Pathfinder I
Influencer I
When I was ten the first gun i ever bought my self was a hawkens .54 cal rifle build kit. Was into shooting 22 and trap with four h but wanted todo the black powder as well so bought the kit built it and ran with it! Hunted with it for years and still is the only one I have. Really wanna get a Kentucky long rifle. The kits are fun because you can really make it look old school with the staining and bluing.. ill have to take a picture of it. Its a dark blonde stock an made the barrel rust some to get that tattered look. I got mine threw cabelas and made sure it was the rifle and not the carbine. There was some chisel work on the stock but not bad.... I really wanted a navy revolver when i was younger. Tell I shot one and all six holes went at once and cured that dream real fast. I like the traditional ones alot more. Like hunting with them alot more than a bow. You still had to get some what close but you really felt like a trapper.
Pathfinder I
From what I've read there's not really much to worry about with these guns. The black powder or equivalents don't have the pressure that modern smokeless powders do. Even if you have more than one chamber go off it doesn't hurt anything. As long as you're holding it right. The soft lead balls won't damage the steel chambers or barrel. The only real danger is if a ball doesn't come out the barrel and another is fired before clearing it. I load powder, then a dab of crisco or bore butter, then a wad and then the lead ball. I've never had a chainfire happen yet.
Enthusiast III
Pathfinder I
Member I
Enthusiast I
Enthusiast I
My dad built a Hawken kit in the late 70s. I now hunt with that rifle. I've got alot of guns from ARs to pistols of all calibers. The Hawken is the my favorite. The smell of the powder the sound that is unique to muzzelloaders, the accoutrements, it's a fun hobby. The kits seem pretty easy to put together. Not much to them. Hardest thing would be staining the wood I guess. If you're looking to buy one try Gunbroker. They always have some for sale. I've noticed the prices going up. I'm looking to buy a Hawken carbine now.
Advocate I
