hawken 58 update

[rabbit03]

I have not been able to work as I pleased on the Hawken 58 with all that is going on lately. Therefor I have been a little slow in getting the project done and also getting more photos to yall.

Here are a couple though of the progress.

The first photo shows the fit of the keys and the eschutchens and the second one is where I put the cellphane (SP) on top of the two part epoxy (cans shown in the photo) and then laid the barrel on top. Also I used some heat proof grease that I had lying around. I coated the keys with the grease so that just in case my epoxy ran a bit it would not lock the keys in the stock. I tried to stay a good 1 1/2 inches away from the key slots so as to avoid any running in those areas. I can always go back and touch up the bedding and get it closer to the key areas but I really don't see the need. I have used this method of bedding before and it works great and the cellophane acts as the perfect fit (for me) between the bedding epoxy and the barrel. I don't have anything critical enough to measure the thickness of the cellophane but I dare anyone to try! Of course I always say my prayers too over it and hope it does not stick to the barrel!!!

I also avoided placing the epoxy in the barrel/tang area too liberally. In this way I can later, if need be fill any unslightly gaps around the metal to wood fit up that will show. Again I am not a custom gun maker at all, these little projects keep me out of trouble and at the range where I belong.

 

[rabbit03]

I am very happy by the way with all the metal and wood from TOTW. The wood should be one of the finest pieces anyone could want (it surely is for me) and everything is going together pretty well with only minor adjustments. One area on the rifle where I am going to have to fill in a bit is the area right adjacent to the snail-lock plate-and wood on top of the lock plate. For some reason there is a gap of only about 1/16 of an inch but it will be noticeable. I think what I will do is find some of the brown colored wood putty to fill it in. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to fill in such a gap that will be seen. A gap that will have to be filled with a substance that will take a stain.


More photos to come as the work progresses.

rabbit03

 

Looks like a fine start for a Hawken rifle to me. Keep on a whittlin' and keep us up to date on the progress. I wish ya well in your endeaver. Remember, 1 step at a time. :grin:

 

[rabbit03]

Hi Cooner, dont' worry I am taking your advice and crawling through this project so as to minimize the mistakes. I guess speed on building a rifle would be directly proportional to how well one can build one!

Well the bedding came out flawlessly and then I was able to finish inletting the lock and all the parts in it. I drilled and tapped the lock plate and got it in it's final position also. The hammer was a bit off center of the nipple from side to side. I fixed it with a quick heat and beat. It is still short of the mark so to speak and the bottom edge of the hammer hits the nipple first making almost a half circle mark where it contacts the inside of the hammer. The only fix for this will be to heat the area between the hammer head and where it attaches to the lock. I am going to heat it enough to beat that "waist" area and lengthen it enough so it contacts the nipple squarely. The reason I am having to do this is because if I were to just bend the head of the hammer down to align it with the nipple the nipple would be protruding out from under the hammer about 1/8 inch toward the front. Not sure if you can understand my explaining it this way. It is as if the nipple is short and not tall enough. I wish I could say I was the one responsible for this but it was due to the pre inletted areas and what I had to work with. So I need to make the hammer grow so to speak about 1/8 inch and then tilt it forward to make it contact the nipple correctly.

I am having great fun on this project though. The first one I built was the Vincent that you may have seen on here and this time building the Big Hawken 58, there seems to be less of an effort involved. I hope it is because I am getting better?

I am heading to see John L. Hinnant next week so we can install the underlug and pipes, and then put on the sights and put it through a test run at the range. Of course John had to reign me in a bit from finishing the stock and told me "Let's get the sights on first in case we have some tweeking to do". With the upcoming State Championship in Brady just around the corner I know he is trying to get the rifle sighted in first and worry about the finish later. I agree!

rabbit03

PS the fit up of the entry pipe and nose cap against the wood came out perfect.

 

[faw3]

rabbit ..its looking good , dont forget to put it up on Hawken 3 my kid is going to put some later pics of mine, tell John I said "Hi" and want out of this place. Fred :hatsoff:

 

[rabbit03]

The maiden flight of the Big Hawken 58., I say Big Hawken because of the thunderous crack that it created on its first time out yesterday. The woods surrounding the range echoed with a thunderous crack as each shot was fired. It was amazing. The Hawken just felt RIGHT! I have been calling this rifle simply Hawken 58. I am renaming it and will have the following engraved on the lock plate an possibly the barrel-- (Hawken Big 58)

John L. Hinnant, which I am indebted to for all of his help and guidence, both he and I were at his private range in San Antonio, Texas yesterday. We took the Hawken with us to see how it was going to perform its first time out. After a couple of bugs that were quickly worked out, ie, the patching material and nipple, the following target was shot. The distance was only 25 yds out and it was shot from the bench on sand bags. We were trying to eliminate all of (my) human error is possible . The powder used was 120 grns. of 2FFG, the ball was .575 and the patching material was if I am not mistaken .018 ticking with a teflon backing. (John may correct me if the thickness is wrong on this). I should add that patch/ball combination is critical to accuracy. And once we foud the right combination, well the target says more than I can about the results.

It appears as though the Big Hawken 58 is going to be not only a winner at the range (tack driving 58) but also a very accurate hunting rifle, one half of the reason I am building it. The group is of 5 shots that measured a whopping 5/8 inch center to center of the farthest holes. Not bad for a monster big bore. I am looking forward to seeing what this uniquely accurate rifle will do at the upcoming State Championship and this fall in NY for Black Bear Season.

