Hawken Woodsman or Kentucky Flintlock Rifle?

[Ruffedgrouse]

If you had your choice, would you prefer a Hawken Woodsman or Kentucky Flintlock Rifle?

The Hawken is more compact, seems easier to shoulder and aim, and the adjustable rear sight is a plus.

The Kentucky Rifle has longer range, seems better balanced, but the rear sight is fixed...

 

[Nuthatch]

I like the esthetic of the Kentucky better. I have a Pedersoli Kentucky that is my favorite to shoot. But the one I take hunting the most is my Woodsman. I tend to hunt areas that are remote, rugged and extremely brushy. So being able to sling it, stuff it in the pack for the hike in/out, move it through the brush, etc. makes it infinitely more practical. The hooked breach also makes cleaning so much easier.

If you're looking at a production rifle, like a Traditions, I would stick with percussion over flint. My Pedersoli Kentucky came as a flintlock but I almost exclusively shoot it with a percussion lock. It's just easier. The lock isn't bad really. But it's never as reliable or as fast as what I see from better-made custom rifles. As a percussion gun, though, both are fantastic & very accurate.

 

[Robert Losekamp]

I'd choose the Kentucky. For looks, balance, and velocity. Then again I've never been a fan of half-stocked rifles but I see what advantages they have as well.

 

[rafterob]

Performance is good from either rifle so it really comes down to which style you prefer. I have the Hawken Woodsman and I do like the sight adjustment capability and the sight picture. It has a blade/bead that sets real nicely in the rear sights groove for a very defined sight picture.

 

[olskool]

Kentucky,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[Banjoman]

I’d just get both.

 

[Ruffedgrouse]

I did!

 

[Banjoman]

 

[WonkyEye]

I'd say it depends what you want it for, where you'll use it, etc.
I have an older TC Hawken. I'm going to be starting a Pennsylvania Longrifle build in the near future. I think the Hawken will remain my go to hunting rifle, it is shorter, better for thick woods and close range, just put fiber optic sights on it. The longrifle will be my go to for woods walks and target shooting fun. One reason I haven't started the build is I'm struggling deciding on a smaller target only caliber (or small game), vs a larger .45 or .50 that could be used for deer if I wanted.