Thanks to Cowboy for starting this interesting thread.
It would be great if one of you guys with the knowledge would write an article about Hawken barrels for
Muzzleloader. I have heard that they were just about always rifled at one turn in 48", and the original Hawken rifling guide is said to be still in existence. I've always wondered why one turn in 48" worked so well for the people who depended on these rifles, but hobbyists now need a slower twist. Go figure!
Those photos of Hawken muzzles appear to show very narrow grooves and wide lands. It seems to me that modern muzzleloading barrels have wider grooves. Hawken barrels were also said to have had a bit of choke in the bore, in addition to the relief Herb described at the muzzle. I don't know of any barrel makers who do this now.
Finally, the Baird book said Hawken barrels (like most barrels of the time, I think) were made of "dead iron," meaning very soft wrought iron. Since childhood, I have had a book by Stewart Edward White about Daniel Boone. The author devoted a whole chapter to a discussion of the rifles and axes of the 18th century frontier, and he made it a point to mention the soft iron barrels. There is also a good interview with Brad Emig of Cabin Creek Muzzleloading in the current issue of
Muzzleloader magazine, in which they discuss the use of wrought iron as a superior material for barrels... Less "whip," better wearing characteristics, and more forgiving of minor variances in the load.
Regarding the John Johnston rifle, I looked it up a while back and found this picture:
...and some detail photos of that famous knife:
Interestingly, October Country used to offer a rifle they called the "Liver Eatin' Johnson Rifle." Mike Nesbitt wrote a couple of very favorable reviews. I believe it had L&R triggers, lock, breech and tang, and adjustable rear sight, and a Green Mountain barrel. The furniture was German silver, and it had a poured nose cap.
I thought the name October Country selected for this rifle was peculiar, since the actual Hawken carried by Johnston is still extant, and October Country's rifle, fine though it was, didn't really look anything like it. I don't see this rifle on the October Country website any longer. I guess it was discontinued, which is too bad. It looked like a fine example of a plains rifle, despite the odd choice of name.
Best regards,
Notchy Bob