modena hawken

[1eyemountainmen]

Does anyone know were I can get plans or good pics of the Mariano Modena Hawken. I have the book "Hawken Rifle the mountianmen choice" by Barid. Any help would be great

 

[Le Grand]

Hey 1eyed, In the Jan/Feb issue of Muzzleloader, Ron Kil has a story about Mariano Modena and his rifle. You might contact Ron about that gun and it's new owner. Also, that rifle was on the cover of The Plains Rifle by Hanson many years ago. That might give you a little help. The most detailed view of the gun, in my opinion, is in Hawken Rifles by John Baird. He says that rifle was re-barreled by Sam Hawken at his shop in Denver and more than likely that's the way it was. And, for what it's worth, the Modena Hawken is one of my favorites. If you find more info, please share it here, Le Grand.

 

[1eyemountainmen]

Thanks,I ordered a copy of the magazine

 

[jmckenney]

Looking for something like this? If your anywhere close to the Colorado State Museum in Denver, go see the original Modena up close. Then talk to the curator about the museum correspondence with J.B. on the Modena rifle. One piece of correspondence from the museum I read states that the Modena is in fact 54 cal not 58 as stated in the book. The curator corrected the author and pointed out that the muzzle was funnel crowned and did measure 58 cal but the actual bore was 54 cal.

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[1eyemountainmen]

That's a nice pic of the patchbox. Could you e-mail it to me. Along with the full size pics of the rifle. thanks

 

[LSU TIGER]

So that's it! I like the inlayed stars. Could you repost the shot of the overall view, please?

 

[davy]

So that's it! I like the inlayed stars. Could you repost the shot of the overall view, please?

Yeah I would like to see the full size phot my self! :thumbsup: Please kind sir!

Davy

 

The stars, and patchbox, is only one of the interesting aspects of the Modena gun. Baird believes it was rebarreled, and relocked by ole Sam in Denver, with a barrel fromKephart of St. Louis, and a new old style lock to replace the worn out one. n There is also a picture of a steel wearplate on the underside that runs from the rear thimble to the triggerguard, and held in place by 14 nails. He also list the stats of the rifle. Barrel 34&3/4", .58 cal., 1&3/16" at breach. Weight is 12 & 1/2 lbs. Patchbox is iron, with nine silver stars of coin silver. The lock is marked A. Meier, St. Louis. Stock is walnut. The buttplate and forend are of sheet Iron. The buttplate was welded together. barrel key escuteons are of iron and held in place with screws. There's more but am tired of typing. Hope this helps. The info is from "Hawken Rifles, the Mountian Man's Choice", by John Baird

Bill

 

I just came across this on that bay thing. Hansons book on the Hawken rifle.
Link to ebay book
Bill

 

[jmckenney]

LSU Tiger and Davy. I'll take some good digital photo's in the morning and post them. LSU Tiger, I built this Modena while living in your neck of the swamp-Oakdale.

 

[LSU TIGER]

I know where Oakdale is, 54! The wife and I went to Mamou, took a wrong turn and wound up there... :shake: How long have you been in that foreign country? :rotf:

 

[jmckenney]

Bill, your correct there are 14 brads holding the wear plate in place. As requested here are some photo's of my Modena.

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[jmckenney]

Oops, missed the pic of the wear plate.

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[davy]

Nice photos 54! :hatsoff: Can you give us some details about the rifle? Did you build it, when was it built, what are the specs? Hope you did not post this info elswhere! :hmm:

Davy

 

[faw3]

And I wish youd post them on the Hawken 2 site we need the pics! Is'nt this the one J is building? FRED :hatsoff:

 

Boy you nailed the copy, that's a real ugly beautiful rifle. They certianly are an aquired tast in my book, kinda like a good single malt scotch. Hopefully my copy of the J.J. Henry iron mounted will look as close to the original as yours does. Bill

 

[jmckenney]

Ahhhh yes but what an acquired taste it can be. Thanks Bill