Custom Hawken

[Cougarz]

OK, I've gone the TC route and the Lyman GPR version, now I would really like a custom made Hawken made by someone who really knows what they're doing. So my questions is who would you suggest I look at for the rifle of my dreams?

 

[jdkerstetter]

There are many good builders out there, but a true Hawken is different.

I would call Don Stith and ask him who he recommends: http://www.donstith.com/ Enjoy, J.D.

 

[jimbowie1]

I know your talking [CUSTOM] I have 3 pedersoli rifles 2 longrifles and the rocky mountain hawken. they are on the expensive side but they are really fine firearms and about a 3rd of what a handmade custom rifle will cost you. But that said if i could afford a [custom handmade HAWKEN] i would get one also. Best of luck to you.

 

[750k2]

http://www.hawkenrifles.com/

 

[necchi]

John Donelson might take a wack at a Hawken but he known for long guns; http://www.donelsoncustommuzzleloaders.com/longarms.html

 

[Cougarz]

Thanks guys for the leads. I've wanted to do this for a long time and now seems right. :grin:

 

[LaBonte]

First I would recommend on deciding at least this:
1) Early pre-1849 J & S Hawken
2) Late post-1849 Sam Hawken
3) Full stock
4) Half stock

Along with contacting Don Stith I would recommend looking at the works of two of the finest and most knowledgeable Hawken Builders:

Ron Paull, POB 29, Port Lions Alaska
email [email protected]

if I was to have one made it would be by Louie Parker email [email protected]
Here are two of his rifles:
A bench copy of a Sam Hawken http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2010/02/louie-parker-s-hawken.html

A J & S Hawken http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2010/03/j-hawken-by-louie-parker.html

 

[Cougarz]

Thanks - yes I haven't exactly decided on the style though I do have a hankering for a full stock flinter. I've never owned a flintlock before. :grin:

None of this is cast in stone I wanted to get a few leads on builders, get their opinions and go from there. I really appreciate all the advice.

 

[750k2]

Once you go flint it's all over.
Amazing what 44"s of swamped steel will do to you :thumbsup:

 

[George T.]

Wow a post like that could cost a fellow a lot of money! :haha: Oh well as they say you can't take it with you!

Geo. T.

 

[catman]

Steve knows everything about real Hawken's and a great guy.

Here is a statement from Steve Zihn. "I started building muzzleloaders when I was 14, because I didn't have money to buy what I wanted. I took a "break" during the time I spent in the US Marines and about 2 years working as a Survival Instructor. I went back to full-time gunsmithing in 1987 and have been doing it ever since.I am not a specialist; I build whatever I am asked to build and I try to follow my customers ideas as closely as I can as long as I can stay out of the "modern styles." I love what I do and I will try to do it until I die. I strive to delight my customers in every instance, and but for a few, I have been successful in so doing. Steve Zihn, Shoshoni, WY



Steve Zihn
[email protected]
307-856-6431

 

[shguns]

Member "Herb" on here makes some fine Hawken style rifles in both flint and percussion.
I think he is in northest Utah.

 

[Alden]

Guys;
1776 just called me -- he said these aren't REAL custom Hawken rifles and he's ticked off, again!

Could we start this thread over with the title "Make-Believe Custom Hawken" or just insert the word "modern" or "pretend" in there he wants to know. Says it is inconsiderate not to for he was expecting to see a REAL custom Hawken, but noooo...!

 

[greggholmes]

Original Hawken kits

 

[AZbpBurner]

Guys;
1776 just called me -- he said these aren't REAL custom Hawken rifles and he's ticked off, again!

Could we start this thread over with the title "Make-Believe Custom Hawken" or just insert the word "modern" or "pretend" in there he wants to know. Says it is inconsiderate not to for he was expecting to see a REAL custom Hawken, but noooo...!

Now you've gone & done it. Woke up ol' fuddy from his nap, knowing full well that he'll be cranky until he's been changed and fed.

I've seen that St. Louis Hawken Shop website before. Good looking examples. Someone had commented on it not too long ago, but don't recall if it was good stuff or complaints.

 

[AZbpBurner]

Looking around a little more at the Hawken Shop website http://www.thehawkenshop.com/hawken_rifles.htm

There is some text detailing characteristics of an authentic Hawken rifle - can this be considered correct and accurate information, or more leaning towards advertising-based content?

One item, the front sight, seems to be something nobody ever has commented on to my knowledge. I've seen copper and brass base front sight blades at the TOTW website. If this is a characteristic of the original Hawkens, you'd think all 'Hawken' builders would be using this distinctive sight configuration.

 

[AZbpBurner]

Guys;
1776 just called me -- he said these aren't REAL custom Hawken rifles and he's ticked off, again!

Could we start this thread over with the title "Make-Believe Custom Hawken" or just insert the word "modern" or "pretend" in there he wants to know. Says it is inconsiderate not to for he was expecting to see a REAL custom Hawken, but noooo...!

How about a Post started then Stickied as a resource detailing what a REAL Hawken is?

I've been looking around on-line, but it all looks convincing to me. The actual experts (someone who owns one) need to write up something that separates fact from marketing shinola.

 

[greggholmes]

Hawkens made a lot of different styles.
Link

 

[Cougarz]

LOL I've been told flintlock shooting is terminal. :grin:
--------------------------------------------------

I looked at the Hawken Shop kits. I'm not interested in another kit - been there.

I didn't intent to unleash an authentic Hawken Jihad. I'm merely looking for a "modern interpretation of a brand of rifle made buy some guys in the past which have became really popular again". - or something like that? :surrender:

 

[Tommy Bruce]

http://www.hawkenrifles.com/

I was just on that site. I've been wanting a half stock squirrel rifle and just love the one that he has.