I feel a great bit of recognition is owed to John L. Hinnant for the success of this project. He has been insturmental in helping me to create this piece of history. Countless hours of discussion about accuracy and what it takes to achieve it both with the building of the rifle and personally, John has voluntered his time and knowlege and patience gladly and the result is being able to build and shoot a Big Bore Hawken and making a bug hole at 25 yds. Thank you John for all of your help thus far. I am looking forward to seeing more of the light you mentioned!

rabbit03

 

[davy]

That John H. feller ... :hmm: heza mitey willin boy! :hatsoff: He has allus been there for me when I had questions, and I aint never seen the advice he's given me do me wrong yet! Nice shootin Rabbit!

dAVY :thumbsup:

 

Rabbit, that's the load combo I shoot in my Ol' Sadie. I have to put fiber wads over the powder for long shots for a better grouping. Just a little tip for ya if the group opens up out yonder a ways. Nice work on that target.

 

[JOHN L. HINNANT]

Good Afternoon, Rabbit03,

Just returned from the range about 45 minutes ago with mostly good news about the the "Big 58".

This mornining I did all of the tweaking details we discussed yesterday except venting the bolster.

Because of the powder limitation at 25 yards for the State Silhouette Shoot. I only used 50 grains of Goex 3FFF Black Powder with my cast .575 balls and the .018" Teflon coated material that served us well yesterday.

Was using the same NMLRA 6 Bull, 8 Ring target at 25 yards we used yesterday.

The first shot shot was 2-3/8" low at exactly 6:00 below the black 8 ring. Made a sight correction, and the next shot was exactly half into the 8 ring at 6:00 Had a hang-fire on the fourth shoot and final 5 shot group measured 3/4" C-C.

However, the 4 shots without a hang-fire measureds
.185 C-C. The 3/4 diameter circle on my old drafting circle template neatly covered those 4 shots.

When you come back Friday you can have this target to post on the forum.

Cooner, Rabbit is building a combination Hunting/Target rifle. It weighs, in with a 42" long, 1-1/8" barrel, at 13lbs-13 0zs. Just under the NMLRA and TMLRA 14 lb. maximum limit for Cross-Sticks Shooting.

In addition, the silhouette rules limit powder to prevent excessive damage to the steel targets.

So Rabbit, exactly what diameter vent hole do you want?

Best regards and good shooting,

John L. Hinnant

If you are not an NRA Member, why not? I am carrying your load.

 

[rabbit03]

Hello John. I am looking forward to seeing the results of the work your doing on the Big 58.

As for the vent hole dia., what about something like a .063 (#52) or something in that neighborhood??

rabbit03

 

[rabbit03]

Hello again John, by the way I would be glad to post the .185 4 shot group for you here. See you on Friday,

rabbit03

 

[JOHN L. HINNANT]

Good Morning Toney.

I believe we have a question for the ML Forum Members at large.

Here goes.

Toney's "Big 58" uses a TOTW Jim Bridger Model Breech Plug. Because of recurring ignition problens, we have decided to vent the breech.

Anybody have any suggestions for a proper size vent hole in the patented breech?

Best regards and good shooting,

John L. Hinnant

If you are not an NRA Member, why not? I am carrying your load.

 

[***Sean***]

Good shootin Toney.

 

[rabbit03]

Thanks Sean. Are you going to be in Brady this June??

rabbit03

 

[***Sean***]

What are the dates in June? Right now it is not looking to good. Been looking for a new place to live with 10+ acres. I found it and we are closing mid june. Its in far north Comal county and is already set up with deer blinds and feeders.

Right now we are repainting are current house. Its going up for sale right after we move.

 

[rabbit03]

Hi Sean I think the shoot this year in Brady is from the 6th of June till the 11th. You might want to make sure with ol' John L.

rabbit03

 

[dmills]

What are the dates in June? Right now it is not looking to good. Been looking for a new place to live with 10+ acres. I found it and we are closing mid june. Its in far north Comal county and is already set up with deer blinds and feeders.

Right now we are repainting are current house. Its going up for sale right after we move.

Sean, I just received the TMLRA package yesterday on the June shoot. The event is from June 6 thru 11. I plan to get there on in the afternoon of the 7th and stay through the 11th. PM your address to me and I will put a copy of the package in the mail to your.

Good luck on the new property and hope to see you in June.

 

[dmills]

Toney, that rifle is coming along FINE. :hatsoff: See ya in Brady.

BTW, did you notice that I did win the "Newcomers" rifle division at the March shoot. Course, I was the only entrant in that division. I'm really good until the competion shows up. :rotf:

Don.

 

[Zonie]

dimls: this isn't aimed at you.

Just a subtle reminder:
Please do not include personal posts about meetings, shooting events and get togethers in the replys. That's what the "Start Private Topic" box is for.

For those who haven't used it, click on the persons name in the box on the left hand side of the screen. At the top of their Home is a Start Private Topic box. Click it and write away!

 

[JOHN L. HINNANT]

Greetings All,

Rabbitt03 was up to San Antonio over the past weekend for a silhouette shoot, and we got to spend some time together working the shooting kinks out of his "Big 58" Hawken. And it is a BIG Hawken.

This is a going to be a very fine accurate rifle. It is already producing good accuracy, and some more tweaking is going to turn "Big 58" into super competetive cross-sticks rifle.

This is 03's first experience with aperture target sights, wind flags, and mirage on a very bright and hot day.

Some new lessons were learned about the loading differences in washed ticking vs. unwashed ticking and the value of Black-Solve for range work and competetive shooting.

With that introduction and not wanting to steal any of Rabbitt's thunder, look for his report on how things went and sometimes did not not "went".
All-in-all, it was a fine day, and 03 is a very fine person to spend a "range day" with.

By the way Toney is an excellant offhand shot and is no novice at this muzzle-loading rifle game.

Best regards and good shooting,

John L. Hinnant

If you are not an NRA Member, why not? Iam carrying your load.