I'm looking for general information about the gun referenced in the title. I'm also curious about whether a license is needed to purchase ammunition, powder, and percussion caps (Southern Ontario). I recently inherited it and am curious about testing it.
Thompson / Center arms Rochester, New Hampshire CAL, 54.
- Thread starter ThompsonCAEH
- Start date
Pics would help, but if it's the percussion ignition Hawken type, it's non-restricted.
"Ammunition" is a lead ball, so there is zero restrictions on purchasing those. Years ago, there was also no restriction on caps or powder, but recently I've noticed gun shops are requiring PAL info to purchase keychains from them.
These fcking NDP/Liberal overlords are relentless with their data collection. Said another way, aside from a possession amount (8 lbs I believe) I don't think there is a restriction on buying it, but you'll likely encounter a "secret" restriction on selling it.
My Thompsons Center Arms are all great rifles.
"Ammunition" is a lead ball, so there is zero restrictions on purchasing those. Years ago, there was also no restriction on caps or powder, but recently I've noticed gun shops are requiring PAL info to purchase keychains from them.
These fcking NDP/Liberal overlords are relentless with their data collection. Said another way, aside from a possession amount (8 lbs I believe) I don't think there is a restriction on buying it, but you'll likely encounter a "secret" restriction on selling it.
My Thompsons Center Arms are all great rifles.
As noted, you will need a license to purchase powder in Ontario. All else can be purchased without problem.
When purchasing supplies, here are a few things to consider:
Powder: 'Real' black powder: Goex, Swiss or Scheutzen, generally delivers best performance in these rifles. Ffg granulation being suitable in .50 caliber and up. Though Fffg is also good. If using a bp substitute, the same advice applies.
Many TC Hawken rifles featured a 1:48" rifling pitch/twist . Your .54 likely being no exception. This is a compromise twist, that works reasonably well with either patched ball, or conical bullet. Something to consider, when purchasing projectiles. If you wish to shoot sub-caliber saboted bullets, ie; .44 or .45 caliber(pistol bullets), plastic sabots are also available.
Pure lead bullets are recommended for bp rifles, including your Hawken. The soft lead engraves easily into the rifling. Plus, offers good expansion.
If you like to cast your own ball/bullet...Lee Precision offers a good selection of molds suitable for the Hawken. Including the R.E.A.L. bullet. Worth checking out.
It's always a good idea to have a spare nipple or two on hand. Standard thread size of the TC Hawken is 1/4 X 28.
A #11 percussion cap fits this nipple.
If not available in your local gun shop, nipples(plus other accessories) may be ordered online through: Track of the Wolf. An excellent source for all things bp-related.
Caution:
DO NOT...dry fire (drop) the hammer onto the exposed nipple. This will quickly dub over the end of the nipple and make it difficult to seat a percussion cap. Resulting in poor ignition, or failure to fire.
As you will soon discover, bp firearms require a little more maintenance and care, than their smokeless counterparts. Black powder and bp substitutes (Pyrodex, 777, etc.) are highly corrosive. So, thorough cleaning after use is essential. Plus, making sure the bore and metal surfaces are kept rust free.
Note: The TC Hawken is a very easy bp rifle to clean and maintain.
Here's a tip: Ordinary isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), is an excellent bp cleaner/solvent. Especially useful when cleaning between shots, at the range. Or, for a quick clean up in the field, in camp, etc. Removes fouling very easily.
One damp cleaning patch, followed by one or two dry patches...and the bore is squeaky clean, again. Have been using alcohol as a bp solvent exclusively for decades, now. Highly recommend it.
Ballistol is also an excellent cleaning/preservative product for bp firearms.. Good stuff and highly versatile. Water soluble, so can be used as a cleaner. Works very well at cleaning bp residue. Or full strength, as a metal preservative.
Ballistol is readily available in most areas(Canadian Tire, etc). Or, can be ordered, factory direct.
Hope this info is useful. The TC Hawkens are great rifles. Well built, accurate and dependable.
Al
ps: Were any accessories included with the rifle? For example: Capper, powder measure, etc.
When purchasing supplies, here are a few things to consider:
Powder: 'Real' black powder: Goex, Swiss or Scheutzen, generally delivers best performance in these rifles. Ffg granulation being suitable in .50 caliber and up. Though Fffg is also good. If using a bp substitute, the same advice applies.
Many TC Hawken rifles featured a 1:48" rifling pitch/twist . Your .54 likely being no exception. This is a compromise twist, that works reasonably well with either patched ball, or conical bullet. Something to consider, when purchasing projectiles. If you wish to shoot sub-caliber saboted bullets, ie; .44 or .45 caliber(pistol bullets), plastic sabots are also available.
Pure lead bullets are recommended for bp rifles, including your Hawken. The soft lead engraves easily into the rifling. Plus, offers good expansion.
If you like to cast your own ball/bullet...Lee Precision offers a good selection of molds suitable for the Hawken. Including the R.E.A.L. bullet. Worth checking out.
It's always a good idea to have a spare nipple or two on hand. Standard thread size of the TC Hawken is 1/4 X 28.
A #11 percussion cap fits this nipple.
If not available in your local gun shop, nipples(plus other accessories) may be ordered online through: Track of the Wolf. An excellent source for all things bp-related.
Caution:
DO NOT...dry fire (drop) the hammer onto the exposed nipple. This will quickly dub over the end of the nipple and make it difficult to seat a percussion cap. Resulting in poor ignition, or failure to fire.
As you will soon discover, bp firearms require a little more maintenance and care, than their smokeless counterparts. Black powder and bp substitutes (Pyrodex, 777, etc.) are highly corrosive. So, thorough cleaning after use is essential. Plus, making sure the bore and metal surfaces are kept rust free.
Note: The TC Hawken is a very easy bp rifle to clean and maintain.
Here's a tip: Ordinary isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), is an excellent bp cleaner/solvent. Especially useful when cleaning between shots, at the range. Or, for a quick clean up in the field, in camp, etc. Removes fouling very easily.
One damp cleaning patch, followed by one or two dry patches...and the bore is squeaky clean, again. Have been using alcohol as a bp solvent exclusively for decades, now. Highly recommend it.
Ballistol is also an excellent cleaning/preservative product for bp firearms.. Good stuff and highly versatile. Water soluble, so can be used as a cleaner. Works very well at cleaning bp residue. Or full strength, as a metal preservative.
Ballistol is readily available in most areas(Canadian Tire, etc). Or, can be ordered, factory direct.
Hope this info is useful. The TC Hawkens are great rifles. Well built, accurate and dependable.
Al
ps: Were any accessories included with the rifle? For example: Capper, powder measure, etc.
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