Shooting The T/C Hawken Rifle

[@garyh1449]

I had the pleasure of being employed at T/C Arms for 13 years. They took pride in building their firearms.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

So glad you guys built all those great American rifles. Smith & Wesson has pissed me off for the last time. I am so disgusted they bought TC and then ended up destroying it. Selling off the machinery and absorbing the people to finish off their once great careers. I had discovered and wanted a TC Encore Pistol and now I will never be able to get one as I am not rich and the prices are already going up.

[@backwoodscharlie8483]

I agree, they take pride in making their products back in the 90s. I bought a black mountain magnum and a new englander fifty caliber. I hunt with them to this day.

[@garyh1449]

@@backwoodscharlie8483 They even had their own Walnut stock mill & kiln in Kansas. Saw some nice grained stocks over the years.

[@Phuc_Socialist_You_Tube]

​@PatriotPaulUSA Such non-sence. Smith and Wesson bought T/C to make money. PERIOD. Iam sure they saw T/C's product line and thought it would be a great addition because they were not direct competitors. Also, they had to aquire a company with tangible valued assets. After much consideration, it was subsequently determined that liquidation of T/C's assets would assure profitability.....Look at it this way, T/C has been losing money for years. The money received from S&W was T/C's golden parchute. Iam sick of hearing the misinformed bash S&W for far less than the Treason of Bill Ruger.

[@patrickkish2931]

They treated me right I couldn't say my Barrel in then I sent it to them and they sent me a brand new one

[@Strutingeagle]

In 1970 I got back from Nam, and we had a family reunion out at Pappy Muncey's place just off I90 in Wyoming near the black hills. We were drinking beer and throwing horse shoes and what not when we spotted lights coming from the top of devils tower in the distant horizon. We were still sober!!! We noticed the lights moved from Devils Tower toward us and could make out a flying craft of some sort. It got closer and it was a flying saucer shaped craft and landed in the North pasture on Pappy Muncey's property. Pappy ran into the house and brought a Remington model 870 shotgun out with him. I now have that gun by the way. As he came out the door 3 beings broke out of the tree line and ran straight for the craft. Once onboard the craft raised up and left in the blink of an eye. It was so fast you couldn't even tell which direction it went. The interesting part is that since then there have been two movies made which made us wonder what is going on. One movie was Star Wars. The creatures that boarded the craft looked exactly like the Wukie. The other is Encounters Of The Third Kind. We don't think it was coincidence and believe someone else knows of particular instance we witnessed. We made a vow to keep what we saw secret amongst ourselves for fear of being labeled liars and or kooks. Pappy Muncey has passed on decades ago and the family started a bear hunting guide service on Kodiak Island in Alaska. We used to get together there and carry on our yearly family tradition/reunion. Most who were there have passed away now and I am glad to finally get this off my chest. There you have it, I think Pappy Muncey would be proud that word finally got out yet kept secret long enough.

[@troychristianson5377]

Great video! My Dad gave me a TC Hawken .50cal kit in 1976. I built it in wood shop class in high school! Imagine doing that today. I recently gave it to my son. It's his favorite rifle! Still a tack driver after almost 47 years.

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Wow! Love that story. You are right about what is acceptable today.....how times have changed.

[@charlesshepherd9132]

I have a .54 TC Hawken that my dad built from a kit when I was 11-12 years old. I’m now 52. Love that gun. Hope to take a deer with it next year.

[@richardfiedler2201]

I'm 55 & this year I'm using my 54 caliber Thompson center Hawkins. Whitetail with the old smoke pole. Lol. Good luck my friend

[@shawndmiles6747]

I'm now the proud owner of one of the T/C Hawken rifles in 50 cal. It's a kit rifle and who ever put it together did a good job. Best part is I picked it up at a used goods thrift store for $40 😂

[@jackblackpowderprepper4940]

My first blackpowder firearm was the T/C in .54 I bought in 1986. Last summer I fit it with a #3 curly maple stock. It still shoots excellent and I still hunt with it.

[@TomMJH]

Great video covering safety, tips and easy to understand explanation of black powder shooting. Thank you!

[@dustinlauw8511]

Thank you for the awesome video! When I was 12 years old, my father built me a Hawkins kit and introduced me to muzzleloading shooting. I was probably a crappy teenager and lost interest in a couple of years. 50 years old now and am very much wanting to get started again! Again, thanks for the video!

