Thompson Center .45 Caliber Hawken

[belld416]

I was able to get a mid 70's TC Hawken from a friend of mine that was no longer able to use it because of his declining health. Around 10 years ago this was actually the first muzzleloader I had ever shot. He had come over to my range and brought along this very rifle and let me shoot it. I knew then that I enjoyed everything involved in muzzle loading.

This particular Hawken is a tack driver out to 50 yards. My son and myself spent the afternoon getting to know the rifle. One ragged hole, 5 shot groups are easily shot with this rifle. I have shot several custom muzzleloaders and this one will hold it’s ground against any of them in accuracy.

I have heard from a very good source that used to work with Douglas Barrels that the early to mid 70’s TC’s had Douglas barrels or TC barrels machined under supervision of Douglas machinists.

Regardless of the story behind the gun, I’m glad my friend has passed this gun along to me to enjoy for many more years.

 

[Heat]

Oh man, that is a sweet looking gun! Want to get my hands on a 45 someday. Very nice thanks for sharing.

 

[64Springer]

Where's the target picture?

Can't claim one ragged hole five shot groups at 50 yards without a target picture.

In my best Joe Biden. Come on, Man.

 

[ORBushman]

Can't claim one ragged hole five shot groups at 50 yards without a target picture.

 

[deerstalkert]

i have 4-5 Tc Hawkens. .50's and .54's
i also have one in .45
for sheer fun i always grab the .45. mine are all flintlocks. i use the .50's and .54's for hunting. but the 45 is my favorite.

 

[Silent Walker]

Been looking for a .45 cal percussion for my granddaughter.

 

[belld416]

Where's the target picture?

Can't claim one ragged hole five shot groups at 50 yards without a target picture.

In my best Joe Biden. Come on, Man.

I definitely understand lol. The big hole is 1 1/4” OA. That’s 5 shots off sandbags @ 55 yds. I definitely like the rifle.

 

[Urban Coyote]

My first T/C Hawken was a .50 caplock model I purchased in 1976. My favorite T/C Hawken is a .45 caplock I bought used probably 15 years ago, based on serial number likely the same vintage as my original .50, I own a few.

I'm fortunate to own a pretty fair stable of muzzleloaders, many custom. It's taken me years to put this collection together. I must say that my .45 T/C Hawken is near the top of my list when it comes to favorites to shoot.

 

[user 34300]

TCs did shoot well. The barrels were button rifled. That limited the depth of grooves. Shallow grooves made getting a good patch seal easier.

 

[Big Tom 52]

Very nice-looking rifle and great shooting.

 

[jotajota]

I definitely understand lol. The big hole is 1 1/4” OA. That’s 5 shots off sandbags @ 55 yds. I definitely like the rifle.

Great shooting.

 

[Urban Coyote]

I just went through the originating posts photos and I have to say that is one very nice looking T/C Hawken! Like a lot of folks I've has a great deal of exposure to T/C products and the .45 cal. Hawken is about my favorite. Your gun looks well maintained and is in beautiful condition for a used gun regardless of age. I think a little honest wear on these guns makes the look classic. Congratulations again friend, nice gun and even better history.

 

[longcruise]

If all TC Hawken serial numbers were sequential (don't know if they were), then that rifle probably pre dates 1974. I agree with the favorable comments about the TC 45. Mine is very satisfying to shoot.

 

[bigted]

I have a Hawken 54 in TC but also bought a 45 cal barrel for it as a combo gun. Have not fiddled with the 55 barrel so no info on accuracy

The 54 is a green mountain barrel and is a tack driver with 80 grains 2 F powder

 

[sqqy14]

I love my T/C Hawken .45...This one here is an early model because of the pronounced comb and the fluted rear sight.
I took the comb down on mine to make it more comfortable to shoot.

 

[bigted]

I also cut the cheek slapper off mine.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Many of us early ml'ers were kinda (actually, VERY) snobbish regarding the TC, and other factory made rifles when they began getting popular. I had three, a CVA, TC Seneca and TC hawken but would never admit to it. And, in my shop I sold H&A kits and underhammers. But, reality is these rifles helped make the avocation of ml'ing and reenacting popular and what it is today. In my opinion they deserve an honored place in the history of great firearms.