Thompson Center Hawken Rifle

This is my video retrospective on the T/C Hawken

[@TheSirRip]

I too coveted a T/C in any caliber back in the late 70's and early 80's, also way out of my budget at the time. Recently a very nice widow lady/client gifted me her late husband's .54 T/C Hawken. Even with my diminished eyesight it grouped about 5' @ 100yd, with 300gr. Maxiball(the smallest conical it can use). Extremely forgiving rifle, shot 90Gr-120'Gr and grouping remained consistant at 100yds, only a bit higher, not a dramatic amount overall. The 110-120Gr shots were only about the width of the average group, above the 90-100Gr shots. The stocked was cracked horizontally threw the entire hammer assembly well, I have totally repaired that, its now stronger in that area than it was born to be. Now I just need a worthy escuse to use it a lot. Thanks for the video...

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome. I’m glad you have that fine rifle. I would say the only excuse necessary is an available target!

[@TheSirRip]

@@hrfunk LOL, that is my point. I no longer live anywere that I can conviently shoot from my porch anymore. Driving 1/2hr and $15 to punch paper is not a particularly worthy target, imo. And untill elephants or rhinos start terrorizing my neighborhood, I am totally over gunned for anything local. But dang, if I aint well covered when they finally do...

[@mattlang8603]

Thanks for explaining things as you go along and your thinking. Thanks for sharing.

[@hrfunk]

Matt Lang You're Welcome.

[@allangillis9159]

Thank you for this! You clearly work hard on making a good presentation and sharing your enthusiasm for the TC Hawken rifle. I just got my .50 cal and I love it!

[@hrfunk]

Good for you! I’ve love the T/C Hawken since I was a kid. This video is one of my personal favorites. Thanks for watching!

[@Prairie7777]

I enjoyed your video very much. Informative and entertaining. I'm just starting to shoot muzzle loaders. I'll be hunting this fall with a new in-line I just purchased and I also recently acquired a .54 cal TC Hawken that I'll be taking to the range this morning and firing for the first time. I appreciate how you explained the different steps in the loading and shooting of these types of rifles. Good video and thank you!

[@hrfunk]

Thank you for the comment! I'm glad the video was helpful, and I hope you enjoy shooting your new rifle!

[@PaulRevere2009]

Great Video. I have a 50 cal. T/C Hawken. I bought it back in 1985 and have taken many whitetail deer with it over the years. I recently put a skinner peep sight on it, I find it easier to get a good sight picture with it now that my eyes are getting older. thanks for posting.

[@hrfunk]

Thanks for the comment. I'm planning on taking mine hunting in the morning. Wish me luck. Take care.

[@neilmatranga3017]

Great informative video. I inherited a 45 cal Thompson Center Hawken. Brand new never been fired. It's been on my mantle for the past 12 years. I'm planning to take it hog hunting in a few months, your video answered a lot of questions for me. I'll be taking it to the range, getting comfortable with it, and hopefully bringing home some meat. Thanks again!

[@hrfunk]

You're welcome. I'm glad you're going to use that fine rifle!

[@straightpipec6099]

Really nice video! There are a lot of videos about this gun, but this is among the best. Thanks for sharing. Nice shooting iron by the way!

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@markbrown9546]

That's a work of art. Beautiful.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you! I agree.

[@jamesgibson3557]

Awesome video. Love my TC 50. Really enjoyed listening to your knowledge on this weapon.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked the video.

[@gunner5125]

Really well done video. Informative, to the point, and very easy to follow your manner of presentation. That I liked best. Reminds me of my days as a Combat Arms Instructor with the USAF!

[@hrfunk]

Thank you! My earliest instructing was during my days in the Marine Corps. I'm glad you liked the video!

[@joeabaker57]

Loved the video, in the earl-mid 70's we couldn't afford the assembled rifles, but dad was a machinist, and I was gifted with an ability to work wood, so he bought TC Hawken kits for my brother and I , and a Renegade kit for himself, ours were .50 cals, his Renegade was a .54. when he died 5 years ago, his Renegade went to my Nephew, I always liked it more than the Hawken, because of the blued furniture, the partridge sights, and the shorter bbl, although the Hawken was also just awesomely accurate, ( I once took the head off of a squirrel at 75 yds) early on,( our deer being on the smallish side here in the mountains,) I settled on a patched round ball load of 75 grs fffg. it puts em down in a hurry, and is very accurate. From your memories of the 70's, and the silver flat top ( that I have too, have for many years, the chief used to tell them to leave me alone, he had the only gunny sgt in the Navy lol) I'm assuming we have a lot in common :-)

[@hrfunk]

It sure sounds like it. Thanks for a great comment!

[@roberttolley5055]

I always come back to this video!

[@hrfunk]

Thank you! I’m glad you like it!

