Problem with older TC Hawken

[mrmeif]

I am new to your forum and would like to say hello.
I recently purchased two Thompson Center Hawken percussion cap rifles. One is older than the other. When I was cleaning them I noticed one was difficult to cock. It seems the fly is worn down. I ordered one and it is too small for one but fits the other. Are there different size flies? If so how do get the correct one.

 

[Jim Evans]

Your T/C have a life time warranty,go to the T/C arms site get the address and send them back and they will rebuild them at no cost to you,you just pay the postage to them. And welcome to the site.

 

[ebiggs1]

The TC warranty is supposed to be for the original owner only. That said, I have found them to be very forgiving and they have gone the extra mile for me. So it is worth a try.
You need to NOT fiddle with the lock in anyway. Don't try to repair it yourself. Don't take it apart.
Send it to TC with a note explaining the lock won't work correctly and is unsafe. You may get a completely new lock in return, or they may fix that one. However, TC is in the middle of moving so be patient.

Oh, and yes, welcome to the forum. You will enjoy yourself here.

 

[Pete Gaimari]

Is TC at S&W now in Springfield Mass.?

 

[ebiggs1]

Should be close but I have not heard for sure. I bet it is still a mess.

 

[mrmeif]

I will contact T/C and see what they can do. Thank you for your help.

 

[necchi]

I've never really heard of TC changing anything in their tumbler where one has a larger hole for the fly. They have been the same since TC became TC.
The fly is supposed to be kinda loose and wobbly in that hole.
The notorious problem with those locks and the fly is the two screws holding that plate in are too loose, those babies need to be tight-tight or the fly will "tip" in there and allow the sear to stick in the half-cock notch.
Not doing anything to those locks, I guess is up too the individual. But I completely disassemble everyone I've ever laid my hands on and polish the bearing surfaces with a fine oil stone. And they get meticulous cleaning and freash lube at least twice a year.

 

[Pete Gaimari]

Oops! I clean and lube mine every time I shoot.

Sort of overkill huh? :idunno:

 

[ronrryan]

I am in exactly the same fix. I purchased an older Hawken, found the barrel rough, and the triggers not functional. Am working on the barrel with steel wool on a brush, its coming along slowly, but the trigers are no-go. I followed the instructions for setting the triggers, nothing. The rear trigger will not set no matter what. I pulled the plate and they seem to be fine, but in the gun will not set or fire either front or back. Sounds like no point in trying to send this to T/C until their move is settled. Any advice from T/C experts??? Help!!!Ron in Fl

 

[smokin45]

..I agree from over 30 years nothing in the lock
changed unless you get into maybe a piece from a
older version of the Little Senaca,or the Cherokee rifle locks, had tons of hawkens all
internal parts of the lock was the same clear
back to 5 didgit serial numbers placing it late
70,s early 80.s good luck dont give up..

 

[smokin45]

..sorry for a second re-ply but i have had a
bunch, there barrels dont like steel-wool
i have runt a few, a 12 copper brush was best
for me??lightly working inside of barrel
when i was done with 0000 steel wool the
barrel was good for a wall hanger lost
all accuracy..sometimes tc barrels are
finicky..forgive my spelling lol

 

[ronrryan]

Actually I was using bronze wool soaked with Kroil but probably no difference, I will stop that and maybe try the scotchbrite idea. Thanks alot for the tip, Ron

 

[necchi]

Capper:
Maybe, I just make sure the oil don't get gummy. I usually pull the lock so I can clean the hammer good from cap junk, I guess it's about knowing what kind of condition I've left it. I do alot of Vous' shootin so they get a good going over all the time, gotta keep the shootin tool in top shape.

ronrryan:
If the front trigger is working out of the gun, than it should work in the gun. Something is going on with your lock. Whats it doo when everything's installed and you cock the hammer and pull the trigger?
Need more info.

 

[ronrryan]

Necchi, I finally got the front trigger to work with a mighty yank. Next case is take everything out and apply brake cleaner, kroil, etc and see if things improve any. I was afraid to pull any harder for fear of beaking the trigger opr distorting the plate. Thanks for the hgelp, Ron

 

[Walks Alone]

Welcome to the forum. There are lots of great people here with lots of experince that are always willing to help. You have found the best muzzy site there is on-line.

As suggested, don't get too "busy" making mod repairs to the rifle and let TC help you out. Their lifetime warranty is one of the best in the business. It matters not whether you are the original owner or the 15th owner, or more often than not even if you damaged the rifle by mishap or ? They will still stand behind it almost every time, and so far S&W now owning the company now hasn't stopped that. I've dealt with them for 43 years, they have always been exceptional with their service and help for me and have never let me down.

The move to S&W's facility is in process, but they are not scheduled to be fully back up to speed at that facility until November. Lay-offs has reduced the number of employee's still at work, so that will delay things. That needs to be taken into account when asking for warranty work or parts. But, they are still helping their customers as best they can while in the "upside down" stage of the move with a smaller work force.