This used halfstock Hawken rifle is stocked in curly maple and trimmed in engraved steel furniture with a fire blue finish. The lock and double set triggers are by Bob Roller and the barrel is by William Large. This rifle is used with some handling marks and the stock does have a few drying cracks that have developed over the years. The barrel is signed T. Wilkes. Trigger reach is 13-1/4", to fit today's average sized shooter. This halfstock plains rifle weighs 11.6 pounds and should be very steady if you can manage the weight. Recoil should be modest, despite the .50 caliber bore, thanks to the weight of the rifle

The heart of the rifle is its .50 caliber W. M. Large straight octagon barrel. William Large was well known for the accuracy of his cut rifled barrels, which are still sought after today. Measuring 1-3/32" with a taper to 1-1/16" across the flats at the muzzle. The 36" barrel is marked on the oblique flat at the breech with the barrel maker's stamps W. M. Large. The top flat is engraved T. Wilkes. Internally the bore is bright and has been well maintained. A silver blade front sight is dovetailed behind the muzzle. A flat top rear sight is dovetailed 10-1/2" ahead of the breech.

The maple stock has a lovely red undertone throughout and compliments the fire blued finish of the metal nicely. The stock has a few scattered marks and has developed a crack near the toe, as well as just ahead of the lock as it has aged. Some of the metal now stands proud of the furniture, while other areas are still finished perfectly flush. The buttstock is fitted with a traditional early Hawken patchbox, with oval lid and pineapple finial. The pineapple was an English motif, for prosperity and friendship. The Hawken brothers of Saint Louis were highly influenced by the London gun makers. Hawken rifles are American adaptations of the best features of English guns.

This rifle is fitted with a hooked breech to allow the barrel to be dismounted for cleaning. Two wedge keys retain the barrel. The wedge keys are mounted through the stock with the use of oval escutcheon plates and have capture pins to prevent loss. To dismount the barrel, place the lock at half cock, remove the ramrod, drift the keys clear of the underlugs, and lift the barrel from the muzzle end to unhook the hook on the breech from the tang. Place the breech end of the barrel in a bucket of soapy water. Run a wet patch down and up the bore, the pumping action will flush all the fouling from the barrel. Once the bore is clean, run a dry patch down the bore to pick up any moisture followed by a oily patch. Dry and oil the exterior then reassemble the rifle. This rifle has a screw at the bottom of the tang to control the engagement of the hook into the tang. The long tang of the slanted hooked breech and tang system, which strengthens the wrist, is visible from above. The tang is hand engraved and a nickel silver band is inlaid just ahead of the snail of the breech.

The traditional iron toeplate protects the toe, ending in a pineapple finial to compliment the patchbox. The long trigger bar, anchored to the long tang with two tang bolts, supports and re-enforces the wrist. A hard fall will probably not break this rifle. Hawken rifles quickly became famous for reliability in the Rocky Mountains and on the Great Plains. The forend is fitted with an pewter forend cap, and iron ramrod entry pipe. The fitted ramrod is finished, with a brass tip at front with 8-32 threads to accept loading and cleaning accessories. The lock is mounted with a traditional single lock bolt, and decorative key lock escutcheon around it. The beaver tail shaped cheek piece adds comfort for a right hand shooter, while aiming this big .50 caliber rifle. The cheek is neatly shaped with an accent line along the bottom.

Notice the late percussion lock designed by Ron Long and assembled by Bob Roller. This famous lock was used by Green River Rifle Works of Roosevelt, Utah, on their Jim Bridger Hawken rifle. Later Hawken percussion rifles were made with a square inside corner at front. The well tempered internal parts include a strong mainspring, stirrup link, and a fly detent to allow set triggers. The fire blue finish has developed a few scattered brown speckles. The breech is fitted with a 1/4-28 threaded steel nipple. Bob Roller double lever double set triggers are properly tuned to fire from the set or unset position. You may set the lock, or cock the triggers in any sequence. Adjust the screw between the two triggers, inboard to reduce set trigger release pressure, our outboard to require a stronger pressure. When screwed fully inboard, the adjustment screw disables the rear trigger, so the rifle must be fired from the front trigger, which requires about a four pound pull for release.The set trigger can provide very light release, perhaps an ounce or two, for accurate aimed shooting during pleasant weather.

A highly decorated Hawken rifle made from the best parts available during the 1970's era. Hang it above your fireplace as a beautiful focal point, or take it to the range, it will surely be a conversation piece! Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.