Hatfield .50cal

[58ball]

Just looking to verify, this rifle is correct. I ran across it in a local shop,and am trying to find out if it is an earlier gen, or later questionable gen. One issue in particular is that the rear of the trigger guard is not attached to the stock, there is also no hole even drilled for it in the rear position. I couldn't find a serial number, but did get pictures of the markings I could find. Any advice, or help from a few of you guys who might have experience with these Hatfields would be greatly appreciated.

 

[hawkeye2]

It looks like a wrench slipped on the barrel in photo 104524 and the tang doesn't align with the top barrel flat.

Could someone have changed out the trigger assembly with an aftermarket one? That could explain the lack of a provision to mount the trigger guard. That does look to be the correct trigger guard.

 

[rafterob]

Did you buy it?

 

[user 34300]

The pictures suggest it is still at the pawn shop.

I had one of those. It may be a Cabela's rifle. It is not an earlier, nicer rifle. The trigger guard is not inletted by design. I forget how the front was attached, I want to say a pin.

The breech was attacked by bubba. Bubba probably did not know that the drum threaded into a super long breech plug like CVA. He probably put a cresent wrench on the barrel and gave it spin. He was likely unaware that the drum has to be removed first.

The super long breech plug has a small hole down the middle. That hole (chamber) requires special cleaning. IT also makes the rifle prone to misfires.

Run Forrest Run!!

 

[Critter Getter]

I have two .50 cal percussion Hatfield’s. One I bought new around 1985. I will have to look how the guard is attached. Btw..........I don’t think I have ever had a misfire with either of mine. Both shoot extremely accurate! ( at 50 yards offhand) Greg

 

[user 34300]

The older rifles were excellent. This appears to be a later rifle that was made differently.

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.ph
p?topic=14891.0

https://www.muzzleblasts.com/Library.MBO/vol3no1/ar
ticles/mbo31-2.shtml

 

[58ball]

It looks like a wrench slipped on the barrel in photo 104524 and the tang doesn't align with the top barrel flat.

Could someone have changed out the trigger assembly with an aftermarket one? That could explain the lack of a provision to mount the trigger guard. That does look to be the correct trigger guard.

Anything is possible. Lol.

 

[58ball]

The pictures suggest it is still at the pawn shop.

I had one of those. It may be a Cabela's rifle. It is not an earlier, nicer rifle. The trigger guard is not inletted by design. I forget how the front was attached, I want to say a pin.

The breech was attacked by bubba. Bubba probably did not know that the drum threaded into a super long breech plug like CVA. He probably put a cresent wrench on the barrel and gave it spin. He was likely unaware that the drum has to be removed first.

The super long breech plug has a small hole down the middle. That hole (chamber) requires special cleaning. IT also makes the rifle prone to misfires.

Run Forrest Run!!

This is what I was needing to find out. I had a shaky feeling about it to begin with. I'll just pass on this one. I appreciate the help.

 

[58ball]

Did you buy it?

No I'm going to pass on this one.

 

[58ball]

I appreciate the input guys. This one is going to be a pass for me.

 

[D.Summers]

The front of the trigger guard was held in place by the tang screw.

 

[Critter Getter]

How much was the shop asking for it? Greg

 

[sawyer04]

No I'm going to pass on this one.

Good call.

 

[GANGGREEN]

How much was the shop asking for it? Greg

I was wondering the same thing. I don't want/need the gun, but if the shop has a $300 price tag on it or something, it would be a bargain even if a few things needed attention. If the price tag is $500 or more it's not as attractive, but it's still likely equal or preferable to many/most commercial type muzzleloaders.

 

[user 51067]

I once had an "original" Hatfield that I ordered in Grade II. It was a beautiful piece that shot as well as it looked. I HAD a good friend who coveted the gun, and as a result I gifted it to him one Christmas. He promptly set about "customizing" it to his specifications (removing the set trigger, etc.). By the time he was done, it wasn't worth a pile of pigeon poop. He sold it shortly thereafter. Needless to say, the gun or the friendship wasn't the same since.

 

[user 34300]

To me it looks like someone tried to pull the breech plug with the drum in place. That would indicate internal damage to the plug, barrel and drum.

 

[hanshi]

I'm wondering if a Bubba put it together from parts.

 

[JCKelly]

The pictures suggest it is still at the pawn shop.

I had one of those. It may be a Cabela's rifle. It is not an earlier, nicer rifle. The trigger guard is not inletted by design. I forget how the front was attached, I want to say a pin.

The breech was attacked by bubba. Bubba probably did not know that the drum threaded into a super long breech plug like CVA. He probably put a cresent wrench on the barrel and gave it spin. He was likely unaware that the drum has to be removed first.

The super long breech plug has a small hole down the middle. That hole (chamber) requires special cleaning. IT also makes the rifle prone to misfires.

Run Forrest Run!!

I'd say you are insulting Bubba. Just stay very far from this thing. At any price.

 

[58ball]

For those who have asked. No I'm not buying it. It is at Damerons pawn and gun in Amarillo Tx. It's a consignment peice for 550.00 and the shop manager said there's no wiggle room on the price with the actual owner.

 

[hanshi]

For those who have asked. No I'm not buying it. It is at Damerons pawn and gun in Amarillo Tx. It's a consignment peice for 550.00 and the shop manager said there's no wiggle room on the price with the actual owner.

Thank him for that as he's actually protecting you!