.50 Thompson Center Hawken

[olafpfj]

Just got this handed down from my Dad. He built it as a kit some 25 years ago and decided to give it to me when I was recently in California.

I have zero experience with black powder so does anyone want to help me figure this thing out?

He also gave a bunch of balls, mini balls, No.11 caps, Pyrodex and all the tools and do-dads to shoot it.

[JCole]

The manual is in on this page:

http://www.tcarms.com/manuals/

Have fun. Black powder is a hoot!

[olafpfj]

The manual is in on this page:

http://www.tcarms.com/manuals/

Have fun. Black powder is a hoot!

Thanks. My dad actually saved everything including the receipt so I have all the manuals and everything.

Like everything I'm sure there are some tricks and pitfalls that you only learn from doing or from others more experienced. I know it should have a good cleaning since it hasn't been fired for a few years.

I'll give this a bump when I finally take it to the range and see if anyone wants to tag along.

[Rex B]

I used to shoot those a lot about 20 years ago. Still have 3 or 4.
Not much to it:

Measure powder - 60 grains or so to start light
Pour into bore
Place greased patch on muzzle
Place ball on patch
Ram ball and patch down to powder. Do not place your palm over end of ramrod while in the bore.
half-cock the hammer
Place cap on nipple
cock the hammer.
Aim downrange
pull rear trigger to set the front
pull front trigger to fire.
Repeat

[OldCannon]

I have one identical, except it's a flintlock. Bummer I live in Austin, otherwise we'd go out and get ourselves all sooty!