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Glad you enjoyed it. I hope you find success in your endeavor.

[@dennishein2812]

I had a tc hawken back in the 70s. Best gun for shooting offhand I ever had. Loved the double set trigger. I preferred the conical slug, it was very accurate. Great gun.

[@edjett2631]

I've still got mine. Built from a kit. I shoot Lee "REAL" bullets. Need some powder...

[@stevanrose7439]

I built my first 50 tc from a kit and loved that gun. Times got hard and I let it go. Well thirty years later I got the chance to get another one at auction, won’t let this one go.

[@nomadpi1]

Off-hand, wearing glasses, 50 yds(?) - you're thoroughly familiar with the weapon; the pattern on the bullseye was very good. I'm impressed. Being 77 years old, I feel tempted to attempt a black powder hunt with a Hawkins. Thks.

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

I have my good days and bad. It's really more the gun than me, because the sights are really fine on this particular rifle.

[@rayfoster6980]

I built my TC Hawken from a kit 37 years ago. Getting ready to start teaching my grandsons to shoot my muzzle loaders. I’ll have them watch this as well.

[@daleweller5193]

I have a TC that my wife got for me in the 70s. It has the best trigger of any gun I have ever shot.

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

They do indeed have great triggers.

[@jamesholt6032]

I still have my T/C Hawken Caplock as well as two Black Diamond inlines made by Thompson Center ,.i started with a T/C Renegade 54 caliber in 1977....AS well as a 36 caliber Seneca....i enjoy your Videos.. LOOKING FORWARD TO MANY MORE ...THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK IN PREPARING THESE VIDEOS .

[@ChacoteOutdoorRecreation]

Wish videos like this were available in the 1970's, thank you Sir for making it and posting it

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

You are quite welcome, I enjoyed shooting the old rifle so I wanted to share the fun. If you liked this one, check out the deer hunting video I made with the Hawken rifle just last week. You can find it on my channel.

[@thIDthIRreenactor]

@@CumberlandOutdoorsman I have that same rifle u showed in the video I haven't shot it yet is 85 grain good for a 50cal

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

@@thIDthIRreenactor 85 grains of black, or pyrodex is just fine. I have taken many deer using 90 gr. of pyrodex and a 385 gr. Hornady Great Plains bullet. I just harvested a decent 8 point with this load. You can see it on my channel if you're interested.

[@MichaelRobertson-i8f]

I got the 50 cal Thompson Contender Hawkins Rifle in 1972 , it was a kit to be built and made for yourself. I’ve had it my whole life and still admire it hanging over my door. Great Gun !!

[@randallbackhaus4718]

Enjoyed watching while I cleaned my t/c hawken.

[@kyleherber3231]

i just yesterday acquired a thompson/ center arms hawkens 50cal. i traded a modern 12ga for it and thank you for the video. It is my first black powder firearm

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Nice! I hope she shoots very well for you.😊

[@kyleherber3231]

@@CumberlandOutdoorsman i have to buy everything it needs still (powder, balls and possibles bag stuff) but the thing i am looking forward to the most is handing it down to my son in the future.

[@markkilburn112]

Excellent video! Your explanation regarding the safe way to load and handle these is spot on!. Thank You!

[@robertwright6146]

Best BP video I have seen on KZbin! Well done!

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Thanks for the compliment. Sharing videos like this one is why I enjoy doing it so much. The camaraderie we all share in the outdoors as hunters and fishermen is something the rest of society is missing out on and totally unaware of.

[@GoldenClays1]

You're not only a very good shot, but very knowledgeable. Thanks for posting this superb video

[@backwoodscharlie8483]

I really enjoyed your video and a little bit of history You included. I hunt with a Thompson center. New Englander 50 cal. sidelock I love it.

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

That's another legendary gun. My brother once had one, but it got stolen out of his truck one day.

[@walterscott7227]

No one ever mentions the Browning mountain rifle .50 cal. I bought one when they first came out. It has out shot most other muzzle loader it has shot against. They were more expensive than many others but I like quality. I now use Barnes spitfire TMZ bullets 250 gr. for whitetail deer. Extremely accurate.

