This percussion Missouri River Hawken half-stock rifle was manufactured by Davide Pedersoli & Co. The rifle is stocked in walnut, trimmed in traditional iron furniture with color case hardened finish. This rifle is in excellent condition with a bright clean bore that is ready to shoot. Weighing in at 9.5 pounds the rifle has a trigger reach of 13-3/4" making it well suited for today's average size shooter.

The barrel measures 29-1/4" in length from the muzzle to the front of the breech plug and has a deep plum brown finish. The barrel is rifled with six lands and grooves with a 1 in 24" fast twist for a conical. 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. The bore is bright and has been well maintained with crisp rifling grooves.

Stained a medium brown, the walnut stock is in excellent condition with only a few minor handling marks. The buttplate is fitted with a modestly curved buttplate to engage the shooter's shoulder. 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 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 behind 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. The breech is fitted with a 1/4-28 Ampco bronze nipple for musket caps.

If you are looking for a good half stock Plains rifle, consider this one. This Hawken rifle has been nicely produced and is ready to shoot. It will be perfect for your next big game hunt! 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.