The Cabela's Hawkins used to be made by Investarm s.p.a.. The same people that make Lyman Rifles. My friend's wife bought him a .54 caliber long Hawkins (not the carbine) and it is a beautiful excellent shooting rifle. It has a 1-48 twist and shoots conicals as well as roundball very well. He has take a couple deer with it.

I have a Lyman Trade Rifle which is basically the same rifle in .54 caliber. The difference is the Lyman Trade rifle does not have the fancy brass patch box. D&R Sports has the best price on them. Unless you want the fancy one, that would be another alternative. Lymans, Investarms, all good rifles, good shooters, made in Italy.

Keep the wife.. if she buys guns, she's all right in my book!!