[@Roy-tp2iy]

Shoot lead your cheating

[@johnstahl5699]

Great shooting. Nice tip on shaking the primers to get them upright in the capper. And your TC Hawken is the most beautiful example I’ve seen.

[@GenX-Grampa]

You left out Davey Crocket! An American Hero from right here in Lawrence County! Our U.S. Congressman! A great Tennessean!

[@railroader8728]

Great video. I have a TC Hawken that was a gift from my late uncle. It’s a priceless to me. I have taken many deer with it also. Thanks for bring back many great memories.

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Thanks for the compliment and for watching. Take Care.

[@prsearls]

Good video. I have one of these, purchased in the early 1970's. I haven't shot it for years. Inspected and cleaned it yesterday; bore is still in excellent condition. My caps are almost 50 years old so they may not be reliable. Have the .490 balls, .50 minie balls and T/C slugs plus their molds. May cast some slugs and lube them with SPG. Been shooting black powder 45/70 in an 1874 Sharps replica with 500 grain Government bullet. Lots of fun and a real kick, literally. The T/C Hawken is fine, good-looking rifle. They are really accurate (better than me). The slower pace of reloading and shooting is very relaxing. Love all that white smoke!

[@davidbobin3699]

Thanks !! great video .. very usefull for beginer .. regards from France

[@Flammable281]

I have one of the TC 50 cal Hawkins I built from a kit as well. Got if for Christmas back in early 80s. I browned my barrel. Very accurate with either round ball or mini.

[@marshallholstine3616]

i own several TC sidelocks. like them all. great video. keep it up.

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

That's great! I will be making more black powder videos as soon as the weather cools down a bit, so keep watching. Thanks for your encouragement.

[@thedeerhunter4407]

been doing this for a long time myself.all good stuff here.well done.

[@unosom]

Nice video - best regards from a Hawken shooter in Norway :-)

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Thanks for your support. I would love to hunt in Northern Europe, or anywhere in Europe for that fact. Red deer and Roe deer would be my choice of game. Best Wishes from Tennessee.

[@oldad6207]

I built my T/C Hawken in 1982. Love shooting and hunting with it. It's a .54 caliber. BTW, from just up the road in western West Virginia.

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Nice to see that you still have it. I'm sure it's a fine shooter. Thanks for watching.

[@bigbore4498]

I have many rifles. From 375H&H safari rifles, to civil war muskets and most variants in between. My go to deer hunting rifle for many years has been a 1970’s Marlin 1894 44 mag. Most shots are quite close. Last year I got an awesome deal on an original T/C Hawken and Pedersoli Kentucky rifle. Both 50 cal. Only use holy black and patched round balls. Took a nice little 8 point with the Hawken. I have a feeling my 44 may be retired for awhile. It’s so much fun.

[@marcogram1216]

I wish I could double upvote. Very nice video.

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Thanks for the support. I appreciate it.

[@davidlewis9572]

I’ve hunted with rifle , pistol n bows ,compound n traditional. Just started black powder. Own a Hawkin 50 and a Pedersoli 58 double . Real rookie I appreciate all your info and safety tips . Windage n elevation...

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Glad I could help. Best of luck with your black powder rifle.

[@darrellmartin9803]

Excellent video. Couldn't quit without completing. Good info. Well done. Thank you.

[@carveyhoffman6516]

Bought mine from Fox Ridge outfitters about 18 years ago. It's a .58 caliber and a deer hammer for sure. Love mine.

[@lazystar1969]

Excellent , informative video. Thank you!

[@MTwoodsrunner]

Nice Shoot'n amigo!...that Squatch story always creeps me out just a mite! My brother n law used to build them Barrels over in Rochester Cowhampshire many years ago...thats a looker that one!...woods

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

I wanted to add something a bit different to the video, so I included the story from President Roosevelt. Thanks for the comment, and watching.

[@johnduffant9694]

Thanks for sharing your time, your Rifle looks in amazing condition.

[@anthonylawlor9130]

I lost my dog back in 1968 from Yete in Washington State. I never go in the woods without my Hawken from that sad day.

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

I don't blame you for taking along some serious hardware in areas like that. Sorry to hear about your dog.

