Hawken kit question.

[BB61]

In advance, let me thank everyone for their advice. I'm looking to build a Hawken. I recently built (assembled) a TC Hawken kit I got from Fox Ridge. I found the process easy; if that it took a lot of time for me to be satisfied with the fit of the parts, finish on the wood and the handrubbing of the stock for an oil finish (blisters from the rubbing). Time and patience I have. However, I am nervouse about drilling/tapping the barrel as I have NO experience in this area and do not know anyone in Utah who could help me. Here is my question, I really want an authetic rifle at the end, it doesn't need to be fancy but I want it to be authentic as to looks. I have drooooollled over a The Hawken Shop kit but am not sure if I should go that way. Any suggestions as to how good their kits are and if they will do the drilling and taping for me OR is their a better solution?
Thanks BB61

 

[Sully]

I do not know if the Hawken Shop will do some of the work for you or not.Track of The Wolf will do a lot of different steps for you (for a fee) when you buy one of their kits. I do not know what the quality of their work is but it may well be worth checking into.Also call the Hawken Shop and ask if they will do some of the steps for you. Good Luck.

 

[MikeChapin]

I don't know where you would have to drill and tap the barrel on an original type Hawken. The underlugs are dovetailed or staked in. The sights are dovetailed and the underrib and rod thimbles are generally soldered on.

 

[faw3]

Read the 5 part Muz Blast story about building them(any of the Hawken kits) and why most builders wont do them any more, add about 150 hours if 7you know what your doing and you got a great rifle(I cheated and bought a Ithaca Hawken cheap) I know 20 plus yrs makeing and breaking MLs Id never get a kit put together right, its real work to get a real fine rifle, its not like putting a T/C/GPR/CVA kit together. Good Luck Happy New Years Fred :hatsoff:

 

[Sully]

The underrib can be attached to the barrel by srews which would require drilling and tapping the barrel.Or you could solder it.You would still need to drill the breech plug tang, butt plate,trigger gaurd etc. etc

 

[Donny]

:hmm: Call Don Stith,[url] http://www.donstith.com/...he[/url] makes a very authentic kit.. Don't know for sure, he may do any additional smithing for you. :grin:

 

[Harddog]

Actually I think the underrib on original Hawken rifles was riveted on to the barrel. The underribs were made from formed sheet steel and not the solid underribs you see on most reproductions.

Have you looked at Don Stith's Hawken kits? They are among the best available. Don doesn't do any additional machining work, but any good gunsmith could help you out there.

Randy Hedden

 

[BB61]

Thanks for the advice. I will try Don.
BB61