First Rifle

[radio2]

Hi all, I just bought a TC Hawken 50 cal rifle (percusion) made in 1980 and wanted to know what you think about this gun!, I'm new to BP rifles but have had and still do a few BP pistols and cannons Wanted something traditional for my first rifle!

[flathead]

Hello,

The TC Hawken is one of the "best of the best" in its price range. Note it is still being made despite the number of inlines out there. I have a Hawken and Renegade of roughly the same era and some inlines. The TC sidehammers are tough to beat. It is 100% U.S. made. Compare the fit and finish to Spanish jobs. Nuff said. I am a fan. Happy soot burning! Another advantage to the market being flooded with inlines. If you like the Hawken its pretty easy to find a used one at a very good price.

[Will Bison]

Radio;

I have a couple of TC Hawken style rifles and won at least one match. One is .50 and the other .54. I remember one trail walk when I shot 18X18 and came in tied with another shooter. We shot it off on paper and he won by about a sixteenth of an inch.

Good guns and TC (now Smith & Wesson) has a great repair policy.

Have some fun with it.

Bill

[radio2]

Thanks for the replys, Can't wait to get it!

[simonkenton]

I have the same rifle, made in the same year. It really is a classic rifle. Use the .490 round ball and 90 grains of black powder, you will have no trouble killing deer and wild hogs.

[radio2]

What do you use, FF of FFF?

[crow_feather]

Don't forget your lifetime guarantee with that rifle.  As far as what to use, that depends on the rifle.  2f is suggested, but I have always had better accuracy and cleaner bores using 3f goex. I pack my powder hard, until the ramrod bounces when thrown down on the top of the ball.  The maxi hunter works well also, but you know when you have pulled the trigger.  It will stop a hog quickly though.

C F