Thompson Center .45 Caliber Hawken

I was able to get a mid 70's TC Hawken from a friend of mine that was no longer able to use it because of his declining health. Around 10 years ago this was actually the first muzzleloader I had ever shot. He had come over to my range and brought along this very rifle and let me shoot it. I knew then that I enjoyed everything involved in muzzle loading.

This particular Hawken is a tack driver out to 50 yards. My son and myself spent the afternoon getting to know the rifle. One ragged hole, 5 shot groups are easily shot with this rifle. I have shot several custom muzzleloaders and this one will hold it’s ground against any of them in accuracy.

I have heard from a very good source that used to work with Douglas Barrels that the early to mid 70’s TC’s had Douglas barrels or TC barrels machined under supervision of Douglas machinists.

Regardless of the story behind the gun, I’m glad my friend has passed this gun along to me to enjoy for many more years.

Oh man, that is a sweet looking gun! Want to get my hands on a 45 someday. Very nice thanks for sharing.

Where's the target picture?

Can't claim one ragged hole five shot groups at 50 yards without a target picture.

In my best Joe Biden. Come on, Man.

i have 4-5 Tc Hawkens. .50's and .54's
i also have one in .45
for sheer fun i always grab the .45. mine are all flintlocks. i use the .50's and .54's for hunting. but the 45 is my favorite.

Been looking for a .45 cal percussion for my granddaughter.

64Springer said:

Where's the target picture?

Can't claim one ragged hole five shot groups at 50 yards without a target picture.

In my best Joe Biden. Come on, Man.

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I definitely understand lol. The big hole is 1 1/4” OA. That’s 5 shots off sandbags @ 55 yds. I definitely like the rifle.

My first T/C Hawken was a .50 caplock model I purchased in 1976. My favorite T/C Hawken is a .45 caplock I bought used probably 15 years ago, based on serial number likely the same vintage as my original .50, I own a few.

I'm fortunate to own a pretty fair stable of muzzleloaders, many custom. It's taken me years to put this collection together. I must say that my .45 T/C Hawken is near the top of my list when it comes to favorites to shoot.

TCs did shoot well. The barrels were button rifled. That limited the depth of grooves. Shallow grooves made getting a good patch seal easier.

Very nice-looking rifle and great shooting.

belld416 said:

I definitely understand lol. The big hole is 1 1/4” OA. That’s 5 shots off sandbags @ 55 yds. I definitely like the rifle.

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Great shooting.