The difference between the two... the carbine has a 1-24 twist more inclined for shooting sabots and conicals. The barrel is 21" I believe. The original Hawkins has a 28" barrel with 1-48 twist. It will shoot patched roundball, conicals, even some sabot combinations sometimes. The sights are normally the same as is the lock and trigger assembly. The choice as to which one you like is up to you. Both will get the job done. I personally like the .54 caliber in traditional, especially if I am going to shoot roundball.