Needing help please oh I know it is the serial number don't start with a k so it's not a kit

I inherited a black powder 50 cal Hawken the serisl #is 4939** it's a real nice gun it's got a engraving on it a bunch of brass it's a really nice black powder I don't even know how to load it or shoot it or anyting how does a shotgun I knew how I would know how to use it I'll get pictures here later and if someone needs the rest of the serial number just PM me can't find much on my end on investigating it

Read your post and please clarify what you’re wanting.

So what do you want to know about the serial number? Generally speaking, the modern-made guns have serial numbers. Muzzleloaders made a couple centuries ago had signatures.

And the bit about a shotgun is confusing.

francis E crow said:

I inherited a black powder 50 cal Hawken the serisl #is 4939** it's a real nice gun it's got a engraving on it a bunch of brass it's a really nice black powder I don't even know how to load it or shoot it or anyting how does a shotgun I knew how I would know how to use it I'll get pictures here later and if someone needs the rest of the serial number just PM me can't find much on my end on investigating it

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Welcome to the forum Francis.
1. You have a new-to-you .50 cal Hawken.
2. You don't know how to load it.
3. You don't know how to shoot it.

We can help, if you like. The serial number is probably not an issue in getting started, might be important a little later.

Post a couple of pics and the advice will roll in. Hard to help without seeing it first.

There are a lot of getting started threads on the forum. There are a few informational threads at the start of each heading that may help you.

Are there any names or warnings engraved on the barrel? A "K" for kit is only applicable to a Thompson / Center Hawken. Look in the Member Resources topics for the informational thread on shooting a Thompson / Center traditional sidelock.

We do need more information from you to be able to help you.

francis E crow said:

I'll get pictures here later and if someone needs the rest of the serial number just PM me can't find much on my end on investigating it

Click to expand...

Well first, we need to know who made it, as there are some subtle differences from maker to maker in how they put it together....so a photo of all the engraving on the barrel is a good idea as that will show the manufacturer's name (usually)
In addition to learning how to shoot it, you're going to want to know how to work the sights, which again a clear photograph of the barrel will help us to see what sort of sights it has...,
And we can also tell you how to check the bore to see what condition the bore is in, which will effect how well it shoots for you...,
And you're probably going to want to know how to clean it when you're done...
As far as the serial number goes, well that's a curiosity point for you, I'm sure, but the important point is photos of the outside for now, especially all the barrel engraving(s)...

LD

F.E.crow, Welcome to the forum. Posting pictures would be helpful. But in the mean time tell us every name or symbol that is on the barrel including the underside. Also give us the barrel length.

Tried to post pictures and it says file is too large for this server

Pick your photo, go to edit on your computer, edit the size down and it will post.

Try using the information I posted in the second post in this link.

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/posting-a-picture-on-the-forum.115183/

MAKE SURE IT IS UNLOADED!

1) Place rifle vertical.

2) Take ramrod and insert roughly 1 inch in the bore, brass end down.

3) Release ramrod, allowing it to fall into the barrel.

4) If the ramrod "Dings" it is not loaded.
If the ramrod "thuds" there is something in the breech.

5) If it has something in the breech, take it to a gunsmith and have the breech plug removed and whatever is in the barrel pushed out, and you may as well have the barrel cleaned as long as the breech plug is out anyway.

NOTE:
If the barrel is held on with wedges, it probably has a hooked breech.
Remove the wedges, cock the hammer, and lift the muzzle until the barrel unhooks from the tang and you can remove the barrel.
Soak the breech end (closed end) of the barrel in water for a couple hours or overnight to neutralize any powder.
You can then take just the barrel to the gunsmith.

If the barrel is pinned in place you'll need the correct size drift pins, a hammer, and a screwdriver to remove the barrel.

It is not unusual for an antique muzzleloader to have been loaded for however many years it hung above the fireplace mantle, or on the wall.

Stupid as it may sound/is, it is not unheard of for modern production muzzle loaders to be left loaded when put away, hung above the mantle or on the wall.

As others have said, a serial number indicates modern manufacture.