I'm interested in learning more about T/C Hawkens . . . .
My background is that I've been shooting BP for 55 years. I've built custom rifles and very few of the front stuffers I've owned have been "production" rifles other than some H & A under hammers,rifled muskets and more recent purchases (in the last couple of years) a Lyman GPR flint in .50.
I just picked up a .45 T/C "Seneca". To be honest, I've never really been interested in T/Cs. BUT, I am impressed with this little Seneca. It's a nice lightweight little rifle and will be a lot of fun. Now, the more I look around, I am wanting to pick up a T/C Hawken in .45 (percussion). I don't hunt anymore and it will strictly be a range plinker. At my age, my "building" days are pretty much over. My wife and I recently moved from our house of 45 years in to a condo so most of my shop equipment is gone with the downsizing. Other than a few repairs, etc., my interest is now concentrating on getting some good range time in when I can.
I've read about the history of the company and have known about them for years but not much about the "nitty gritty" of them. Due to some eyesight issues, I would like one and would probably put a rear tang peep and a globe sight on the front. No competition shooting.
My interest is in hearing if there are any things that I should be looking for or avoiding? I' very well versed on bore condition, and such things to look for when buying a used ML. What I like to hear about is barrels and locks, etc. I've googled and have read what I can but really haven't found much out other than general information. And to be honest, I really don't think I've ever heard much "bad" about the T/C line in years past.
Over the years that the Hawkens were made, was there ever a time that they had problems with barrel and or rifling quality? I have noticed prefixes on serial numbers in close up photos - is there a preferred prefix to look for and others to avoid?
How about lock quality? Any years when that might have been "iffy" as far as soft internals and other things such as that? I'm aware that L & R makes upgrade/replacement locks for them as well.
What I'll be looking for is a good functional shooter and a factory built one rather than a "kit" gun.
Any information, input or comments on them would be greatly appreciated. I know that they have served many shooters and hunters over the years very well so am primarily interested in hearing if there are things to look for or avoid?
My preference is .45 as I have other .45s and more molds for that caliber. I'd consider a .50 but for what I'm looking to do with it, if I went with a .50 then I would also be considering one of the Lyman Trade Rifles (percussion). Of those two rifles (T/C Hawken or Lyman Trade Rifle), both have coil spring locks, the Lyman a single trigger as opposed to the T/C double set, etc. and I'm thinking the overall quality of the T/C would be better - nicer wood, etc.
Thanks!
Jim