[@antz6130]

Great 👍🏼 video and info thanks I bought a used .54 cal TC Renegade for a deer hunt this year and got hooked! Now I have another used TC Renegade.50 and recently picked up a used .54 cal TC Hawken Gonna shoot it for the first time tomorrow can’t wait They were great finds, great shape and very responsible priced God bless 👍🏼

[@hrfunk]

Thank you! Enjoy those find rifles!

[@rjswinder8098]

this is the first time i actually watched a video that a guy knew what he was talking about and did a good job of explaining things ,, you are really good , you should do more work in this field ,, you kind of remind me of the Duelist ,,, and hes the top notch of the black powder world , and that rifle is absolutely beautiful ,, i have always had a major fascination with Hawken rifles and own a few ,, and everything you have said has been right on point ,, thank you for the review ,, i also grew up in the 70's and remember these timeless pieces of firearms history

[@hrfunk]

Ronald Swinder Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad you like the video. Hawkins are truly timeless rifles. Enjoy yours!

[@conradbenedict827]

Great video I’ve been a fan and owner of the tc hawked rifle since the early eighties they are great rifles .

[@hrfunk]

I agree! Thanks for watching!

[@jim778]

Have had one since about 1977. The best trigger set and I lone mine too. Have taken whitetail, Mule deer and black bear with mine. Its been a solid rifle from the day I bought up until today. It was a .45 when I bought it but before going on a bear hunt way back when I bought a .50 Cal. barrel and have used that ever since. Now you have me wanting to get mine out again and go shooting LOL... I really liked your video, Thanks.

[@hrfunk]

You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it! You have a fine rifle, and you really should take it out for some exercise.

[@BlueAsh-MilitaryAviation]

I love the comment "It's like hunting with your great great grandfather." Great video. Thanks for posting. I came looking for videos because a friend just gave me a Thompson Center Arms "Renegade" that's been in his garage for who knows how long. It has some rust and is missing its hammer and nipple, so it is a great project piece for me. Added bonus for me, it's left handed!! I can't wait to get it in shape and out on the range.

[@hrfunk]

Good luck! I hope it turns out great.

[@johnpirowski8683]

thank you this vids gonna help me to get started on load amounts .i just picked up hawken woodsmen same barrel twist 1.48 looking forward to deer hunt next yr !!.great info ..J.P

[@hrfunk]

John Pirowski Thank you. Have fun with your new rifle! Let me know what you think of it after you do some shooting.

[@cory8791]

Great vid!!! Thanks for posting!!!!

[@garyhammond2213]

My friend worked at TC and knew Warren Center personally. I did a tour one time, but I can't remember if my friend set that up. Probably 60 years ago. What amazed me was how they put the finish on the stocks. The room was electrically charged and the finish they sprayed into the room flew onto the stock. I was impressed!

[@hrfunk]

When discussing a Hawken style muzzle-loading rifle, it seems redundant to say “they don’t build ‘em like that any more.” On the other hand, when the topic of discussion is a T/C from the pre-S&W era, that statement definitely applies.

[@phillmiller1198]

Very informative video, thanks for the work you put in. I just purchased the same rifle and am getting familiar with it, I would like to see your procedure for cleaning the barrel between shots.

[@user-kk3dq3xw9g]

My mom bought me a TC Hawken 50 cal in kit form for Christmas back in the early 80s I think she paid around 300 bucks for it. I browned the barrel and stained the stock a nice walnut color. It's very accurate and I still have this gun.

[@hrfunk]

Flammable 281 that's a cool story and a great rifle. I'm glad you still have it!

[@user-kk3dq3xw9g]

hrfunk Thank you. I think I will die with this gun as well as all my other arms lol.

[@rachetCD]

I have a traditions Kentucky rifle kit I finished Well just have to oil the stock but it's usable now

[@philliplong7873]

Still got mine. Always shoots straight, kill deer every year with it.

[@philliplong7873]

@@jamierodg1, Bad News. SomehowI bent my front sight on my T/C renegade this deer season. Do you know how to remove the old dovetail sight and replace it? Just gently clamp it, and tap it out of the dovetail? Maybe heating it? Any advice would be appreciated. I've got until next deer season to remedy my problem. Not quite ready to retire my dependable ol' Hawken yet. Thanks.

[@jeffreybiscoe6]

Very nice review .I'm 53 now + grew up with guns and taught properly about them..I've been away from shooting for many years and my memory of the way the Hawkins parts worked was fuzzy ( like removing the barrel. ) The Hawkins was always something special to me + still is today plus I just thought they were beautiful to look at like a piece of art work.. I prefer the 70s improvement version with shorter barrel and improved stock over the original..I think they have become there own classic now :.This video has helped refresh my memory of it's takedown . Thank you JB

[@hrfunk]

jeffrey biscoe You're welcome!

[@ronglenn6980]

I have a Thompson Center Hawken .54 caliber that my dad left me. It was a kit that I had put together for him almost 20 years ago and has never been fired. I'm going to shoot it for the first time next week so I wanted to see some videos first. Thanks for sharing your video.

