Jim Bridger Hawken in Helena Museum

[Herb]

On September 9 I met with Museum Technician Vic Reiman, the firearms specialist at the Montana Historical Society in Helena. He allowed me to closely inspect Jim Bridger's Hawken. I took photos comparing it to the copy I built, and careful measurements that I need to build an accurate copy. I think he was astonished at how close my copy was, and really paid attention to which rifle was left on the table when I cased mine! I now know where I need to make minor cosmetic changes to the stock coloring and wear and metal wear to more closely copy the original. In turn, I gave him details about the rifle from its stay at the Green River Rifle Works, plus a copy of the 51 measurements we took of the rifle.

My 1 1/8" GRRW barrel was only 31 inches long compared to Jim's 33 inches. This changed my whole forend.

Bridger's front sight was broken off. You can enlarge this photo by hitting control and the plus sign, and you will see how jagged it is. It was .2" high compared to .335 to the top of the rear sight notch, with a 24 7/8" sight radius. The tapered ramrod is a replacement, not original to this rifle. It is too short and too small for the 1/2" entry pipe.

Why is there no crown to the muzzles of these Hawkens?

The main difference I noted between the two rifles is that the butt plate return on my rifle is only 1.5" but Jim's is 2.4". If I ever build another copy, I'll solder an extension on my return. His lock is 5 inches long, but mine is 4.85", nothing to do about that. Also the double set triggers are spaced differently, nothing to do about that, either. I have more photos, but that is enough for now.

 

[nchawkeye]

I think Jim himself would have a hard time telling the difference... :hatsoff: :hatsoff:

 

[sidelock]

Every time I find myself in Helena I just have to go in and look at this rifle. All I can do to stop myself from robbing the place. Real purty job.

 

[TomWaits]

Herb,
Thanks for sharing those photos. I am a long time Hawken fan and that is some of the best info I have seen. Look forward to as many pics as you can post.
Tom

 

[Herb]

My friend Dave Boender took color photos of the Bridger Hawken at the GRRW in November, 1975. I enlarged one of his 8x10s to full scale, based on the available 4.85" long Jim Bridger lock. Trouble is, Bridger's lock plate is 5 inches long, so my scale was three percent too small. Track's TG-Hawk-L-I, shown below, is the correct length. If my photo was enlarged three percent, about 1/8", the lengths would match. The triggers are different, mine is Track's #TR-PA-20, the correct one, but you see they are spaced differently. Nothing to do about that.

My trigger guard has a tighter rear loop, which could be straightened out to match Jim's. Next time- if there is a next time.

 

[will5a1]

I wish I had your skill, and I hope there is a next one. I really think your rifle is a work or art.

 

[fleener]

Thanks for sharing. Your rifle does look like a brother to the original.

My first rifle build is a JB hawken copy.

Fleener

 

[Roguedog]

Thanks Herb for that information. If Jim's Hawken could talk, I would love to hear the stories!!

Jeff

 

[Sean Gadhar]

My friend Dave Boender took color photos of the Bridger Hawken at the GRRW in November, 1975. I enlarged one of his 8x10s to full scale, based on the available 4.85" long Jim Bridger lock. Trouble is, Bridger's lock plate is 5 inches long, so my scale was three percent too small. Track's TG-Hawk-L-I, shown below, is the correct length. If my photo was enlarged three percent, about 1/8", the lengths would match. The triggers are different, mine is Track's #TR-PA-20, the correct one, but you see they are spaced differently. Nothing to do about that.

My trigger guard has a tighter rear loop, which could be straightened out to match Jim's. Next time- if

Herb, did you ever list the weight of the rifles? I remember remarking to you on the day you let me hold your fine copy "Jim Bridger owned a Horse, because no one carried THIS rifle all day without one." To this day I am astonished how well the balance of the rifle felt, heavy though it is.

 

[inShane64]

Great information and a couple of beautiful rifles. Thank you for the effort you put into this.

 

[longcruise]

Herb, what is the wood on the original? Both look to be walnut but I'm not able to see clearly.

My first thought was that Kibler plans to introduce a Hawken. It would be very beneficial if he consulted closely with you. He creates the majority of his parts from scratch. What a great opportunity to have a really close copy available in a kit.