I need some direction

[jerem0621]

I am about ready to buy my first smooth bore barrel. I would like to convert my percussion TC Hawken rifle to a smooth bore flint lock. What barrel would ya’ll recommend for this new creation. I would like for this to be a general purpose fire arm handling everything from squirrel, deer, and turkey. Maybe even hunt black bear in the future.

Thank you,
Jerem0621

 

[paulvallandigham]

It might be cheaper, and smarter to buy a separate flintlock rifle or smoothbore gun. Those locks are not exactly interchangeable. If it was just the case of getting a smoothbore barrel for your existing percussion lock, that would be the cheapest thing to do. I recommend it to you. However, whenever you want to switch from percussion to flint, or back again, its the fit of the locks and bolsters(drums) that causes all the problems, and the expense. The barrels are the least costly part of the switch.

 

[Many Klatch]

It would probably be easier to use the TC as part of your plunder to swap for a new smoothbore. Unless you are real good at gunsmithing you might be biting off a complicated project.

Many Klatch

 

[Birddog6]

Were it me, I would PT Roundball, he knows T/C's inside & out & better than anyone I know. He has done this many times & can tell ya Exactly what it will require.

My guesstimate, IF the locks will interchange easily, then you are OK. You can get a new smoothbore barrel for a T/C Hawken complete from Green Mountain for $ 108. deliverd & it has sights, RR, thimbles, blued & is a drop-in barrel.

Another option is to find a T/C flintlock that has been abused & cheap (unlikely) send the lock to T/C for recond (lifetime warranty), recond the stock yourself, and buy the GM smoothbore barrel.

Last option is to buy a nice used T/C flintlock in good cond. that has an extra GM smoothbore barrel with it. If this is an option, PT me as I know where one is & can put you in touch with the guy.

:thumbsup:

 

[roundball]

I couldn't improve on anything Birddog6 said...I do have some GM Flint smoothbore drop in barrels on some TC Hawkens stocks...one is in the photo below...they're excellent...not sure GM has any left from the special run they made 3 years ago...just have to call the # on their website and check.

.54cal/.28ga fits the .45/.50cal 15/16" Hawken stock
.62cal/.20ga fits the .54/.58cal 1" Hawken stock

I've converted a half dozen TC caplock stocks to Flintlock and don't possess any unique wood working skills...its a pretty straight forward 30 minutes of tinkering