This correct replica of a Hawken rifle was manufactured by Carl Walker, formerly of Green River Rifle Works, Roosevelt, Utah. This rifle is offered in used condition with a bright well maintained bore. The maple stock is trimmed in well fitted iron furniture. The 1-1/8" straight octagon barrel and iron trim are neatly finished to a dark even brown. This Hawken rifle has a trigger reach of 13-1/8" to fit an average size shooter. This halfstock plains rifle weighs 11.4 pounds, and balances at the ramrod entry pipe.

The 1-1/8" octagon .54 caliber 33" barrel has a mirror bright well maintained bore. The .54 caliber bore is cut rifled with seven lands and grooves with a slow twist for a tightly patched round ball. Green River Rifle Works (GRRW) barrels were famous for accuracy, during the 1970 era of their production. Seven deep equal lands and grooves, and a nice interior bore finish, make Green River Rifle Works barrels very desirable to shooters. The rear sight is a classic Hawken buckhorn sight and is dovetailed 7-1/4" ahead of the breech. Drift it right or left in its dovetail, to correct windage. The front sight is a silver blade in an iron base. Shorten the silver blade, to raise bullet impact to point of aim. The barrel is stamped S. HAWKEN ST. LOUIS on the top flat ahead of the breech. The bottom off flat is stamped ROOSEVELT, UTAH along with the maker mark of Carl Walker.

The chocolate brown finish of the octagon barrel, lock, and iron furniture is in excellent condition with only slight wear on the heel, which is common from loading when the rifle is in contact with the ground. Note the squared-off corner of the buttplate comb at the heel, a correct detail of late S. Hawken rifles. The maple stock appears to be a very dense piece of maple and has weathered the test of time without any chips, cracks, or repairs. The stock does have random handling marks from normal use. The maple stock was finished with chromium trioxide, a popular stain during the 1970's. Over time the stain ages to a greenish tint. This rifle does have a slight greenish tint when viewed under florescent lights. The long iron tang of the hooked breech strengthens the wrist. The tang bolts are fitted with the slots aligned with the barrel, a nice touch of craftsmanship. Sleek and slender, the curly maple stock has random stripes of figure. In late percussion fashion the lock panels taper widest at front. Tipping the lock tail inboard helps to create a slender wrist on this 1-1/8" octagon barreled rifle.

Two keys retain the barrel, surrounded by browned iron oval inlays, correctly retained by steel screws. Screw slots are aligned with the barrel. Remove the keys, and withdraw the ramrod, before lifting the barrel from its mortise. A hooked breech allows easy cleaning, without wetting the stock. A stainless steel 1/4-28 nipple, for No. 11 percussion cap, is fitted to the hooked snail breech. The forend is fitted with an iron nose cap and ramrod entry pipe. The snugly fitted tapered hickory ramrod is well finished, with a 8-32 threaded iron tip at the front to accept cleaning and loading accessories.

The traditional iron toeplate protects the toe, ending in a beaver tail finial, a popular theme on the Hawken rifle. We note the slots on the two screws that mount the toeplate are misaligned and show wear. The long trigger bar, anchored to the long tang with two tang bolts, supports and reinforces the wrist. This was a desirable feature for rifles that were used for survival in the Rocky Mountains, many long days by horseback and keel-boat from Sam Hawken's gun shop in Saint Louis. The single lock bolt, and tear drop escutcheon around it, are classic features of a halfstock Hawken plains rifle. The beaver tail shaped cheek piece adds comfort for a right hand shooter, while aiming this rifle.

Notice the late percussion lock by R.E. Davis, later S. Hawken percussion rifles were made with a square inside corner at front. The well tempered internal parts include a strong mainspring, stirrup link, and a fly detent to allow set triggers. We note small cosmetic casting pits are visible in the center of the lock plate. Small cosmetic pits can also be seen along the bottom of the plate. Ron Long designed 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.

If you seek a well made example of a Hawken rifle, made exclusively from best American parts, by well known gun builder Carl Walker, this is an excellent example. If your budget allows you to consider adding this fine rifle to your collection, be quick. 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.