New .58 caliber Hawken type Rifle

[OldMaineWoodsman]

I have been wanting a .58 caliber Hawken type rifle for some time. Recently, I sold an unmentionable rifle that I had not fired or used in over 30 years to a deer hunter up in Maine. If you live up that way you can probably figure out what it was. Anyway, I used the proceeds to order this .58 from George Nelson in Minnesota. It was delivered this week. It has a 36" Rice match-grade barrel, and a little better than plain Maple stock, but not over the top curl. I also requested a full buckhorn rear sight, and browned iron furniture. TOW has a couple of his rifles on their site if you want to see some other examples.

 

[Daveboone]

Very nice, but it looks like the builder got up on the...wrong side of the bed!

 

[OldMaineWoodsman]

Very nice, but it looks like the builder got up on the...wrong side of the bed!

It is a right-hand world....

 

[Flintleather]

Beautiful rifle! What does it weigh with that 36” barrel? Is it straight octagon 1”?

 

[OldMaineWoodsman]

Have not weighed it yet. It is really well balanced. The barrel is a straight 1" octagon. I know historically they were tapered, but I believe Rice only has straight barrels at this time. My .54 has a Goodoien barrel, and he is not making them anymore so..

 

[Flintleather]

How long was your wait time on the build?

 

[OldMaineWoodsman]

I ordered it in December of 2023, so roughly three months. I liked the looks of one that was for sale with TOW, but it was a RH. I asked them for his contact info and got in touch with him.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Looks dandy!

 

[Pukatea Bay Boy]

Have not weighed it yet. It is really well balanced. The barrel is a straight 1" octagon. I know historically they were tapered, but I believe Rice only has straight barrels at this time. My .54 has a Goodien barrel, and he is not making them anymore so..

Kia Ora OldMaine Woodsman.
Love your rifle.
My word it's well made.
I am south paw myself .
Your Barrel has my intrest.
Apologies for poor photo
Is this your barrel maker?
My most accurate rifle is this one & I know little of Mr Goodien.
I purchased 2nd time around.
Incredible accuracy it's a .38 caliber.
Drills bulls at 100 200 yards
Really would appreciate any information on him , if you could help.
Kia Ora Tatou
Thanks very much

 

[ronaldrothb49]

It looks like everything is on backwards, Just kidding It is a very nice looking rifle

 

[smokeum54]

Very nice . Makes me want to kick my family out so i can get back to work on my 62 jim bridger hawken

 

[zerosprk]

Beautiful rifle!

 

[OldMaineWoodsman]

The one on top is a .54 caliber. It has a 36" J. Goodoien barrel, engraved Bob Roller lock, a checkered wrist with curly maple stock. The lock, trigger guard, and butt plate are color cased, which have aged (faded) to a mottled gray. The nose cap is pewter, but the ram rod thimble, patch box, and toe plate are nickel plated. The stock is slightly thicker than the one below. The only thing I can think of was it was intended as a competition or just fancied up rifle. I do not know who built it.

The bottom one is the .58 caliber that I just received. 36" Rice barrel, with browned iron furniture.

Both rifles have a browned barrel.

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

Very nice!

 

[Urban Coyote]

Dandy Hawken gun, just the kind of rifle one ought to introduce to a big bull elk.

Congratulations and enjoy!

 

[Dirty Mike]

Beautiful Rifle!

 

[hanshi]

You have a very good looking rifle that will make you proud. Take some photos of targets when you shoot it next. I like it!

 

[Togo]

Very nice 58, super clean design. I really love the furniture on your 54.

 

[reddogge]

Very nice but I'd like to see the whole rifle, not just portions of it.

 

[Dobegrant]

Very nice looking rifle, congratulations