I know the approach I've used in designing this rifle is not for every person and that's of course okay. I would like to elaborate on my personal perspective just a bit though... No, this rifle will not be exactly like any original existing Hawken rifle, and I believe this to be a good thing!!! I don't drink the Hawken Kool-Aid. I really don't fully understand the widespread alure or fascination.
From the perspective of a previous high end custom gunbuilder, the design and workmanship of the vast majority of originals is pretty weak. So, why would I want to repeat what I see as shortcomings? What I've done is create a gun that has characteristics of many Hawken rifles and other guns from the same time period and generally similar geographic area in such a way that I am pleased. Really, this isn't any different than I've done on any of our other offerings as well! The only difference is these guns don't have the cult following. This is pretty much the approach many of the best custom builders today.
To be perfectly frank, I find many or most Hawken originals and contemporary recreations to be pretty awful. Sure, they have some neat characteristics, but as a whole I think they don't stand up well. I'm trying to change this.
As to the name, I don't really have much of an opinion... Hawken is very recognizable and that is a good thing. Think about all the crummy kit guns with names attached to them from years past. So, if someone doesn't like the name associated with our kit, I don't know what to tell you.
Okay, enough pontificating! The response from this latest offering has been absolutely amazing! Better than we've ever seen before. So please accept my heart felt thank you! Our customer base is really amazing.