Converting T/C from cap to flint?

[erbeckerdite]

Is converting a T/C Hawken from cap to flint as easy as switching locks and barrels? In other words, are the stocks inlet the same for both types?

 

[jtmattison]

I don't think they are but it's probably not impossible with some moderate reshaping of the lock mortise.

HD

 

[jercon]

They are the same ,but getting the breach plug is the hard part for TC.Ihad to make the plug for mine I had a .45 and want a .54 for it too but .54 drop in came only in cap so i got a lock and have a full converson .45 to .54 to cap or flint now.

 

[Jim/OH]

The locks are not quite the same. I have converted mine, and now have barrels in perc. for the original .50, a .45 I have peep sights on, a drop in GM .32, and the .50 cal. flint barrel. The flint lock needs a bit of wood taken out of the stock, just behind the cock as I remember. Not much, just try and fit till you get it. Once done you can change back and forth in about 2 minutes. Works great, and makes a versital gun. Hope this helps, Jim.

 

[jercon]

My rifle is a 1977 and at that time the locks were the same but they may have changed them some buy now.there was noting to do but just change them back and forth.

 

[roundball]

I've converted several Hawken stocks from cap to Flint...as was mentioned, some minor tinkering in the lock mortise is sometimes required depending on what kind of inletting operation the caplock previously had...it's rare for them to just drop in.

Secondly, and something you should check before you bother wasting any time tinkering with wood removal in the lock mortise getting the lock to fit...is whether or not a Flint barrel's vent hole would even line up with the pan properly.

I have a gorgeous presentation grade TC Cougar stock that I wanted to convert to Flint, but, when I hook a Flint barrel in place, then hold a Flint lock assembly in place beside it, the vent hole is too far back, right at the rear edge of the pan...wouldn't work.

The variations in inletting operations caused this tang on this particular caplock rifle to be positioned further back than most and there's no practical way that I or TC could think of to remedy the situation, other than having somebody build a custom tang that had a face on it that was extended 3/8" forward and that would cost more than it would be worth to do it.

 

[jercon]

what about making anew breach plug ?

 

[faw3]

TOW and MUZZLOADERS SUPPLY had these I used mine on a GM 58 for a T/C. FRED :hatsoff:

 

[roundball]

what about making anew breach plug ?

Well, anything like that involved special tools, knowldege, and money...then a complete barrel rebluing, etc...more money than it's worth to me.

So that particular stock continues to carry a .45cal TC 1:66" round ball caplock barrel...it's like new as I've only taken it to the range twice in 6-7 years since I went 100% Flintlocks...but it's too pretty and too accurate to let go of.

Probably ought to hang it over the fireplace so I could at least enjoy looking at it :wink:...thought about making a floor lamp out of it but that would be one expensive floor lamp...

 

[jercon]

One of the kids had one of them at the National Hunter safety shoot,and as you say it sure was pretty! and good shooter.

 

[John Taylor]

I have a 15/16" 50 cal.barrel and lock off of a T/C. Both only have about 30 shots but have been sitting for many years.