[@hrfunk]

Ron Glenn You're welcome. I hope the shooting goes well. Let me know how you did afterwards. Take care.

[@clockworkbike]

Excellent video, thanks for this. Your editing is perfect, lighting and focus spot on, and no stupid music. Keep up the great videos.

[@hrfunk]

Thanks! Will do.

[@tiggerone1361]

Great video. Just bought one. Love it.

[@notsosilentmajority1]

Excellent video. It was enjoyable and you covered things that someone new to ML would like to know. Thank you.

[@hrfunk]

You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it!

[@rustygladden9813]

Great video! I have a New Englander that is a beautiful rifle but now I want a Hawken as well. Thank you sir.

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome Rusty. Thanks for watching!

[@jackblackpowderprepper4940]

I bought a .54 T/C Hawken in 1986 for $200. It was my Dad's best friends rifle. In 78 they went to Spokane and both bought one. He passed away in 84 and I got it from his Widow. I noticed with mine the best group's were with 70 grains of ffg and a round ball. My Dad shoots 100 grains and gets the same results. I've been hunting with mine since I bought it. Mine doesn't have the tang sight but I wish it did.

[@michaelelliot9007]

Best video yet on the TC Hawkin.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@pjs386]

Interesting and informative video presentation. I've been shooting black powder Civil War type revolvers for many years now and enjoy them immensely. Just purchased my 1st BP rifle, a Thompson Center Hawkens 50 and waiting anxiously for delivery. I know it's going to be fun.

[@hrfunk]

Shooting black powder firearms is, in my opinion, the most relaxing type of tooting there is. I hope you really enjoy your new rifle. Thanks for watching!

[@hrfunk]

I like FF Goex and T/C Maxi Balls

[@pjs386]

I've been using Pyrodex RS and PRBs with good success. IMHO, Pyrodex is as good as or better than real black powder with no downside. And Pyro way more economical per lb.

[@JamieMG]

I've had a few Hawken's pass thru my hands and have loved them all, especially the TC. My current TC Hawken was a .54 but has been re-barreled with a .58 cal Green Mountain. There's just something about the Hawken that I find so appealing. There's a Pedersoli Rocky Mountain Hawken in the for sale ads up here in the north but $1300 is a bit too rich for me at the moment. When I was shooting the TC Maxi-Ball and Maxi-Hunter from my .54 I used a Ox-Yoke lubed felt wad and it seemed to increase accuracy. Thanks for posting a good informative video!

[@declanclyde211]

you prolly dont care but does anyone know of a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I somehow lost my password. I would appreciate any help you can give me

[@adriendakota6136]

@Declan Clyde Instablaster :)

[@declanclyde211]

@Adrien Dakota thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and Im trying it out atm. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@declanclyde211]

@Adrien Dakota It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thank you so much you saved my account :D

[@adriendakota6136]

@Declan Clyde glad I could help :)

[@markdodds1595]

You may have inspired me. I built one from a kit in about 1977. It's been on display in my den for many years. I'll take down and carefully inspect it, I'll shoot it once again if it passes inspection. I'll also have to find an aperture sight as my eyes are 40+ years older. Nice video, HR.

[@hrfunk]

Thanks! I hope you enjoy shooting that fine old rifle!

[@blakez2691]

great video. you took the time to cover all the ins and outs of that rifle

[@hrfunk]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked it!

[@bobjackson7516]

Great video, thank you! I just bought one for $150. Looks spectacular. I've not only NOT shot this one, I've never shot any black powder. Thank you for the tutorial and 'walk-through'. My journey continues. :)

[@hrfunk]

Congratulations! Be sure to let me know what you think of it!

[@litemetal]

Can you sell it to me ?

[@nunyabusiness3082]

​@@litemetal no me first. I'll buy it.

[@powellsmith702]

Great video! My brother and I each got a TC Hawken in 54 caliber for Christmas in the early 80s. I shot mine a lot but my brother's just sat in his gun cabinet for years. I traded for it so now I have two! I don't get out much with them anymore though and should probably let them go to someone will use them. thanks!

[@hrfunk]

Too bad. I hope you at least get to shoot them once in a while.

[@joebarrett5310]

I really enjoyed this video Sir, great presentation. I have a TC Renegade 50 that I bought new in 1996. My dad and I used to do alot of muzzleloading and back then we drooled over the TC Hawken. Just yesterday I picked up an older TC Hawken from my LGS for what I feel was a pretty fair price considering what they seem to bring at auction these days. I'm very much looking forward to getting to the range and making some smoke clouds. There is just something about these classics that draws me to them. In-lines out perform them in every aspect, but the old classics are where it's at for me.

[@hrfunk]

I know what you mean. There is just something about them. Thanks for watching!

[@mattlang8603]

I loved that comment, "You do not get in a hurry when you're shooting these kind of rifles." So true.

