You said "best" so I'm going to assume that means an accurate replication of a Hawken and not the ones called a Hawken that really do not look like one in most respects.
In my opinion, for a Production gun, the Pedersoli Rocky Mountain Hawken is the "best" one out there, and perhaps the only true production replica out there. I have had one for years in 54 caliber, which has a 1-65 twist barrel. Mine shoots a patched round ball OR a Hornady GP conical very accurately.
The stocks on these are generally a very good quality maple with significant curl. Color case hardened hardware on these is absolutely beautiful. The 34" barrel is rust browned.
The triggers on mine are superb. Since I'm in cold weather and don't like to use the set trigger with gloves on, I'm very pleased that the front trigger alone has about a 3 1/2 pound pull. Do not confuse the triggers on these with the ones on the lower-cost Pedersoli's that pull about 10+ pounds and virtually require the use of a set trigger.
These are pricey compared to the "plains rifles" offered by others. If you shop around and are patient, you can find them for $1000 new on sale at times. If you're a Cabela's club member and have points you can get them there and use points to reduce the cost.
TC's, GPR, etc will certainly shoot accurately and are good guns. But you said
"THE BEST" so in my opinion, this is THE BEST.
I'm attaching links to Pedersoli and Cabela's for your viewing enjoyment! :grin:
http://www.davide-pedersoli.com/sc...ifles-hawken-rocky-mountain-hawken-maple.html
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Pedersoli-Rocky-Mountain-Hawken-Rifle/706019.uts
Look at the customer ratings on Cabela's. How many products have a 4.9 out of 5 stars rating?! That's with 29 reviewers. I think that speaks to the quality of this fine firearm.