Springfield Hawken 50 Cal

[rhinedog86]

I am looking for any information on my rifle.

The barrel has the following stamped on it:

Spain Springfield Hawken 50 Cal.
Black Powder Only 1-66" 181871

The above is written from muzzle to breach.

Thank you for any information you can provide.

 

[BrownBear]

They were never expensive, but I know several owners who are really fond of them. They have "nicer" guns, but continue to use the Springfields with great affection.

 

[necchi]

The one I have was made/imported by Traditions Arms, not sure if CVA had them also.
Both imported parts from the same maker in Spain.

Good shooting gun, the slow twist really makes this a fine gun to have if your interested in accuracy.
What do you really want to know?
The low SN and the lack of a makers mark/stamp might mean that it was just an import from Ardessa, the maker for the other two companies, Ardessa actually kept higher standards when assembling in my opinion.
About the only flaw with either the Traditions or CVA was the lock. Several parts are just stamped out and there are some ruff edges at the bearing surfaces. Disassembly of the lock and some polishing lends the lock a smoother action and quite reliable (in the cap model) the flint lock version has issues with the frizzen temper and tuning sometimes leaving a weak spark.
The drum bolster breech has a few "right angles" and can be problematic unless kept pristene clean.
Good Gun, :thumbsup:
What else ya wanna know?

 

[rhinedog86]

Thank you for the information. Any idea on the year it was made or how I can find it? I will try to download some pictures as soon as I can.

 

[necchi]

"Any idea on the year it was made or how I can find it?"
:idunno:

 

[RhinoDave]

If it's like mine, the serial number should be followed with a two digit number that represents the year it was manufactured. Mine was made in 2000

 

[rhinedog86]

The only number on the barrel is: 181871 with no dashes or spaces. The last '1' in the series of numbers appears to be slightly offset and as soon as I figure out how to put pictures up, I will.

Thank you for the responses. You all have been most helpful.

 

[Joel/Calgary]

As it is from Spain, there should also be proof marks, likely on the underside near the breech. I cannot recall if Spanish proof marks include any date references. Have you pulled the barrel and examined it fully?

Regards,
Joel

 

[rhinedog86]

Gentlemen,

Thank you so much for your responses. Unfortunately I was only home for the holidays so it will be sometime (probably not until next Christmas leave period) before I can further look at my muzzleloader again.

I really appreciate all the info you have all provided.

Very respectfully,

Randy

 

[necchi]

Well, keep on reading, and jump in from time ta time to share.
There's ton's of info here.
And thank's for your service man! :thumbsup:

 

[Martymart]

Thank you for the information. Any idea on the year it was made or how I can find it? I will try to download some pictures as soon as I can.

I have one

 

[Marc50]

Didn’t Bass Pro also sell these as their own brand?

 

[kyron4]

I know Traditions discontinued them a year or so ago. It's basically a CVA/Traditions Frontier with a single trigger and a different trigger guard.