Who makes a nice Hawken kit?

[RocketMan58]

Thinking on my next project after the Kibler SMR. It could very well be a Woods runner but something about a Hawken calls out to me. My first Rifle build ever was a CVA Hawken some 40 years ago but that one got traded off for an outboard motor along the way. I kind of miss it these days. Anyway, my criteria would be:
- I think I'd prefer something in 45 cal but those appear to be pretty rare. I may settle on a 50 even though I have no reals use for the larger caliber.
- I could do percussion of Flint on this one. I'd prefer flint if the lock set is decent quality.
-Looking for decent quality. The kit wouldn't need to be as plug and play as the Kibler but I don't want to start with a log and a tractor axil either

Right now , I'm thinking the Investarm Hawken Gemmer or Santa Fe line might work. Wondering if they are better than the traditions.
I've gotten nothing but good advice here to date so any alternate suggestions and /or experience appreciated.
Dave

 

[Phil Coffins]

Either of those would be better then Traditions!

 

[stubshaft]

Pecatonica River has both full and half-stock Hawkens and Lemans. Not as easy as a Kibler but you don't need a degree to assemble it.

 

[longcruise]

Kibler is in the process of bringing out a Hawken. Start saving up!

The Hawken by design is a pretty heavy gun when it's built pretty much true to form so you might find the 45 to be a heavy piece. The Investarms is a pretty good gun. I've built four of them as Lyman GPRs. They are not a difficult kit but there is always a glitch or two to overcome. The current Investarms seem to have abandoned the walnut which kinda puts me off.

 

[RobertIN]

Kibler is in the process of bringing out a Hawken. Start saving up!

The Hawken by design is a pretty heavy gun when it's built pretty much true to form so you might find the 45 to be a heavy piece. The Investarms is a pretty good gun. I've built four of them as Lyman GPRs. They are not a difficult kit but there is always a glitch or two to overcome. The current Investarms seem to have abandoned the walnut which kinda puts me off.

Has that been confirmed? I know he mentioned that a historical version would be one heavy SOB... On the order of 12-13lb if I recall correctly.

 

[longcruise]

Has that been confirmed? I know he mentioned that a historical version would be one heavy SOB... On the order of 12-13lb if I recall correctly.

He has stated that there will be a Hawken. There was speculation, possibly prompted by Kibler himself, that it would be up next after the colonial but then he did the fowler next instead. Maybe to do with his perception of his market??

I agree, an historically correct gun would be pretty heavy. As much as there is considerable love for the Hawken, I kinda wonder how many prospective buyers want to tote a 12 - 13 lb gun around?

 

[RobertE]

He has stated that there will be a Hawken. There was speculation, possibly prompted by Kibler himself, that it would be up next after the colonial but then he did the fowler next instead. Maybe to do with his perception of his market??

I agree, an historically correct gun would be pretty heavy. As much as there is considerable love for the Hawken, I kinda wonder how many prospective buyers want to tote a 12 - 13 lb gun around?

Over on Ethan’s I Love Muzzleloading web blog, a post was made by Katherine at Kibler’s that the Hawken design is almost finished and will reach production in 2025.
https://www.ilovemuzzleloading.com/blog/kibler-hawken-design-nearly-complete-2025-arrival

 

[RobertIN]

I better start saving my pennies

 

[RocketMan58]

Over on Ethan’s I Love Muzzleloading web blog, a post was made by Katherine at Kibler’s that the Hawken design is almost finished and will reach production in 2025.
https://www.ilovemuzzleloading.com/blog/kibler-hawken-design-nearly-complete-2025-arrival

I'm somewhat new to all this (and particular Kibler) but would love to see it. From a marketing/production standpoint, it seems like a Hawken model would make sense. Likely easier and to produce, uses less materials, less production time. It would also appeal to the everyday hunter that needs a shorter and handier rifle for the brush. That said, hopefully the weight stays under the 10# mark. I don't hunt myself anymore but remember that a heavy gun gets old after a day of carry.
I'll be watching and banking . This would certainly be worth the wait!

 

[reddogge]

The Hawken Shop makes a pretty accurate kit. It's pricey but nice.

 

[RobertIN]

I'm somewhat new to all this (and particular Kibler) but would love to see it. From a marketing/production standpoint, it seems like a Hawken model would make sense. Likely easier and to produce, uses less materials, less production time. It would also appeal to the everyday hunter that needs a shorter and handier rifle for the brush. That said, hopefully the weight stays under the 10# mark. I don't hunt myself anymore but remember that a heavy gun gets old after a day of carry.
I'll be watching and banking . This would certainly be worth the wait!

In one of his "coffee chat" style videos he mentioned the 12-13lb mark being one of the reasons he was hesitant to make one, because he's dedicated to historical accuracy he wouldn't be able to deviate from that too far. That being the case he didn't know if it would be viable specifically because most people don't want to lug a rifle that heavy around. I'm excited to see what he's come up with!

 

[Icemanxxxv]

He has stated that there will be a Hawken. There was speculation, possibly prompted by Kibler himself, that it would be up next after the colonial but then he did the fowler next instead. Maybe to do with his perception of his market??

I agree, an historically correct gun would be pretty heavy. As much as there is considerable love for the Hawken, I kinda wonder how many prospective buyers want to tote a 12 - 13 lb gun around?

Gees my M1 Garand weighs in about 11 lbs. What's one or two extra gonna hurt. Besides it would be a great motivator for getting back in the weight room. I would be in on a Kibler Hawken quicker than fox and a hen house! In fact if there was a waiting list was announced tomorrow I'd put name on the list yesterday!

 

[longcruise]

Over on Ethan’s I Love Muzzleloading web blog, a post was made by Katherine at Kibler’s that the Hawken design is almost finished and will reach production in 2025.
https://www.ilovemuzzleloading.com/blog/kibler-hawken-design-nearly-complete-2025-arrival

I'm excited at the prospect but whether or not I'd be a buyer does come down to the weight. A tapered barrel in 62 cal might be in my range. I already have all the big bores i need but the right thing might have them posted in the classifieds.

 

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Gees my M1 Garand weighs in about 11 lbs. What's one or two extra gonna hurt. Besides it would be a great motivator for getting back in the weight room. I would be in on a Kibler Hawken quicker than fox and a hen house! In fact if there was a waiting list was announced tomorrow I'd put name on the list yesterday!

Put that M1 on a scale, it will be about 9.5#. I just weighed both of mine, 9.5#. Unless of course its a heavy barreled match rifle, which will be heavier.

 

[Icemanxxxv]

Put that M1 on a scale, it will be about 9.5#. I just weighed both of mine, 9.5#. Unless of course its a heavy barreled match rifle, which will be heavier.

Full clip, bayonet, cleaning kit in butt stock, and sling included. It's pertnear 11 pounds

 

[akroguy]

The Traditions St. Louis is pretty mediocre for stock and furniture but the barrel is superb. It's also quite lightweight. If putting balls into the X ring or the kill zone is paramount, it will do the job.

 

[Texcl2]

The hawken is actually a pretty complex build with the hooked breach and all. I hope he makes it historically accurate, folks will buy it heavy or not and if it’s balanced right you won’t even notice it.