Newest build

[ord sgt]

Jumping on the bandwagon of building a J&S Hawken. Got the parts from Track of the Wolf. New Colerain barrel, cut down to 32 inches. The problem is, removing the machine marks from the outside of the barrel. I have the files and aluminum oxide sandpaper of various grades, up to 400. I have read the articles in Muzzle blast magazine by Fred Stutzenberger Just a problem with the joints in my shoulder and elbows. I can only work for so long before the pain sets in. Any ideas or fresh input on speeding up the process?

 

[dd832]

Draw file the top 3 flats or the top 3 & the 2 side flats if your up to it. Leave the bottom 3 flats alone (I'm assuming you're building a full stock rifle). The bottom were almost never finished anyway. You can just draw file to remove most of the machine marks and stop there if you want. If you decide to sand, don't over sand the exposed flats (don't use over 240 grit max., I wouldn't use over 150-180 grit on the barrel) - the mountain rifles were never finely finished unless it was for a special customer.

Here are a couple of photos of an original Hawken owned by Don Stith and you can see how unfinished the barrel is on it -



click on the photos to enlarge them.

Hope this helps some in your build!
Mike

 

[OldRust]

Draw file the top 3 flats or the top 3 & the 2 side flats if your up to it. Leave the bottom 3 flats alone (I'm assuming you're building a full stock rifle). The bottom were almost never finished anyway. You can just draw file to remove most of the machine marks and stop there if you want. If you decide to sand, don't over sand the exposed flats (don't use over 240 grit max., I wouldn't use over 150-180 grit on the barrel) - the mountain rifles were never finely finished unless it was for a special customer.

Here are a couple of photos of an original Hawken owned by Don Stith and you can see how unfinished the barrel is on it -
View attachment 24040
View attachment 24041
View attachment 24042
click on the photos to enlarge them.

Hope this helps some in your build!
Mike

I agree with Mike on finishing the bottom 3 flats. The old timers didn't get carried away where it wasn't needed. The attached photo is of the bottom 3 flats of an original HE Leman barrel of Lancaster PA. Its from around the same time period as the Hawkins and a competitor of theirs I believe. Thanks Dan

 

[ord sgt]

I am building the halfstock version of the Hawken. After seeing those pictures of original rifles, I now have a decision to make. Stop where I am at or continue to smooth the remaining flats. AAAARRRRRRGGGGGG!

 

[Grenadier1758]

You've got to get rid of these flats.

 

[ord sgt]

After careful consideration, I will go with a rougher finish on the barrel. The bursitis in my shoulder helped to change my mind.

 

[Pete G]

Just take your time and do it right.