I guess one would say I have a Hawken rifle faddish although I do have a few other style muzzleloaders. I haven’t had the opportunity to be around other folks who are interested in early black powder firearms much. I used to have a couple of buddies that were to some degree, but they have both passed on several years ago so most of my black powder interests and shooting have been on my own. In reality I suppose one would consider me a novice when it comes to my knowledge of the many styles of early muzzle loading weaponry. Like most individuals I am attracted to a certain style of firearm. It isn’t that I don’t appreciate the others because I do. I just haven’t been able to broaden what I spend my limited funds on when the rubber meets the road, so to speak. I have other interests such as archery and old west weaponry (1870-1900) that compete for my limited funds.
That being said I have decided my next rifle will be a flintlock and currently I am leaning in the direction of a full-stock flintlock Hawken because I like the .54 caliber. For me it is a good all-a-round rifle for both target shooting and hunting. I realize it is a bit much for squirrels and rabbits, but I haven’t hunted them since I was a kid. To be honest I am not sure I will have many more opportunities for big game hunting. It has become too expensive in Texas as there is very little public land to hunt and I have health issues that might greatly hinder my abilities to hunt in other states where there is an abundance of public land.
Anyway, here is a photo of my current Hawken rifles. I am looking to add another but this time one with a flintlock and full-stock therefore one of these regrettably is on the chopping block.
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