Pedersoli Hawken .50 Cal Advice

[TreeRat91]

Hi All,

I’m relatively new to traditional muzzleloaders. I want to start hunting with them instead of inlines. A gun shop near me has a Pedersoli Hawken in .50 Cal. I’m not certain on the model, but it appears to have double set triggers. They claim it’s never been fired, and lived its life hanging over a bar. My questions are, would this be a good buy at $450 OTD, and would it make a good target and hunting rifle for Midwest whitetails? I’ll attach a picture and maybe someone will be able to help me with the model. Thanks!

 

[TreeRat91]

Also, is there anything specific I should look at extra close (I know the bore and crown), or any other guns my money would be better spent on in that similar price range. Thanks again!

 

[RiverRat]

That sounds like a good deal to me. Wait for some more knowledgeable people to chime in. But they are almost double the cost for that new.

 

[PEARL DRUMS]

Drop a lighted nock down the barrel. If it’s good? Buy it. Don’t forget to check the trigger and hammer. Be sure it’s tight and functions.

 

[RiverRat]

One more thing, I think that is good that you want to hunt with a traditional ml. The feeling of accomplishment is wonderful!

 

[TreeRat91]

Drop a lighted nock down the barrel. If it’s good? Buy it. Don’t forget to check the trigger and hammer. Be sure it’s tight and functions.

I don’t have a lighter nock. Think a bore light would be a good enough substitute to inspect it?

 

[TreeRat91]

One more thing, I think that is good that you want to hunt with a traditional ml. The feeling of accomplishment is wonderful!

Thanks! Yeah, I put down the compound bow and picked up a long bow to hunt with 2 years ago. Could have killed a mess of deer if I had my compound, but they always seem to be just out of range for me with my long bow. It’s like they know and they’re taunting me!

 

[Phil Coffins]

The rifle pictured is the same as Cabela sold, it would work fine for your use. Buy a jag that fits the ramrod for cleaning.

 

[TreeRat91]

The rifle pictured is the same as Cabela sold, it would work fine for your use. Buy a jag that fits the ramrod for cleaning.

Were/are the cabelas ones not as nice? Looks like those retail for $580. Would it still be a good buy at $450?

 

[Phil Coffins]

Still a good price.

 

[Spikebuck]

Were/are the cabelas ones not as nice? Looks like those retail for $580. Would it still be a good buy at $450?

The Cabela's version would be the same. The $580 price at Cabelas now is a great price compared to others I could find at $900 and up! If you have points to help lower that, all the better!

Frankly, for $140, I'd get the new one. But each person has to judge that for themselves. At a minimum, I'd try to negotiate the $450 down to $400. Maybe start with a $350 offer to see where it goes?...what do you have to lose?

I've owned several Pedersoli rifles. All have been great shooters for accuracy. The "lower end" models can have heavy trigger pulls if not using the set trigger. I hate set triggers in cold weather hunting because a gloved finger on a few oz pull can fire before you're ready. So, you might want to try the trigger out to see how that pull feels.

 

[Mike in FL]

Were/are the cabelas ones not as nice? Looks like those retail for $580. Would it still be a good buy at $450?

Knowing what I didn't know when I started, I would not. Maybe if you don't plan to advance in traditional stuff it will be fine. But if you've been bitten by the muzzleloader bug, that rifle and all the ones like it will not satisfy you. That said, when I started, my first gun was way less PC that the Pedersoli. Lots of seasoned hunters favor the T/C over anything else. I reckon none of that helps. Hey, it might be a very good way to learn the basics and anything you kill with it will be completely dead. If you buy it, come back here with any questions.

 

[Whiteoak15]

Buy it if the bore looks good. Mine is wonderfully accurate.