[@davidplayz7323]

2 years ago I went to a small gun shop. Back yard business one in business for 25 years and he had taken in the morning a T/C 50 cal. Hawker! I ask and walked out the door for $200 dollars! 5 days later I was diagnosed with rectal cancer after treatment and a clean bill of health I still have not shot it yet! I always wanted one since I first saw one it 1970’s got mine at 67 years old! Can’t wait to shoot it as soon as I can find some cap that I can afford!

[@guildig1]

I know this video has been out a while but. I inherited a 50 cal T/C Renegade and a Cal54 T/C muzzleloaders. I love them they are both percussion cap and never failed to shoot for me. I am looking into a flintlock for me and my youngest. The one for me is just to have and if SHTF for survival. The one for my son for now is just because he loves American history.

[@shannonludwick5738]

Awesome presentation I've shot muzzleloader for 40 years awesome thank you

[@Emery98]

Great history lesson. Thank you. Very enjoyable to watch.

[@jacob2733]

The stain on the rifle is gorgeous

[@robertgedritis5790]

Bought a .50 cal. T/C Hawkins when I was about 20 years old. I m 64 now. It's the only deer rifle I've ever owned. At first I had a few learing experiences, but that traditional gun adds to the fun. And, yes it dose work

[@JamieMG]

You can’t have enough TC Hawken sidelock’s IMO. I like the terminal ballistic treasure hunts when I shoot mine. My favourite was the TC Big Boar .58 with factory TC Maxi-Hunters. Such a SMACK on the metal gong!! Great video. Thanks for sharing. Stay healthy stay safe!

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Glad you liked the video, and I appreciate sharing your insight on black powder shooting. Thanks for watching.

[@karlschulte9231]

Have this same rifle. Shoots very well. For a while used BP traditional and semi modern style ( shape close but with plastic and fiberglass stocks) were in gun shops and pawn shops for under $100. Have 2 for sons. Nice Hawhken style like this for $150 tops. This was after inlines came out. Now way up in $. PLUS CAPS ARE IN SHORT SUPPLY. Makes flint look good as cap lock with no caps means no BOOM! Like your vids btw. Sadly left 16 acre wooded valley set in middle of hundreds of acres of woods in Jeff City, MO. Now in gulf coast FL retired to make wife happy. Nowhere to shoot BP. Too built up and only indoor shooting range, no BP allowed. Miss the fun.

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

Great fun, I really enjoyed this video and I Thank You Kindly! 50 cal. Hawkins are amazing guns and represent so much history. Your instructions and information are very good indeed! Thanks Again, Many Blessings and Merry Christmas! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

I'm sorry about the video being so long and drawn out, so I really appreciate your positive feedback. I should make another video featuring my traditional muzzleloaders, but without all the boring content. Happy Holidays to You, and Yours.

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

@@CumberlandOutdoorsman I enjoyed the whole video so not to worry. I’ll see you in the next one and Kind Thanks! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@Jonobueno]

Great Informative vid. My Dad is into these rifles and now it may look like i need one too!!

[@davebittle9856]

Today I just picked up a T/C 50 cal, to be used for deer. Enjoyed watching your video

[@dadmezz4024]

Great informational video. Thank you from a Muzzle load want to be. Love the slowed down patience, mechanics, skill and detail of it all. You are matched to the wonder of it all.

[@RideorDieDietoRide]

I've always hunted with the Italian made .54 cal Hawken that my Dad bought for me back in the day. Awesome firearm !

[@johnmorse4560]

This video was very informative and well done. Thank you.

[@kreggeason494]

Very informative and good demonstration of proper loading I always enjoy these videos and learn a lot .

[@msharmony2001]

Great video. I am getting my Hawken this month.

[@galenmullenax4039]

Excellent presentation Sir!! Thank you so much for this information that I will definitely use for my CVA Hawken 50 caliber. And as always...Keep your powder dry.

[@Nick-wn1xw]

It was a great gun. Driven to extinction by the “modern” muzzleloader folks who couldn’t care less about tradition and just want to hunt in the muzzleloader seasons without putting in much effort.

[@steveg8322]

Truth,well said.

[@kylew398]

Just got a Renegade. Your video was very helpful. I need a few more accessories and then I will be shooting.

[@deanvarelas5311]

Nice Video. Enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@larryoliversr.4141]

Still have a TC renegade in 50 caliber it has never failed love to shoot it .

