Flintlock - T/C Hawkins 1-48 original barrel

cayugad · 10-03-2010, 10:11 AM

Today I had a terrible urge to purchase another rifle.. a flintlock. I talked myself out of it but found myself going back to the site to drool. So I decided I better shoot one of the flintlocks I have.

Rifle: T/C .50 caliber Hawkins Flintlock 1-48 T/C original barrel 28 in
Sights: iron T/C sights
Ignition: Thomas Fuller black English flint 5/8th wide
Lock: newer model T/C lock
Distance: 52 yards
Weather: high 40's, sunny and perfect out

I have only shot this barrel twice according to my notes and I had really no idea what it might like for a charge. So I started at 70 grains and held a full 6 o'clock on the bull. I also told myself I would fire 5 shots before I even checked the target. Well I made it to 4 and then just had to look. So I saw it needed more powder, and less of a bull in the picture.

I then loaded 80 grains and fired two rounds. Again, I had to look. They were to the far side of the bull. So I knew I had the right amount of bull in the sight picture, but why so far left? Then I realized the target was canted a great amount. So I straightened the target to be more level.

I then loaded 90 grains of powder. To this point I still have not swabbed the barrel. And in reality, it did not feel like it needed swabbing. I then shot my first shot and it was a dead center bull. Now that had me going. So I started to shoot more. With the sight picture I was holding it was grouping let and a little low. Also it was getting harder to load, and the balls were starting to drift a little more to the left.

So I cleaned the rifle and shot a few more into the group. Then I decided to aim at the right outside edge of the bull with as close to the same sight picture as possible. That is the two hits to the far right. So I have to adjust the rear sight a little.

But overall I was happy with the way this rifle shot. Also the ignition was flawless. As fast as any percussion rifle, except once it gave me the old tick boom.

I then did a silly thing and moved the target out of the way and put a soda pop can on the ground and decided to shoot at that FREE HAND. Wow that is a long way free hand. I missed the first shot. And then used Sabotloader's advise, raised above it and then as it came down into the sight picture, squeezed off the second shot and the can fell over. But it was dirt that did it. I hit just to the left of it. Third shot was the charm. Dead center can. Thanks for the help Sabotloader.

Semisane · 10-03-2010, 02:34 PM

Cayugad, don't you know a 1:48 can't shoot balls like that?

Good shooting. What gun were you drooling over?

cayugad · 10-03-2010, 04:42 PM

Its on another forum. Its a flintlock .50 caliber 1-60 twist. But the owner said it is not a Lyman. Its double pinned like a GPR and the price was sure right. But I am not going to get another rifle.

flounder33 · 10-03-2010, 04:48 PM

Looks like a great time Dave.
That's a good idea, every time you get the urge to buy a gun just go shooting. Some of us would get a lot more shooting done. Did it take the urge away or do you go back to thinking about that nice gun?
Art

sabotloader · 10-03-2010, 04:49 PM

I wish you two would come out here and teach me how to shoot a flintlock effectively... I am still in the phsssst - boom stage...

I have only worked with it a couple of times and I know I need to spend more time with it - but I am easily frustrated....

cayugad · 10-03-2010, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flounder33

Looks like a great time Dave.
That's a good idea, every time you get the urge to buy a gun just go shooting. Some of us would get a lot more shooting done. Did it take the urge away or do you go back to thinking about that nice gun?
Art

It did take the urge away. But after I cleaned up the Hawkins, I figured it was my duty to go check on that other one and make sure it was alright.

I fully intend to order a custom long rifle real soon. I want an early Lancaster model in .58 caliber very slow twist barrel, with a Colerain barrel, a Seiler or Chambers lock, and have debated getting it swamped.

Semisane · 10-03-2010, 06:52 PM

Quote:

I fully intend to order a custom long rifle real soon. I want an early Lancaster model in .58 caliber very slow twist barrel, with a Colerain barrel, a Seiler or Chambers lock, and have debated getting it swamped.

I was in the same frame of mind for about six months earlier this year Cayugad. Even sold off a couple of guns to start accumulating cash. Had a nice little stash building.

Then along came a good deal. Then another one. After a while I got to thinking that what I really enjoy is finding a good deal on a production gun and playing with it a while, then maybe selling it or keeping it - depending on how I feel about it.

Now the desire for a custom flinter has greatly diminished. I kinda` hate to wipe out my playing around cash. Oh, by the way, I'm picking up a .45 Elite from a guy in Lafayette LA later this week at a pretty good price.

cayugad · 10-03-2010, 08:00 PM

Well it is nice to know your hooked bad.

I had one custom almost ordered and then the builder and I started talking about time frames so I canceled. This time I don't care if it takes a year to build. I figure this will be my last rifle. Actually I sold two rifles last week. So I did good. And I am thinking of selling off some traditional rifles that I do not shoot. I just bought them because of the price and they were there.

Rootsy · 10-04-2010, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cayugad

It did take the urge away. But after I cleaned up the Hawkins, I figured it was my duty to go check on that other one and make sure it was alright.

I fully intend to order a custom long rifle real soon. I want an early Lancaster model in .58 caliber very slow twist barrel, with a Colerain barrel, a Seiler or Chambers lock, and have debated getting it swamped.

Spend the extra $60 - $80 and opt for a Rice tube... Get it swamped.. you will not regret that choice either...