Researching for a Custom Muzzleloader

[Eric M]

I would like some recommendations for a custom built muzzleloader. I am in the process of researching and gathering information on either having a hawken or leman trade rifle built. I would love to hear any opinions or information anyone can provide as to any builders or see pics of anyone else's custom hawkers or leman rifles.

 

[Rifleman1776]

You are on an interesting quest.
I have had several custom rifles built over the years. Two were total disasters. One by a highly reputed builder. The other by an unknown fellow who was reccomende. I looked at his rifles and they were fine. What he built for me was uglier and more incorrect than... (cuss words required to describe :cursing: )
Do take your time and be careful. Paying big money, getting your hopes up then receiving junk is a huge dissapointment.
Others will chime in here with reccomendations.
Good luck.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Go with someone who gets high marks from his PEERS on the same level (best of the best). Do not go by praises on the internet by those who do not really know what they are looking at.
Try contacting Don Stith about the Hawken and Jack Brooks on the Leman. They should be able to steer you to the quality you desire.

 

[scott taylor]

I had W.B.Selb build me a fullstock Hawken last year that I am happy with. He uses Stith parts I believe. He has a www and googles up easy. But they are expensive.

 

[Coot]

You should go to shows such as the annual CLA, Southern Longrifles and Dixon's and look at the work of various makers and decide whose work meets your standards and whose price you can deal with. The danger of recommendations from people you don't know personally is that while they are well meaning and try to be helpful, one will say that so an so makes a great gun and another will describe the same gun as inlet with a screwdriver. It might be a good gun for the price and the work might be 3rd rate and each person is in his or her way being honest in their evaluation based on their personal knowledge and standards. You can't look at too many guns or learn too much .............

 

Start here: http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showuser.php?uid/6880/

 

[Marc Adamchek]

I don't think I've ever seen those rifles built by the two guys I'm going to recommend, but who knows, maybe they would. Their craftsmanship is absolutely top-notch.

In alphabetical order: Mike Brooks Roy Stroh

The worst that could happen is they'd say "NO". And if either one said "YES" you'd have one helluva weapon!

 

[Stumpkiller]

A heavy and squat Hawken is the antithesis of what Mike Brooks can do with metal and wood. But he just might be willing to change his ways. I doubt it.

As Marc says, if he would do it it would be a dandy.

Check out the Wolfgang Haga rifle on Mike's website. Unless you specifically need a Leman that is a wonderful looking and practical .54 cal rifle.

 

[Eric M]

I wound up speaking to Brant Selb last week after some research and speaking with others. Sent him a down payment to get started building a .58 half stock Hawken.