[@michaelfunk5951]

I enjoyed your video. I do hunt a lot with bp and substitutes. I also use what you have foe bullets and the maxi ball. I have 4 Renegades, a TC Pennsylvannia Flintlock, an Apollo by CVA, an Omega, and two Hawken Cougar Renegades. Love ‘em. Oh yeah got a Caplock shotgun on lay away to go get. I use the White Hot pellets in the inline Omega and three pellets. Shame I cant post pics on here. Thank you for a great presentation. I’d have more muzzleloaders but keep giving them to folks and now they’re bp fans too. One young lady on her first harvest got a buck and a doe with one shot....imagine that!

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Thanks for the compliments. I also have a T/C Omega, and a T/C Renegade. I should really make another BP video since so many folks enjoyed this one. Check out my other video where I harvest a nice buck with the T/C Hawken.

[@Nick-wn1xw]

When did TC make a Pennsylvania flintlock? Never saw that.

[@scottstubbs9913]

I'll say it again Great Video. Makes me want to get out my TC Hawken and shoot it. I need to try those great plains bullets. I've always shot Hornady swaged round balls. I bet Jim Bridger wished he had those great plains bullets.lol

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Traditional black powder rifles just have a special magic to them. I think you would agree, there is a certain pride of ownership in regards to these guns. Thanks for your support.

[@scottstubbs9913]

@@CumberlandOutdoorsman yes definitely pride in ownership.

[@dennisyarbrough7284]

Loved the video

[@russclark5150]

My favorite Sasquatch story from pre 1900.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

These were prettier than the originals as he said they didnt have all the brass . I think it makes these look much nicer. I may try to get a Lyman someday as I have been around St Louis area all but 4 yrs of my life. The oldest business in St louis is from 1839 is still here. A German immigrant Nickolas Schaeffer started out making soaps and candles and quickly got into grease for all the wagon axles going westward. They are still making some of the best grease and engine oils in the world here in St Louis. Schaeffer's Synthetic Motor oil is what I have in my vehicles for many years.Its on Amazon now too. I hate seeing these old companies go down. There was also a Airgun company Benjamin Air rifles originally the "St Louis Air Rifle company" started in 1899 by Walter Benjamin. They long ago moved away after being sold off but are still made somewhere.

[@lorenray9479]

Fun and informative. Thankyou good buddy!

[@bowiebowie3624]

One thing about it is hitting that Sasquatch right underneath the armpit is a hell of a good shot because you got the heart and lung and everything and that soft tissue is nothing but flesh and you just ripped him completely a new head right off his shoulders and he'll bleed to death right there because you got your heart and lung and everything right there and and you just basically cut him in half

[@jboogie1764]

Good shooting you’re like a surgeon with that thing . I just purchase a cva wolf 50 cal it’s my first muzzleloader can’t wait to go hunting anyways I really enjoyed the video especially the story about teddy Roosevelt very interesting . Just subscribed looking forward to more of your videos

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

I have a few more rimfire videos coming soon. Then I'll be concentrating on some fishing and hiking, but the muzzleloading vids will be following close behind. Thanks for watching and your support.

[@scottdanbrook6549]

Awesome video lots of good information. Thank you

[@Sparkeycarp]

Like your hat. I just joined a Charcoal burner club and went to my first Black powder shoot.

[@RBTrujillo1]

I so much appreciate your video! I bought a traditions Hawken 50 cal, yes, I know it's not the best, but I'd love to aquire a much better Hawken! Im a new subscriber and really loved this video to include the BF story ( I feel I had an encounter myself)! I will be watching your channel! Thank you!

[@jamescooper2618]

Check the gun dealers around your area. Used T/C Hawkens come available once in awhile. Another would be the Lyman Great Plains Rifle, one of which I have and it is very good.

[@RBTrujillo1]

@@jamescooper2618 thank you! Will do!

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Thanks for watching, and best of luck with your new black powder rifle, Traditions makes a nice gun. I hope it serves you well.

[@Bizones16]

When I was 14, a friends dad (whose hobby was building black powder guns) gave me a T/C Hawkins .50 cal. I'm 60 now and still enjoy shooting the gun. I stay proficient with it by keeping the wild boar population down on friends farms. I've had many offers to purchase the rifle from me since, they are no longer be manufactured. My understanding is that manufacture of the gun ended in the 1970's

[@jacekbak2484]

Thanks for you.

