Hawkins rifle: T/C or Traditions?

pete_viking

pete_viking

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I am wondering if anyone would have an opinion on which Hawkins would be better, a Thompson Center or Traditions. I am seeing 2 for sale at the same price and am not familiar enough to know which would be the better choice.

Also, does anyone know if these rifles have the slower twist suitable for roundball, or the faster twist more suited for conicals?
 
As a general rule, TCs are better quality guns than Traditions, but also more expensive. That said, I have heard of Traditions guns that are good shooters.

Most of these will have the 1:48 rate of twist barrel. It is sort of a compromise twist rate, but my experience with my own two TC Hawkens is that it is indeed possible to get them to shoot very well with PRBs.
 
I agree, T/C is a good quality brand. Can't speak to Traditions, I have not heard bad things but no direct experience.

Unless you are really set on buying something today though, I'd suggest spending some time and researching what's out there. There are a lot of different options out there...it depends on what you are looking for (i.e. is it strictly for hunting; do you want to shoot at rendesvous; level of maintenance; are you looking for a faithful reproduction vs. something close...)

Just my 0.02 - happy shooting whatever you decide.
 
I have a traditions .50cal in flint. I have found it is a bit finicky to get reliable ignition as the frizzen is a bit soft on mine. Experiment as to beveled edge up or down as with any flintlock( if that is what your buying).

With that being said I do like my flint, it does have a very good lock time And I haven't done anything after I found out it likes beveled edge up.
 
GO for the hawken and then if you like you can buy a Green mountainbarrel
with a rb twistor one with a conical twist,you won't regret it.GM barrels
are good shooters for sher.
 
I have owned Thompson Center rifles and most of my friends do also. They are extremely good, accurate rifles.

Several friends also have Traditions muzzle loaders. The quality is very "iffy"! Some are complete junk, some are OK. One friend has a "Hawken" version that shoots well but there is a tight spot halfway down the bore so you need a steel range rod to ram the ball down. Another friend has the "Kentucky" flintlock version and it is great. He regularly wins shooting competitions with it.

If you can get a Thompson Center - go for it. If you can't afford the T/C - have a look at the various Lyman rifles. They are less money than the T/C's but in my experience are far better than the Traditions.
 
I would go with the TC because the internal lock parts are made of high carbon steel while I would expect the Traditions to be case hardened mild steel. Only disclaimer is that if one gun had a slow twist (1: 68 ) barrel, I would go with that one

cheers mooncoon
 
I have a .50 Hawken. Nice brass and case harding. Double set triggers. The sight are better than most of my rifles. I really like it but I have never handled a TC
 
First of all its HAWKEN not Hawkins ;)
Go with TC, better quality, reliability, warranty & customer service.
You get what you pay for and if have botg side by side you'll see & feel the difference.
Good luck
 
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