheek is angled to the rear, to recoil away from your face, an ingenious feature found on better rifles. The balance point is just under the forward wedge key, for steady aiming.

This is a correctly made Hawken lock for this fur trade era percussion rifle, with a strong mainspring, stirrup link, and a fly detent to allow set triggers. The lock plate and hammer are color case hardened, in a rainbow of mottled colors. Double lever double set triggers may be set, or the lock cocked, in any sequence. Triggers fire set or unset, for target match shooting, or cold weather hunting with gloved fingers. Adjust the screw between the two triggers, inboard to reduce set trigger release pressure, our outboard to require a stronger pressure. The set trigger can provide very light release, for accurate aimed shooting during pleasant weather.

If you are looking for a good half stock Plains rifle, consider this one. This Hawken rifle has been nicely produced. Stocked in figured curly maple. 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.