[@chrissedlmayr5625]

Be prepared...

[@MORiverFishing]

Great video! Just subscribed. I bought a CVA Frontier carbine and it's arriving tomorrow. I've never shot a percussion rifle before so I'm watching everything I can about them! Thanks

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome. Thanks for the sub and welcome aboard!

[@blueheron69]

Very well done video. Thanks for sharing.

[@flintymcduff5417]

Nice find. My first muzzle loader was a T/C Hawken .45 caliber flintlock. The frizzens were only surfaced hardened and the rifle can be improved a great deal by using an L&R replacement lock.

[@hrfunk]

I keep wanting to try a flintlock, but I haven’t done it yet. Thanks for the comment!

[@jonathanbaker694]

I inherited one from my Dad with a 45 cal Sharon barrel as well. I remember shooting it once with him when I was a teenager and got a bullseye on the first shot on the long range. Now I am trying to figure out how to shoot it so I can take my son out to make some smoke and noise. Thanks for the content!

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome. I hope you have a great time shooting it with your son!

[@patrickslevin6424]

That brings back memories. I had two Hawkens made by T/C, one was a kit I put together and it shot great. Then I got a 54 caliber Renegade and bought Maxi ball moulds and proceeded to cast and shoot my own black powder loads. Yes, I killed deer with them. T/C came out with an in-line rifle in 50 caliber called the Thunderhawk. It's a beautiful tree stand rifle with a short 21" barrel and weighs about 5 pounds. I have a 4X Leopold scope on it and I shoot .429 bullets with a sabot sleeve......it's a killer!!!!!!! I think I've taken over 35 whitetails with it since I first bought it. I still love black powder and since it's between a shotgun or a muzzle loading rifle here in Illinois, I go with the Thunderhawk and probably always will.

[@hrfunk]

Good choice. I have a Firehawk with a synthetic stock. It's my bad weather muzzleloader.

[@tyronemar]

Thanks for this video. Ive been eyeing a muzzle loader or musket for sometime. Your vid helped me.

[@hrfunk]

tyrone marshall Good! I’m glad it helped.

[@harveypeglow7719]

tyrone marshall u

[@jim4903]

I worked for TC back in 1970 in the stock shop I made the Hawken rifle and put one in my Gun cabinet still shot it We put a lot of work into the rifles glad you enjoy it

[@hrfunk]

Jim Thank you so much for building such wonderful rifles. My experience with T/C was always tremendous. I really miss the company. You and your fellow craftsmen did great work, and the customer service was first rate!

[@dixieman69]

I have had one of these for years and it is so much fun to shoot. I have thought about living in the day when there life depended on it. Sitting in the woods waiting on game and all of a sudden you hear the trigger set.

[@hrfunk]

I think about things like that when I hunt with mine too. It’s a very relaxing type of hunting. Thanks for the comment!

[@michaszalc3507]

Very interesting video with good information, excellent comments under the video! Thanks!

[@perrinpeterson]

Very, very good! Thank you!

[@MultiJoeyo]

i have a few bought on gunbroker flints and percussion , love them

[@hrfunk]

Good for you! Enjoy them, they are great rifles!

[@brianlee6849]

Awesome 👍. Classic beautiful and fun. I think the accuracy is excellent for what it is. The new modern black powder bolt action rifles are really cool but they don't have the character and beauty of this rifle. Thank you 👍

[@grendelgrendelsson5493]

Hello! I found an Italian made Hawken almost exactly the same as yours. Unfortunately I'm almost as far east in England as you can be and the gun is almost as far west as you can be! It'll take a few days to get to me and I can't wait! Thanks for a very interesting video. Keep your powder dry!!

[@hrfunk]

Grendel Grendelson You too. Enjoy your new rifle!

[@jamescooper2618]

I like the fact that you pointed out that the TC is not a true replica but is "Hawken style". Your description of the gun was very good and knowledgeable. You really should have been wearing safety glasses during the loading and firing of this gun, being muzzle loading and side lock ignition. There are several opportunities for debris injuries to the eyes. Your 50 yard group was great for slugs. The 100 yard group would kill a big game animal any time. As a TC owner and shooter I think you did a very good review and I enjoyed watching you . New subscriber

[@hrfunk]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked the video. I really love my T/C Hawken, even though I don't get to shoot it all that often. You're right about the safety glasses. I don't typically wear them when I'm shooting rifles, but I know I should. Take care.

[@shawnwells5719]

I've got a T/C Renegade 54 caliber purchased new back in 1996. Similar rifle, with blued furniture, no patch box, a flat butt plate, and a 26" barrel. Installed the same aperture sight. Very accurate with 120 grs. of Pyrodex RS and a 435 gr. Hornady Great Plains bullet - once while hunting, impressed a friend by drilling a playing card tacked to a round bale @ 60 yards with an offhand shot. Potent, too...chronographed it @ 1,600 fps.

[@hrfunk]

Nice shooting!

