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Help converting TC Hawken
Jim the PA Hunter
Member Posts: 87 ✭✭
Hi,
[:)]
My father just gave me his 50 cal. Hawken that was built by a gunsmith for him and engraved with his name and other things on the barrel.[^] It is a flintlock. I live in PA where we now have a blackpowder season that allows us to use in-line, cap locks and flintlocks. I would like to be able to convert this rifle to a cap lock, keeping the barrel intact with the engraving and such for sentimental reasons. Do they make a nipple that will screw into the barrel where the flash hole is now? It would need to be on a 90 degree angle. I've seen locks with hammers for sale to fit the Hawken rifle but cannot find the screw in nipples on 90 degree angles.
Is this all I would need to do to convert it? A lock w/ hammer and a nipple? I would really like to be able to put the gun back to flint once in a while.
Also, if there is a way to convert it, is there a way to use 209 primers instead of caps?
Thanks for your help.
[:D]
[:)]
My father just gave me his 50 cal. Hawken that was built by a gunsmith for him and engraved with his name and other things on the barrel.[^] It is a flintlock. I live in PA where we now have a blackpowder season that allows us to use in-line, cap locks and flintlocks. I would like to be able to convert this rifle to a cap lock, keeping the barrel intact with the engraving and such for sentimental reasons. Do they make a nipple that will screw into the barrel where the flash hole is now? It would need to be on a 90 degree angle. I've seen locks with hammers for sale to fit the Hawken rifle but cannot find the screw in nipples on 90 degree angles.
Is this all I would need to do to convert it? A lock w/ hammer and a nipple? I would really like to be able to put the gun back to flint once in a while.
Also, if there is a way to convert it, is there a way to use 209 primers instead of caps?
Thanks for your help.
[:D]
Comments
If it was me, I would leave this family heirloom as is and if I wanted to hunt BP I would go out and buy a TC Hawken caplock to use.
If you want more horsepower upon ignition, it is simple to replace the nipple with a musket cap nipple. They are lots bigger than a regular cap.
As to you question about converting flint to percussion, sorry, I don't know.
To convert back to flintlock; remove the percussion lock, unscrew the drum and screw in a removable vent, install the flint lock.
The major problem is finding a percussion lock that is close to identicle to the original lock in size and geometry (sear location and hammer throw). Dixie Gun Works has all the parts needed.
Another method I have read about is to: procure another frizzen; drill and tap the frizzen for a nipple; secure a cap screw in the flintlock hammer. Make sure they line-up fairly close. I suspect this method may have reliability problems. I intend to try it myself.
Converting a percussion system to 209 primers is generally not feasable on a traditional style rifle. It can be done, but not easily. It does not seem to offer any advantages on a hunting style rifle.