Jim Bridger Hawken- my copy

[fleener]

I have to agree I wonder why anyone would make a new rifle look old. But we all have different taste and of course you have to respect the builder. Build what you want and thank you for sharing the pictures and the story

Fleener

 

[Rifleman1776]

Absolutely agree. The only point is, it is HIS rifle built as he wants it. So, wassa fuss? :idunno: His gun and he is rightfully proud.
Admitedly, it is not to my taste. But so blinkity-blankety wat does that matter?
Job well done. Congrats. :applause:

 

[loco6725]

Great job!!! Be proud of it!!! :thumbsup:

 

[Col. Batguano]

And, he is not aging the bore or internal parts. That's the business part.

 

[hoochiepapa]

nice! as always, herb!

 

[50cal.cliff]

You know I have been trying to figure out how to respond to some of you on this thread for the last couple of days! So far everything I can think to say would end up getting me banned!

So I am going to opt for what Momma always said, "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all"!

Some of you just amaze me at how rude you can be when it is something you think ain't proper! And that is the nicest thing I can say to some of your responses to one of the most exacting copies I have ever seen! :shake: :idunno: :blah:

 

[jdkerstetter]

Well put Cliff. Herb has more than proven he can build a "new" Hawken. This seems a logical and evolutionary set to me......and very well executed.

Enjoy, J.D.

 

[Vaino]

Just read through all the posts and didn't find any "rude" remarks....just personal opinions on personal preferences.

One point of interest and this isn't a criticism.... just an observation. The stock looks highly distressed but the metal, especially the bbl and lock don't seem to have the same high degree of distressing?

I've never built an "aged" gun because it's difficult to "pull off" and I just don't have the req'd skills and knowledge. Those who successfully "age" a new gun are to be commended.

I don't really care what people build...it's their "gun" and they can build what they want. Tastes vary a lot and when a gun is posted, most responders are praiseful, but some are more critical and voice their opinions and personal preferences in a nice way....this isn't being "rude". Herb is to be commended for his dedication of building superb Hawkens rifles and I don't think he took umbrage at the few posts which stated differing personal preferences......Fred

 

[50cal.cliff]

Just read through all the posts and didn't find any "rude" remarks....just personal opinions on personal preferences.

One point of interest and this isn't a criticism.... just an observation. The stock looks highly distressed but the metal, especially the bbl and lock don't seem to have the same high degree of distressing?

I've never built an "aged" gun because it's difficult to "pull off" and I just don't have the req'd skills and knowledge. Those who successfully "age" a new gun are to be commended.

I don't really care what people build...it's their "gun" and they can build what they want. Tastes vary a lot and when a gun is posted, most responders are praiseful, but some are more critical and voice their opinions and personal preferences in a nice way....this isn't being "rude". Herb is to be commended for his dedication of building superb Hawkens rifles and I don't think he took umbrage at the few posts which stated differing personal preferences......Fred

:hmm:

 

[mtcurman]

Personally I really like the way it looks. If he would've made it look new, no one could be able to tell that it was a copy of Old Gabe's original rifle. It would look like any other Hawken. I think the wear and antiquing makes it very unique and distinguishable.

My 2 cents. :v

 

[hoochiepapa]

just take it in stride, cliff!

 

[Herb]

Flehto, you are correct about the metal not looking aged. The browned barrel really does look pretty good, you can see it best in the photos of the 4 vertical rifles and 3 lock sections. The brown is way too thin and is streaked. I think I have 8 coats of LMtnForge brown on it, but I'd have put 3 or 4 more coats on for an even brown. But the heat blued lock and trigger guard are way too pretty. They could be rubbed down with steel wool, but I have been doing other things. I think the best wear will come from a lot of shooting, but I've been busy with other things. I don't mind any comments people make- I did what I wanted to do and I know I did it well. I kind of liken this rifle to the buckskins you see at the Bridger Rendezvous. Some people have the store-new chrome tanned buckskins, and they look like that. Others have buckskins with a lot of dirt and wear on them, and they look old, as if they really were back in the 1840's. So if anyone wants to comment either way, I am comfortable where I am. Thanks to all who like what I did and said so.

 

[Herb]

Here is my friend Carole shooting a .40 flintlock I built for her, with Flint Lehman looking on. His buckskins are what I am talking about, contrasted to the new, white chrome-tanned store-bought the pork eaters wear.

 

[dbutch]

Herb Really nice looking stack of rifles there! :thumbsup:
Build them and enjoy!

 

[rfdr]

who is to say what is "right" or "wrong" or "best" or "not-so-best"? the answer is only in the eyes of the beholder.

while i don't like anything about the concept of a relic'd guitar or rifle, i can appreciate what it takes to craft a replica. there is more thought, craftsmanship and work involved in making something new look old and used, than making something brandy new and shiny. it's LOTS more work to relic, as FIRST it needs to be built shiny NEW.

good job! :thumbsup:

to each their own. the way it should be.

 

[izzyjoe]

Well, I sure like it, and it think you did a wonderful job on it. I like to see old hunting rifles with honest wear on them. And also in the old car market the trend is to make them look old. Faded old paint and rust with clear coat over it, and ruffed up to knock off the sheen. Rat rod's have been around for year's, some like them some don't. But the cool thing about all of it is the Freedom to do whatever a person feel's like he, or she shall do! Keep up the good work!

 

[kodiakmarine]

You did a great job. You are a fine craftsman. :hatsoff: I personally prefer to build a new rifle soon, and age it naturally with regular use. At the age of 62 that means I would have to live a heck of a lot longer to get such a nice look. Gives me something to shoot for (no pun intended)! Those are great pictures. Thank you for sharing. - John

 

[Herb]

Thanks, John. At age 80, I have to speed things up.

 

[anj4de]

Hi...

This is a very interesting looking gun for sure. I personally like the idea of re-creating an otherwise unreachable original for our own collection. I do not understand why you would criticize this, especially since the owner has more then one new looking one as well. I am sure Herb would not take it to a re-enactment...portraying Brigger!
On the wear of the original...I personally have doubts that this wear comes from usage alone. Even if you have hands like sand paper the wear to the stock would not go all the way forward to the cap and all way up to the barrel. To me it looks like the gun was rubbed down once, maybe to clean it from blood, fungus, etc...Do we know what happened to this specific gun after Jim Brigger died and until it came to the museum?

cheers
Uwe

 

[dbutch]

Herb ...just came back and studied this rifle.
At 10 lbs it looks heavier than that..
I'm thinking the thicker forearm-end and 1/2" rr give it those qualities.
It would have been much easier to just apply stain and finsh but you went the less traveled route and hit the nail on the head.
My hats off to you for beening the odd man out..
Thanks for posting your builds..always enjoy your work!...
Any hawken rifle I have ever shouldered pains me..and Thats a shame!...
Other wise there would be a "Herb" rifle in my rack! :thumbsup:
Do they come with a horse and saddle?
Carry On....Dan