Opinions on kits needed please

[Bloodnativ]

Hi all. I'm obviously new to the forum and also new to BP. I have to build a BP gun as a project in gunsmithing school. I'm definitely building a rifle because it's a great excuse to get another hunting rifle past the wife.   I've narrowed my choices down to two kits. The Dixie Hawken Kit and the Lyman GPR Kit, both in .54. I'm leaning toward the Dixie Hawken kit due to the shorter barrel and faster twist. Some of the areas I hunt are VERY thick and I'm concerned that the longer barrel of the GPR will be a hinderance. Also, it should (if my research thus far is correct) allow me to shoot conicals better than the GPR (though I plan to shoot mostly PRB). Is there any fact to these?
 
Also, I know that many have built the GPR kit with great results but I can't find any opinions on the Dixie Hawken. Does anyone have any experience with it? I'll have to order soon so I'll have time to finish it by the end of this semester and I'm eager to hear what you all have to say. Thank you.

[necchi]

   Your green alright,,
 
 Without getting into the age olde discussions about what's best, because it's really a matter of opinion, needs and experiance, I actually think you'll "learn" more with the Dixie kit. If I was the instructor the first thing I'd have you do is re-shape the buttstock to Historic dimentions then re-inlet the patch box and butt plate. With either one ALOT of wood needs too come off to actually get the right shapes, they leave the stocks bulky from the factory and nothing looks worse than someone that simply sands the wood down then slaps stain and varnish on'm. I'd have'm solder the rail and fully dis-assemble, polish and fit the lock and trigger parts, (from a paper bag full of loose parts), then add a side plate and ramrod entry pipe.
 
 If you want a gun that's shorter that's the one. If you want one thats actually more like a Hawken and capable of being shaped more historicaly like a Hawken the GPR is the one to go for.
 The GPR is a fine gun and will come highly recomended by many. The need for conicals is in and of itself a rookie desire unless your going for Elk or Moose. 1-48 twists are faster and will shoot conicals better, but the Round ball is more than enough for Deer/BlackBear size game. The 1-48 can shoot ball well also, it's just a matter of working up a proper load.

[bagdadjoe]

Maybe the fact you haven't heard anything about the Dixie Hawken is, in itself, a comment.
I love my GPR.  It's accurate, balances great and looks pretty durn nifty!  If you want a fast twist, the GPR Hunter has that.  Here's a flinter GPR Hunter barrel for the outrageous price of $139!!!  http://www.hunterselite.com/black-powder/Lyman-Muzzleloaders/Lyman-Great-Plains-Hunter-Barrels-1-In-32-Twist-54-Cal-Flint-Rh-011516611093.htm
 
Better hurry, these boys eat barrels for breakfast!

[necchi]

Maybe the fact you haven't heard anything about the Dixie Hawken is, in itself, a comment.

Good point, I looked at Dixies gun and was surprised to see a snail breech plug instead of the typical Spanish import barrel w/drum.
 I always thought they where justa CVA/Traditions knock off, I wonder who does make the kit ? I'll ask around.

[keith44]

Having hunted with a .54 "Hawken" wanna be rifle for 15+ years (the same one) as well as seeing a video and still pictures of Sam Fadala shooting a charging buffalo with a .54 cal patched round ball I can see no reason for anything else, unless you just want more insurance for less than ideal shots.

[Swampman]

I wonder who does make the kit ? I'll ask around.

I believe they are made in Itay by the same company that makes the Lymans.

[lakota]

The Dixie hawken looks identical to the Cabelas Hawken from what I can see. My buddy had a Cabelas Hawken he built from a kit and it was an Investarms. It had a gorgeous stock and it was a good shooter.

[necchi]

Yeah I just got the low down on that,
 The Dixie guns are made by Investarms, the same folks that make Lyman, and Cabelas and of course Investarms.
 So it's a horse apiece for the mechanics and internals. It's just up to Bloodnativ to make his choice. Experiance tells me the GPR but if he wants shorter sobeit.
 The Investarms Hawkin model in any name are still good shooters, 

[Bloodnativ]

Thank you to everyone that has replied. I have indeed decided to go with the GPR. I do want something that looks and works as traditional as possible. After talking with my instructors, including the director of the gunsmithing program who is a plethora of black powder knowledge, and doing more reasearch, I decided the GPR would do everything I will likely ever need and look more proper doing it. If I ever need more then I'll deal with it at that time. I have until May to complete it and I have 2 other project that have to be completed for grade between now and then as well. I'll try to keep everyone posted on the progress and hopefully including pictures along the way. Thanks again everyone.

[keith44]

You've made an excellent choice.  Yes please do share the progress and post pictures
 

[Swampman]

You'll like the GPR.