[@daleweller5193]

Back in the 70 s my wife bought me a TC Hawken 50 caliber. It is very accurate and has the best trigger of any gun a have ever shot.

[@hrfunk]

The trigger on mine is outstanding as well. That's one feature that T/C got right!

[@arshooter1]

Enjoyed the video Sir, Semper Fi.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you. Semper Fi!

[@johndonaldson5126]

Great review. Thanks

[@hrfunk]

John Donaldson You’re welcome! I’m glad you liked it.

[@oldad6207]

My wife bought me a 54 caliber kit for Christmas in 1982 when the wood was inletted but a LOT of wood needed to be moved (I'm talking drawknife). Except at certain places, all the brass still had roughness from the sand molds and the barrel required draw filing. It was a tough but rewarding build and a beautiful and accurate rifle was the result.

[@hrfunk]

Good job! I passed on a new in box T/C 54 caliber kit a month ago. I wish now I had bought it for a winter project.

[@oldad6207]

@@hrfunk If it was one of the older kits, "winter project" would have been an apt description. 😁

[@martinbaker2322]

These Hawken rifles are works of art as well as being functional.

[@hrfunk]

I agree!

[@christopherlake2785]

Nice job. Beautiful gun...great video.

[@hrfunk]

Christopher Lake Thank you!

[@christopherlake2785]

No prob. Just getting into BP, and finding watchable and informative videos on YT has been somewhat of a challenge. Plus that T/C brought back memories of seeing them around as a child (more than now). Just not feelin' the whole in-line thing... :)

[@hrfunk]

I think "In-lines" have their place, but there's nothing like a traditional wood and steel sidelock!

[@michaelmason5907]

Top quality presentation. Excellent! Suggestion: maybe you could a short video sight varieties and adjustment? Good Job

[@hrfunk]

Thank you! I’ll give the sight video some consideration.

[@domino52o26]

Wow man, great video

[@hrfunk]

Domino52o Thank you!

[@marckaplan8564]

You’re correct about that set trigger, if I sneeze or blow on it after it’s set…

[@hrfunk]

Yep. I really think it is the lightest trigger of any rifle I've ever fired.

[@independentthinker8930]

I have a TC hawken with a green mountian target barrel. My best friend passed away a month ago, left me his great plains rifle. I like it much better. It's more period correct and a great shooter

[@hrfunk]

Sorry for the loss of your friend. Sooner or later I'll get around to shooting a Great Plains Rifle. I like the way they look.

[@johndonaldson5126]

My friend has a kit he bought in the 1980s. He never got around to building the rifle. He and I are now planning to do the project.

[@hrfunk]

John Donaldson That sounds cool! Let me know how it turns out.

[@wurlabyscott]

I built mine back around 1980, after 35 years in storage I am surprised how well I built it. Trying to get back into shooting.

[@dalelandan8483]

I have owned over 10 T/C's in my life. Thing I noticed in your video was where you placed the curved butt plate on your arm. I might suggest that holding, or placing the curved plate out further on the shoulder to just about where the arm intersects is where they were meant to be placed. This helps a lot for heavy loads on recoil. Buffalo hunters used this hold for all day shooting (Much less pain) due to prongs digging into shoulder. I fire a 40 shot silhouette match using a 54 or a 50 which I have three left all are 50 cal. , two are percussion and one is flint. I shoot usually a .490 round ball and a .010 thick patch lubed with T/C #13 I am also in work on the R.E.A.L. Bullet in the 250 grain lubed with Lee's Alox Tumble lube. I am waiting for my "Bullseye Camera system ( and the range to warm up a tad. The cold bothers use old guys at 77.5 years old).

[@hrfunk]

Dale Landan Thanks for the comment. I don't recall my shoulder ever getting particularly sore from shooting the T/C Hawken. Maybe I just never fired it enough times! I'll keep this in mind for the future. Take care.

[@Glasher1]

@hrfunk ... I became curious about muzzleloaders and bought a TC New Englander in the mid 80s. That got me hooked. Then in the 90's I bought the TC Hawken kit in .50 cal.. With the kit, as I had started to dabble in wood carving, I was able to try a bit of minor carving on the butt stock. That worked out nicely. Preferring round ball loading, the 1 in 48" twist button rifling was too fast for best accuracy. At a muzzle loading outlet I located a Green Mountain 32", 1 in 70" cut rifled barrel. Accuracy is better, especially with the cut rifling shooting stouter loads for hunting. Added to that, a few years latter, my wife surprised me with a 33" brass tubed scope that I had mounted on the barrel. Even though it became a heavier rifle, now it's a whole new ball game! The scope is but 3x but the bead no longer covers the target. The plan now is for a new barrel, also from Green Mountain, but this time in .54 cal. (if they still have it in that caliber) in a 36" barrel. From there I'll have the brass scope swapped out. I'd rather have the twist somewhere more around 1 in 90", but one can only hope. If not, maybe they can take a special order. You may wish to consider Green Mountain if you do much round ball shooting, for me it's been the difference of night & day. Fine video and continued success with your channel. And keep your powder dry. 8) p.s. LOL Yesss sir, going to be hard finding these used, especially as versatile, almost modular, as these are.

