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Building a Hawken Rifle DVD - Hershel House

4085-003-033
$29.95
Building a Hawken Rifle DVD - Hershel House
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Building a Hawken Rifle DVD - Hershel House

Product No. 4085-003-033

$29.95

Normally: $29.95


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Product Details

Building a Hawken Rifle DVD: Expert gun builder Hershel House shows how to build an authentic and historically correct copy of this famous St Louis percussion plains rifle. Construction begins with a stock blank and ends with the completed rifle. Hershel fabricates all the small parts to include forging the trigger guard and butt plate. Gun builders should be advised that many aspects covered in this DVD also pertain to flintlocks, such as the hooked breech and using wedges to attach the barrel. Three original Hawken Rifles are also shown in the video. Approximately 2-1/2 hours long!

About the Hawken Rifle

The Hawken rifle was a highly respected and widely used firearm in the American West, particularly during the fur trade era from the 1820s through the 1840s. Here's a detailed look at its history, popularity, and use:
(continued below)

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About the Hawken Rifle (continued)

When Was the Hawken Rifle Used?
The Hawken rifle was first developed in 1823 by Jacob and Samuel Hawken, gunsmiths based in St. Louis, Missouri—a key outfitting point for westward expeditions [1]. It remained in use through the mid-19th century, especially among frontiersmen, fur trappers, and explorers. Its popularity began to decline after the Civil War with the rise of breech-loading rifles like the Sharps and Winchester [1]. It was often referred to as the "plains rifle," "buffalo gun," or "Rocky Mountain rifle" due to its association with the western frontier [2].

Several features made the Hawken rifle a favorite among mountain men:

  • Powerful Caliber: Typically .50 to .54 caliber, capable of taking down large game like buffalo and elk.
  • Shorter Barrel: Easier to carry on horseback or in rugged terrain compared to the longer Kentucky rifles.
  • Durability: Built for the harsh conditions of the frontier.
  • Accuracy: Known for its precision at long range, making it ideal for both hunting and defense [1].

The Hawken rifle was best suited for:

  • Big game hunting (buffalo, elk, bear)
  • Self-defense in remote wilderness
  • Trade and prestige among fur trappers and explorers

Popular Rocky Mountain Fur Trade Era Weapon
The Hawken rifle was closely associated with the fur trade rendezvous era. It was especially popular among Rocky Mountain fur trappers who needed a reliable, powerful firearm for both hunting and protection. The rifle was often custom-made and sold in St. Louis, the gateway to the West [1]. Its design balanced portability and power, making it ideal for long treks through the Rockies and plains.

Famous Users of the Hawken Rifle
Several legendary mountain men and explorers are known to have used or owned Hawken rifles. These men relied on the Hawken for survival in the wilderness, and its reputation grew through their exploits [1].

  • Jim Bridger
  • Kit Carson
  • Jedediah Smith
  • Hugh Glass
  • Joseph Meek
  • Orrin Porter Rockwell

Resources

[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawken_rifle)
[2](https://centerofthewest.org/2016/06/14/hawken-rifle-rundown/)

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