Is this a Hawken?

[Kal-El]

I'm a serious newbie, and I haven't taken much time yet to research everything about this gun. I just got it and I'd like to get as much info as I can about it to see if I want to pursue getting what's required to shoot it.

 

[Dibbuk]

Yes and no. It looks like a Thompson/Center "Hawken" rifle, but it is not a J&S Hawken rifle. Thompson/Center tried to copyright the name "Hawken".

Basically, it is a modern made percussion half-stock rifle.

 

[deerstalkert]

one variation there of!
looks like a TC kinda, but it should say on the right hand flat of the barrel if so.
May be a Ardessa or even a Investarms. it is a Hawken style
45 or 50?

 

[Notchy Bob]

It looks like a Thompson/Center "Hawken." Does it have anything else stamped on the barrel?

Notchy Bob

 

[GoodRabbitPilgrim]

Hawken is a brand but has become a style. I think of it as two styles one that tries to replicate the originals in form and the other is the style that you have shown (not sure what you would call them).

Unless you buy an actual hawken - which you still can - it's only the hawken style rifle.

I have a couple of pedersoli hawken style rifles and I love them.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Whether it is a Thompson Center "Hawken" Rifle or one of the Italian or Spanish clones, it may be safe to shoot.

Here is a link to the T/C manual. It lacks a little of the details for other rifles, but it will give you some information.

Hawken Manual 05 2009 (tcarms.com)

 

[11th corps]

Had my T/C Hawken out to the range yesterday. They are well made for a mass production gun, with care will give a lifetime of service.

 

[Stykbow]

If that rifle doesn’t say T/C or Thompson Center on it somewhere I’ll be amazed.

 

[deerstalkert]

If that rifle doesn’t say T/C or Thompson Center on it somewhere I’ll be amazed.

my first thought too! but i have a Ardessa that side by side with a TC you can't tell which is which!

 

[Winchester97]

Looks like a TC Hawken stock/lock with an Investarms barrel. I think some of the Italian makers can interchange barrels.

 

[William Lincoln]

You will see the TC imprint on the barrel, spelled out clearly.
Pull the wedge and look under the barrel for maker's stamp,
proof stamps or other marks. I think that the Investarms are as good as a TC, and they
shoot as well. The TC Brand is sought after due to our American preference-- but the
Italian and Spanish copies are very nice and good quality. The CVA Hawkins are very
accurate and have great barrels. Keep it cleaned, practice a lot and you will love that
gun. Nothing fits the human body (average) like a Hawken.

 

[Stykbow]

my first thought too! but i have a Ardessa that side by side with a TC you can't tell which is which!

I had to go look at pics of an Ardesa rifle. You’re right that they look very much like a T/C. I’m certain that’s a T/C lock at least. Come on @Kal-El give us a pic of any writing on the barrel or at least tell us if it says anything. Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[Stykbow]

Hawken is a brand but has become a style. I think of it as two styles one that tries to replicate the originals in form and the other is the style that you have shown (not sure what you would call them).

Unless you buy an actual hawken - which you still can - it's only the hawken style rifle.

I have a couple of pedersoli hawken style rifles and I love them.
View attachment 101683
View attachment 101684

That’s a real beauty!

 

[RicM]

I agree looks like a T/C Hawken. Like Skykbow said It should say it on the barrel. This is my flintlock version it was a kit and made in the 70's with a low serial number its a 45 caliber.

 

[Mike Payne]

Looks like the first ML I had shot great and it was a TC. Wish i still owned it.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I'm a serious newbie, and I haven't taken much time yet to research everything about this gun. I just got it and I'd like to get as much info as I can about it to see if I want to pursue getting what's required to shoot it.

So the hardware is Thompson Center. They made good rifles, just not good copies of originals. They look good, they normally shoot good, and they are well made.

So the question is what condition is the bore of the rifle?

Even if the bore is bad due to misuse..., fear not, lots of us have had rifles with such problems and there are solutions.

So..., check the bore...

LD

 

[Kal-El]

It looks like a Thompson/Center "Hawken." Does it have anything else stamped on the barrel?

Notchy Bob

Yes it does...

I inherited it from from my dad, and for the life of me I can't remember him ever mentioning getting it, let alone shooting it...and we were ALWAYS talking about guns and hunting.

 

[Winchester97]

Looks like a TC Hawken stock/lock with an Investarms barrel. I think some of the Italian makers can interchange barrels.

Nope definantly a TC Hawken after seeing the other side markings.

 

[FastEdTex]

Yes it does...
View attachment 101779

I inherited it from from my dad, and for the life of me I can't remember him ever mentioning getting it, let alone shooting it...and we were ALWAYS talking about guns and hunting.

Looks to be in good shape and is most likely good to shoot, but you could have a gunsmith check it if you are not comfortable shooting it.
If you have any local muzzleloader clubs, you could reach out to them for help and advise, plus anyone here who might be in your area. (I'm in Texas)
You'll need powder, FFFg 40 to 50 grains would be good start. Black powder rough to come by right now, Pyrodex P or RS will work if you can find that.
#11 Percussion Caps
.440 round balls
.018 patch material (pre-lube patches)
You can get by without a short-starter but they are handy.
Be sure you don't grab the wooden ramrod too high above the muzzle, they will break.
Some places to get supplies
https://www.trackofthewolf.com/https://www.jedediah-starr.com/https://www.dixiegunworks.com/https://www.natchezss.com/

 

[kansas_volunteer]

Although Thompson Center called there rifle a Hawken, the rifle is clearly an Ohio style piece. The Hawken brand name was just an attempt to capitalize on an alluring name.

Your pics show a flintlock so advice on caps can be disregarded.