[@hrfunk]

I've actually been interested in getting a Green Mountain barrel for my rifle for quite some time now. Sooner or later I'll get around to it. Thanks for the comment!

[@happyhankjr]

I've had my 50 caliber Thompson Center Hawkins now for about 50 years. Haven't shot it in about 30 years though do to the loss of my places to shoot and the public rifle ranges in Delaware don't like black powder shooters. The smoke messes up the other shooters. I loved mine and my favorite load was 110 grs of powder with a 320 gr. maxi ball.

[@hrfunk]

I hope you get a chance to shoot it again. That’s too nice a rifle to languish in a safe.

[@markbilyeu6326]

I bought a CVA Hawken kit back in the 80's I recently re done the stock because I did not like how I did the stock when I was a boy. Boy I was happy after all these years to look down the barrel and it still was very bright and clean. I thought it would be a sewer hole. LOL. It shoots good but need to find that sweet spot on the loading of it. I will never get rid of it. Back in the 90's I remember shooting a spike horn with it. What a thrill shooting a deer with such a primitive rifle.

[@hrfunk]

Cool story and a great rifle! I’m glad you have both! Thanks for the comment.

[@coffee637]

Good video. My 70s version was passed to me the traditional way, from my father who got it from his brother. A family gun.

[@bullseyedixon5660]

GREAT VIDEO SIR

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@russellehrgood9835]

Great video. I am getting into black powder and found your video very helpful. In the video I did not see the caliber of your Hawkens rifle.

[@hrfunk]

It’s a 50 cal.

[@jimrodriguez8047]

Nice review...nice rifle

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@rharthart9477]

Not sure what part of Ohio you are in but two of the Hawken brothers used to be gunsmiths/gunmakers in Xenia Ohio (Green County) before moving to St. Louis. By the way, I believe you are mistaken about the original famous St. Louis Hawken rifles being only full stock rifles - they were also half-stock rifles like the Thompson Center Hawken rifles. Since the Hawken brothers made custom order rifles, they surely made one or two with brass furniture along the way and perhaps with barrels shorter than 34 inches - who knows? One Hawken brother (William) who did not go to St. Louis with the other four brothers stayed on the East Coast and made only full-stock rifles it seems... Anyway, enjoyed the video. The first muzzle loader rifle I fired was a TC .45 Hawken in 1974 (my brothers - he still has it). I've got a bid on a .50 TC Hawken as I write this. Fingers crossed...

[@G56AG]

I have a TC Hawken that I bought about a year after they first came out, when I saw them I had to have one, I paid $299 for a brand new Hawken in the early 70's and still have it. I noticed your stock wedge sticking out quite a bit, that's probably a replacement, my original one sticks out no more than 1/8". One thing to watch for, mine had been sitting in the safe a few years and I recently had the desire to get my black powder guns out to shoot. The hammer spring was non functional, I had no spring on the hammer at all. Pulled the lock off and found they use a spring loaded plunger in a solid block to power the hammer, when the hammer is down, the plunger is pushed almost all the way into the block, and it was stuck, I couldn't get hold of it, not enough of it sticking out. I sprayed it with cleaners, penetrants and all kinds of lubricants, nothing helped. I worked with it a lot, finally after sitting about a week I picked it up and pulled back the hammer and it worked, all that stuff I sprayed in there finally worked and the plunger came loose and worked right. I guess I would recommend that you pull it out of the safe from time to time and work with the hammer so it stays free, and maybe a drop of a good lube oil on that plunger from time to time and then exercise that plunger to keep it working well. I was looking and the original lock is no longer available, there is a aftermarket lock available, more of a traditional design with leaf springs, it is very plain looking, no engraving or color case hardening, functional but quite a let down from the appearance of the original.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you for a great comment. My Hawken gets exercised semi-regularly. I just shot it ina muzzleloading rifle match a couple of weeks ago. Other than that, I pull it out every 6 months or so and run a few shots through it. I’m glad you got yours working again!

[@G56AG]

I was sweating for awhile, its such a beautiful rifle, and this one has a stock that the wood is truly exceptional. Its back to 100% functionality.

[@patrickkohls4041]

I got 1 of them as a kid for xmas 1 year....still have it.....it been probably back in the 80s when I last put some lead down range. Might have to get it out and see if it still works

[@hrfunk]

You might just find that you really enjoy shooting it again.

[@tabs9213]

The first firearm I bought was a used TC Hawken in 72. It is 45c with a blued barrel and it has a sn under 10k. It came with a Tang sight, 2 Lyman bullet moulds, short starter and a leather bag full of rb's and mini's. All for 110.

