Thompson Center Hawken

[giggitygiggity]

I would like to make the claim that the Thompson Center Hawken is the best flintlock muzzleloader out of the box. My brother and I as well as our relatives all use the T/C Hawken. They're beautiful, accurate, and rugged. Who agrees/disagrees? Thanks.

 

[Pancho]

I have to agree, you can pay more for less but I don't think you can pay less for more if you stick with a TC sidelock. I don't know anything about their inlines.

 

[mykeal]

Bad question. A rifle is a very personal thing, and what you or I like doesn't necessarily mean one rifle is better than another; it just means that particular rifle fits your personal characteristics better.

I have 5 T/C Hawkens, and they are fine rifles, every one. But, for my money the Lyman Great Plains Rifle is better for me. I have two GPR's and find I can do better with both than with any of the T/C Hawkens.

 

[frontiergander]

frizzens on these guns often get replaced with a lyman frizzen as they are better and last longer.

I prefer the great plains rifle.

 

[avan47]

My TC Hawken was a cap lock that I built from a kit. It was accurate and reliable, and TC stood behind it. First problem I had with it; the screws holding the underlug to the barrel stripped out. TC sent me a new barrel. Since my gun was a kit, an I wanted the barrel browned, I requested that they send the barrel in the white, and they did. Second problem that I had; my hunting partner was using the gun, and he tripped and fell, and broke the stock. We repaired it with duct tape and continued the hunt. I contacted TC again, and they said that was also covered under their warranty. They sent me a new stock complete with metal hardware - unfinished, at my request. I don't know if TC still does that.

The gun is not an accurate representation of a true Hawken. I think it is patterned after later model guns built in the Hawken shop by other gun makers. I'm sure other members of this site can provide more accurate information about that. It is a fun gun to hunt with.

 

[72coupe]

I didn't buy mine because it was an accurate reproduction of anything. I just thought it would be fun and useful.

Oh wait I didn't buy one at all. Someone gave it to me.

 

[planetmobius]

I second the Lyman Great Plains Rifle. I have two of them and they go out while my Thompsons stay in the rack.

 

[AJumbo]

I used to have a Renegade flinter that was as reliable as sunrise. Sold it to a friend who made it his go-to rifle for years. I used to prime it with 3F and I never saw it misfire, as long as a good flint was in the jaws.

 

[david58]

It's a great percussion gun, but I would steer from the flint. The frizzen has a tendency to not be terribly long-lasting, a bit soft. New, these guns strike me as over-priced, but nice, clean ones can be found used for under $300. Still good guns, I just am more picky about a flinter.

 

[tazbigdog]

I bought the kit and put it together. Solid gun, great performer. When they expanded the muzzleloader season, two of my friends wanted to hunt with the T/C as well. I built those guns for them as well. I'd recommend them!