[@bennettguns3809]

I'm on my second T/C Hawkin but, bought one of their molds for the Mini ball bullets when I got my first. The one I have now is also a "K" built from a kit.

[@rickyburton4642]

That was a really good video! Thank you ! 👍👍😎

[@Cooperman8328]

Great video, I enjoyed this very much and love those chocolate horns those bucks in your area produce!

[@garywhelansr5602]

Very true smoke poles are fun but safety is number 1 always

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Absolutely!

[@blackpowderfirearmenthusia3194]

I use the same Hornady Great Plains 385 grain in my Traditions Hawken Woodsman. They are great

[@Nick-wn1xw]

I’m looking at one of those. Do you like yours?

[@bullseyedixon5660]

great video SIR

[@DaleRaby]

I have several T/C guns, including at least two Hawkens... a .50 and a .45. I also own a Cherokee in .32, a Senecca in .36, a couple of Renegades in .50 & .54. My .50 caliber White Mountain Carbine is a nice handy rifle and the Renegade flintlock is quite another kind of shooting. OH, and I have an Identical Paragon grey felt hat. Back in the day, I used to tell people who bought guns from the black powder corner of the store where I worked that therre was Thompson/Center and then there was everyone else... the obvious implication being that T/C was the one you wanted if you could afford it. Austin & Halleck started making guns about the time that the traditional side hammer guns were starting to decline. I never saw one of their Mountain Rifles, but their maple-stocked Model 420 guns were really pretty awesome.... if you could get past the fact that it was really a modern gun. I never owned an A&H, though I sold a fair number of them. Time to visit gunbroker I guess. Never saw a sasquatch or any other cryptid, but I did encounter an animal I didn't recognize down in Arkansas. To this day I don't know what it was. It growled at me and it had killed a few chickens. Emptiied a Colt Frontier Scout at it, but in the morning I found nothing, no blood, no tracks, nothing. In retrospect, I should have borrowed my father's shotgun. There are still things out in untrammeled places that we don't know anything about. I am both heartened and terrified that this is true. Yes, I am paraphrasing Ambassador G'Kar.

[@Roy-tp2iy]

Just traded a a&h 420 for a h&a underwater ill never look back now I mite cut up my n.i.b 32 cal system one for its barrel and lumber.

[@Andy-Gibb]

Awesome work well done. Please Keep making content like this.

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I have a cva hawkin. It was my go to muzzle loader hunting rifle for 20 years. Till I got the 1851. I take bow and 1851 out deer hunting now during gun season and muzzle loader here. I use Swiss or Triple 7's. I roll paper cartridges too. Easier to load. Can hold gun towards ground and not loose powder. I use lead or brass balls. Conical bullets do shoot better in pistol than the rifle. Modern muzzle loaders are made to shoot sabots and conical bullets. I also have a cva optima pistol.

[@andygamble6233]

great video, great shooting too!!!

[@joetruth5924]

TC made a great gun.Bought one in 1979 and I still hunt with it. All my friends have gone to scoped in-lines. Every black powder season I tell them they are cheating. I can break clay birds on hangers with it free hand at 100 yards. Went to a local gun shop to buy some 4F powder. The owner must have had ten of them stacked in a corner. Told me they were ones traded in for in-lines. Kind of sad. I still think about going back to buy one or two cheap to restore. I did add fiber optic sights to help my old eyes. Also converted the nipple to one that uses musket caps. Easier to handle in cold weather.

[@Nick-wn1xw]

The main reason for the larger calibers used in the Hawken style rifle was that it was a way to get more power out of a shorter barrel. The long rifles of the east had plenty of power but were not practical for carrying on horseback. They also weren’t all just .32 or .36 caliber, the average was .40. The east had bison and elk and they dropped to the long rifle just fine. It wasn’t a power issue. Boone wrote of the herds of bison in Kentucky being more numerous than cattle. Bringing elk back to eastern states is just restoring what used to be here in abundance

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Here in Tennessee the TWRA has stocked elk in eastern counties. Apparently there are now enough elk there to allow a limited amount of hunters each year. I am not sure of when eastern bison and elk were extirpated, but at least there is an effort to restore them in certain areas. I don't think they are of the same sub-species, (both elk or bison). I forgot to mention the fact that the Hawken brothers made their rifles shorter with larger caliber selections, but I still stand by my original statement that the trappers and hunters traveling westward of that time wanted a larger caliber for a number of reasons, but especially for the added punch they offered. A 50 or 54 caliber definately has more foot pounds of energy than say a 36 caliber not only because of it's greater frontal area, but also because of heavier projectiles driven by heavier powder charges. I think it was a direct response to the threat posed by the grizzly bear. Thanks for your input.

