Looking for parts and information

[djlatomme]

I was recently given a kit Hawkens rifle. It was built by my father in the 70's and has never been shot. It looks to be an Armsport model 5036 .50 Cal. made in Spain. It is missing the rear sight (dad said the dovetail in the barrel was too tight and the sight has since gone missing). I am looking to replace the sight and am wondering what brand part to be looking for (my searches for "armsport rear sights have come up empty), or will any rear sight do? Some information on cleaning and care would also be appreciated.

I also participate in long range shooting and am curious if this rifle would be good for that if equipped with a vernier tang sight (if one will even fit). Thanks in advance for the help

 

[krshade]

Any sight that will fit the dovetail will work. Look at Track of the Wolf, Muzzleloader Building Supply, Dixie Gun Works and other sites for them. They come in fixed and adjustable. Find what you want and install it.

A vernier sight could be mounted. It would probably drilling and tapping the tang. Williams and Skinner (among others) make compact peep sights for muzzleloaders.

Long range muzzleloaders generally have lllong, heavy barrels to handle the heavy charges and provide a good sight radius. Your rifle is not really well set up for that.

Good luck.

 

[ZUG]

As Krshade said you can find a rear sight at almost any of the muzzleloading suppliers. Using a caliper measure the largest part of the dovetail slot's width and its depth then call one of the suppliers and tell them what you want and give them the measurements. They will fix you up. You may need to do some small filing to get it to fit properly. Most dovetail slots are cut for a 3/8" wide sight base.

I would not use this gun for LONG range shooting even with a vernier sight - it is just not practical and would be very costly. Accuracy with a round ball beyond 150 yards is a manure shoot at best. Shooting a conical with any accuracy may or may not be any better depending on the rifles barrel twist rate.