I agree, I have built several Hawken and halfstock rifles, and to me they are much more difficult than a full stock. You asked for recomendations; for your application, to be more appropiate,my first choice would be the Northwest trade gun (smoothbore)or trade rifle or trade gun, For the first time builder they are easier, and I recomend Prior Mtn. Bill's Booklet and Hanson's Trade rifle Sketchbook, that have very good inst. on making some parts yourself, and templates to be sure the diminsions are correct. :grin: