This replica of a Hawken rifle was manufactured by B. Coffin, and is offered in used condition with a well maintained bore. The curly maple stock is trimmed iron furniture finished to a smooth chocolate brown. The 1-1/8" straight octagon .54 caliber barrel will be your favorite for the 100 and 200 yard sitting position Buffalo Target matches shooting from cross sticks. This Hawken rifle has a trigger reach of 13-3/4" to fit an average size shooter. This halfstock plains rifle weighs 11.9 pounds, and balances at the ramrod entry pipe.

The 1-1/8" octagon .54 caliber 34" barrel has a bright bore, clean, and has been well maintained. The .54 caliber bore is cut rifled with eight equal size lands and grooves with a slow twist for a tightly patched round ball. The rear sight is a classic Hawken buckhorn sight and is dovetailed 7-1/2" ahead of the breech. The front sight is a silver blade in a brass base. The barrel is stamped .54 on the top flat ahead of the rear sight. A large C stamped inside a coffin, the maker mark of B. Coffin, is stamped further up on the top barrel flat.

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. 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.

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 hardened 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. We note there is a plugged hole just below the pin that secures the ramrod entry pipe. The snugly fitted hickory ramrod is finished with a barber pole design, and has a brass tip threaded 8-32 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. The two screw slots are neatly aligned, and DDis stamped in the center of the plate. 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 the wood stands proud of the lock 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.

This is a heavy man-size rifle, 11.9 pounds, very typical of the weight of the original Hawken rifles from Saint Louis. Ideal for cross stick match shooting, or a horseback hunt. It will make a fine addition to your collection. 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.