[@Nick-wn1xw]

@@CumberlandOutdoorsman agreed about the punch all things being equal but if you look at the European Jäger rifles they were larger caliber as well with the shorter barrels. As the American long rifle evolved from that they were able to reduce the bore size with the velocity gained from the longer barrel. You are right about the sub-species but they weren’t smaller. There are now elk back in W. Virginia and PA as well. Maybe more. Good to see. I know Kentucky had sizable herds of bison.They ranged as far east as New York and down into GA. Also not sure when they were wiped out. They kept getting pushed west.

[@grandpatim8352]

Great video. Good information. Thanks.

[@ramoutdoors6415]

So dont use a patch with the conical bullets? Great vid!! I have a tc hawken 54cal made in the 70's. Lots of good info in this vid, thanks for doin it!! Richard from Kansas;)

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

That's correct. The sealing rings on a conical bullet are what contain the gasses pushing the bullet. The base also expands outward to engage the rifling as it travels down the barrel. Thanks for the support.

[@clayhaddon3968]

This was a excellent video thank you

[@seeknknowthetruth]

Awesome! I have a CVA 50 cal Hawken. I have yet to take a deer with mines. I love shooting it! Here in Hawaii, we have to use pyrodex. They won't ship black powder here. Be well my friend.

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

I once had a CVA, it was a good shooter. Thanks for the kind words.Take care.

[@glenrust6319]

I have a tc HAWKEN from the seventies love it many deer didn't care for it,also a 54cal White mountain carbine, and a Lyman great plains flint lock thanx for the video enjoyed

[@orocketman]

Very good video, thanks

[@shawnhulke7385]

Had a renegade years ago and like a dumb ass traded it off on something else. I put in two toilets for a friend who said I’ll pay you 100 dollars or I got this old muzzle loader and it happened to be a Thomson center 50 cal. Well it was a no brainer which pay I chose. Beautiful rifle, shoots straight, and I love it and will have it till I die.

[@pop4725]

Great video helped me out .

[@jamesholt6032]

I would like to see a segment in a blackpowder video of weighing a lyman great plains conical before shooting and weighing again once retrieved from a water jug test..to see how much weight retention

[@petebentley3156]

I'm 62 years old and a farmer that has lived in Virginia all my life.and besides farming I also have a big lawn mowing business,and I'm a very big gun nut to plus bow and crossbows.so just the other day I got a guy that stopped me and asks to come look at his lawn and tell him if I could mow it for him.i said ok and later that day I drove to his house and give him a price,but while there I saw that he had some targets set up in his back yard that he said he loved to take his rifles and shoot at on occasion.so he took me in to show me his,gun collection.and it was really nice,but he had 2 Thompson center hawken rifles.1 in 45 and the other in 50 calber,and they had never been fired not even once.so I ask him would he be willing to sell a one to me because I did not have one and always wanted one really bad made by Thompson center and it would be great made by Thompson center now.so he told yes for 600 dollars,but I told that 600 dollar was pretty high for one of those guns.then he said that he was talking about both guns,that's when I almost pooped in myself but time.now I'm a proud owner of a Thompson center hawken in 45 and 50 caliber.except for a fue things I can not find any 45 or 50 round lead balls to use to shoot in my beautiful guns or no loose power now.i want to use them this fall on my farm the original was with round ball and power.right now I fill like I have million dollar with my hawken,but no place to spend it at!?

[@doranmaxwell1755]

Just built a Hawkin 50 Kit.. lots of fun.

[@dennisyarbrough7284]

Back in the day I use to have a 50 caliber but it was made by hawes. But it was old timey that's why I bought it

[@delwarne3493]

You are a great stot!!!

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

Thanks. Some days I get lucky.

[@craigcook1571]

Enjoyed the video!