[@hrfunk]

In '72 that was still a good deal, but $110 was worth a good bit more in those days. Do you still have ther rifle?

[@michaelfunk5951]

I actually own two TC Hawken Cougars and they are great but my hunting rifle is a TC Renegade of which I have four and a TC Grey Hawk. Love BP hunting and already got one with TC Omega recently.

[@hrfunk]

Good job! Which state do you live in? (Just curious where there has been a BP season already).

[@michaelfunk5951]

Virginia mountains. Rifle season just came in Saturday but late BP comes back mid December.

[@williamwilliam6714]

Very helpful, thanx....

[@shelbytydings3457]

Just picked one up at the gun show in .45 for $225. Excellent condition. Can't wait to take it to the range.

[@hrfunk]

Good for you! Have fun.

[@LarryTalbot_1313]

Hunting with my great grandfather? That's a nice sentiment, only I don't know if my great grandfather actually did hunt. My grandfather was a fisherman, so that's out. I finally found a hawken over a year ago now that I could afford and within driving distance. At a pawn shop no less. They usually have plenty of bp rifles, but they are all modern. The place I bought mine at was an el-cheap-o joint with no overhead so it was rather dark. First mistake! I noticed that it had a chip on the toe, but considering I couldn't find as used on within 200 miles, I could deal with that. The rest of the gun looked to be in great shape, other than normal usage marks. Second mistake! I got home and found that on the last outing only the outside was cleaned. It was caked up in the barrel and pitted when I finally got down to business. I can shoit it, but i get 8 inch groups, if im lucky and 2 or 3 fliers if im not! I haven't been able to find the same barrel. They are all the "hook" type and mine is a "button" type. So now I'm looking at a re-boreing and that will probably cost as much as a new one or a kit would have. Moral here for anyone that made it this far: Carry a light and avoid pawn shops!!!

[@hrfunk]

A rusted/pitted bore is the biggest potential problem with a used BP firearm. If someone doesn't clean them, they can be a real mess. I hope it works out for you.

[@randyjohnson6845]

I bought a 50 renegade and a 50 white mountain carbine in 1989.renegade had a 1-48" twist and the carbine had a 1-20" twist at a 21" barrel. I had 100s and 100s of hours at the range. I shot everything possible. The stand out by far was a green 50/44 sabot and the hornady XTP 240 grain hollow point.both the renegade and the Hawkins became tack drivers at 100 yards. The carbine was best with the black 50/45 sabot with a 300 grand hornady XTP.either the 45 long colt or the 45 casull bullet .early in 1990 I was probably the first person in the south east to order and buy sabots.who watching this video shot sabots prior to 1990?

[@terry2346]

Got one! Browned it myself also as I got the kit. Did you add that rear peep sight? That did not come with mine. Sorry spoke too soon. :)

[@leegeddyfan]

I snatched a CVA Hawken 50 cal for 140 bucks today!!! super proud and awesome

[@hrfunk]

Good for you! It’s amazing how inexpensive those rifles are!

[@geraldtakala1721]

I was able to buy a ramrod guide that takes a sling swivel from Wal-Mart had to attach a sling swivel to the stock very carefully a sling really is helpful climbing hills and carrying the rifle for long periods of time. Gun is a good shooter using 385 grain conicals

[@hrfunk]

Yep, I sling really helps with those long walks through the woods. You're right about the accuracy too.

[@Strutingeagle]

I got lucky finding a 50 cal TC Hawken a few years ago. It had not been fired. There was a 45 TC Hawken there as well and it was unfired. The original owner got them for wall hangers. I should have got the 45 as well. I went back and it was gonzo. I paid $300 for it and it has been a wonder to shoot.

[@hrfunk]

At least you got the .50! I love mine. Enjoy that fine rifle!

[@briankelly2886]

I had one of the earlier TC rifles made.Same configuration as yours, including double set triggers,but in the iron.No brass,which I 'm not a fan of anyway! At 50 yards it shot patched round balls about as well as a bird gun with slugs. With Buffalo Bullets , however, it would shoot 3 shots touching at the same range. I wish I still had it.

[@randyscott9034]

I have the TC Renegade it’s the second one I’ve owned it’s pretty much the same gun without the bling but I would love to own the Hawken also they are still available for a reasonable price at some of the online gun dealers

[@hrfunk]

Yes, there are a fair number of Hawkens out there at good prices. It seems there is not a huge demand for them, so they are relatively easy to obtain. For now. If you are interested in one, I wouldn't wait too long. If the supply starts to dry up, the prices will invariably rise. All that aside, your Renegade is a fine rifle!

[@bigrickshaberdashery2759]

pretty hot load for target, nice groups

[@ssrknivesandguns8741]

VERY COOL!

[@andrewprice1774]

I bought my 50 cal t/c about a year ago for 100$ and I like it...when you hold it you know you got something in your hands 😎

[@hrfunk]

Yep, and you got a steal on that rifle!

[@jameyhenderson7271]

Great video. I have the same rifle.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@brucepoole8552]

Great video thanks, one thing I have heard is that you should not use petroleum based lubes inside the barrel, it interacts with the burnt powder and becomes highly corrosive, I use bore butter, again great video.

[@hrfunk]

That is true. I use bore butter in this rifle.

[@taurushipointenthusiast1306]

The St. Louis Hawken is the model your showing off, Hawkins are just awesome, full stocks or the St. Louis style I run mine way different than most I use .500 188 grain round ball my ticking is cotton t shirt bear fat/bees wax lube pushed by 70 grains. These barrels come in .501 to .503

[@hrfunk]

How does your load shoot?

[@Mr80grit]

Great video, nice shooting!

[@hrfunk]

Mr80grit Thank you!

[@Mr80grit]

YW, mine is a 5 digit serial #, .54 cal. Got it at a gun shop. It is in near mint condition. However, it has a 26" octagon barrel, but it has all steel furniture, no brass furniture, and it has no patch box and no cheek comb?!?

[@DHFHades]

I got one a few years back, almost identical to that one for 150 bucks...and it's almost flawless :)

[@hrfunk]

They are really nice rifles.

[@a.b1266]

Jeez. Lots of guys on you about the safety glasses.... To be honest I've yet to wear them on a hunt... And I'd imagine not too many frontiersmen had them. Great video thanks..

[@hrfunk]

Austin Brown I probably should wear them when I shoot the Hawken, but I don't typically wear them when I shoot a rifle, so the idea doesn't really occur to me.

[@a.b1266]

hrfunk bah... I was just struck about how many guys were nitpicking about that.... I don't wear em either... I have the same gun in .54 cal. Was out today shooting and ended up with a ball that wouldn't fire. Ended up having to soak the barrel then pull the ball... What a debacle.

[@joeabaker57]

same folks who won't ride a bicycle with ought a helmet lol can you imagine that in the 60s 70s or 80s?

[@seapimpnh.9307]

No but I’ve seen plenty of pictures of old timers with eye patches. I guess you don’t get vaccinated because they didn’t have those at one time or use electricity either . I do agree personal choice ,but that statement was ridiculous .

[@pistooli1]

A very good video, I think it covers everything. The only thing I'm not 100% sure about is if you love your Hawken rifle. : ) PS, I just bought one, I was lucky for a change. I paid $250 Canadian with everything needed to shoot it for at least a year.... I'm a happy boy

[@hrfunk]

Congratulations! you did get lucky!

[@A50S2D]

The thing I really liked about shooting black powder is you could go shoot all day and spend $5.00 at the most. I got mine as a kit gun about 40 years ago and really like shooting it. Trouble is with urban sprawl there is no nearby range to use.

[@hrfunk]

That's a problem for a lot of shooters. I hope you find a good place soon!

[@matt-xn8xz]

Wow,one of my neighbors was moving out and let me keep what I found.Old money,and a 50 Cal version of this rifle!!!

[@hrfunk]

I hope it’s in good condition. If so, enjoy it!

[@jmartin9059]

*Got my 45 TC Hawken {as a gift... Thank you Mr. Miller} … This is exactly the one I wanted. Next project .433" Lee or .435" RCBS mold... TC 45 cal has a tight bore compared to some others. My TC 45 Hawken with LEE .440" bound ball requires very thin patches... about cleaning patch or t-shirt thin... So, Pillow Ticking or denim might fit the 0.433" to 0.435" balls better. Or, I could cast some LEE 405 grain hollow base .459" 45-70 bullets and then grease and size them to fit the bore... Those would be some serious 200 yard big game bullets.*

[@nakoawarrior3186]

K-Mart sold them for around $250.00 around 1980 and on. There's one in great shape at a little grocery store near me. I saw a 12ga at the last gun show for $250.00 at reinersville.

[@hrfunk]

If you can find a nice one these days for $250, you’d better buy it. When they were still in production back around 2010, that price had tripled.

[@nakoawarrior3186]

@@hrfunk At Wilkins corners on SR 79 the store there is glens market the last few times I was there the gun just sits there. Price I don't know,...probably some old guy wants rid of it and don't know what it is. At reinersville there was a 12 ga for $250.00 Thats all I can tell you T/C make's fine gun's. If you like inline's Palmetto arms has a ridge runner 54 caliber inline for $99.00 on guns international through the gun works.

[@independentthinker8930]

I have one I put a Green Mountian target barrel on it it's proper length, deeper rifeling. Very good shooter, it doesn't have the "drop stock", more of a modern straight pul

[@hrfunk]

I don’t believe I’ve seen one with a straight stock. That’s interesting.

[@independentthinker8930]

@@hrfunk you are holding one in the video, notice the old muzzle loaders have a stock that has a much bigger arch in the rear stock

[@hrfunk]

OK, now I understand what you meant. Thanks!