RE: Thinking about making the jump ...
 

Thanks guys. Appreciate all the great comments. I think I am going to pass on this deal and go with the Cabela's Hawken as I've decided to go with a larger caliber so I don't limit myself.I tried to ask Cabela's who makes it for them but of course they won't tell me. It has gotten good reviews and I trust the Cabela's name and customer service. Any time I have ever had a problem, which isn't often, they have always made good on it. Thanks again!

RE: Thinking about making the jump ...
 

Cabela's Hawkins are made by Investarms. The same people who make the parts for Lyman Rifles. In fact the Cabela's Hawkins is a real fancy Trade Rifle. When you get the rifle there will be an investarms manual in the box for you. They are a good rifle, and the best thing is, if you're not happy Cabela's is one great company for taking something back and making the customer happy.

RE: Thinking about making the jump ...
 

Good price for that setup and a .45 T/C Hawken is plenty for deer if you make a decent shot. I am like many and prefer a .54 but the .45 will do for Whitetails. Also as mentioned look at the bore carefully and if its real clean and free of pitting and rust then go for it. Check over the stock too and make sure there are no hair line cracks etc. Other then that use common sense. The price is sure right for a nice used gun and starter kit, etc.

The Cabelas gun is a nice deal too... although I hate anything that has the Cabelas name on it.

RE: Thinking about making the jump ...
 

I would get a 54cal. It has more punch and is the perfect caliber to me for deer and elk. If you decide to go elk hunting some day you will want the 54cal. The Cabelas would be good but not as good at the TC. You can get the starter kit witht the cabelas.

RE: Thinking about making the jump ...
 

My dad has the cabelas sporterized hawken and its a great shooting rifle. The chome lined barrel makes it nice and easy to clean out. He's taken 2 deer with it so far and the rifle loves powerbelts. He upgraded to fiberoptic sights so thats something you may want to look into.

RE: Thinking about making the jump ...
 

Thanks again for all the responses. Good to know that it is a well made rifle. It sure looks nice and in fact, I looked at the sporterized version but like the look of the regular model more. I know. Vain. So the inside of the sporterized barrel is chrome? How common is that? It's easier to clean? But does it have any flaws or pitfalls versus the standard?

RE: Thinking about making the jump ...
 

What caliber did you decide on?

RE: Thinking about making the jump ...
 

Sharp Shooter. I am going to get the .54 in case I go for heavier game out West some day or God willing, be drawn in Minnesota's annual Elk Lottery. I think eight people were selected this year out of a couple of thousand applicants. Not a bad $10 "raffle ticket" of sorts if you ask me.

I'm going to wait to get it until after Xmas as I won't be able to get down to Cabela's until after then. It burns my butt that I'll miss the $50 off coupon (in store only) but I've got another for $20 off after the Holidays coupon and will get an annualgift certificate from work that will even it out. LOL. Plus I have a sneaking suspicioun by brother-in-laws are getting me gift cards to there. I may have overheard my wife talking to them.

RE: Thinking about making the jump ...
 

Hey guys. Thanks for all your help on this matter. Just an update. I visited Cabelas yesterday and ended up getting the Cabelas brand Hawken in the .54 caliber. It is a beautiful gun and I am looking forward to trying it out soon. Very little assembly out of the box. The pin that secures the barrel to the stock fit a little tight. I was able to get it half way in with my fingers and then lightly tap it the rest of the way in with a hammer. But that is probably normal. Just not used to such an assembly.

Anyway, I'm not sure of any local ranges around here and will probably have to try it out on our land. Any ideas for targets? What do most of you guys use? I guess I'm thinking of what might be a good backstop or at least something that would help slow downthe trajectory of the roundball. I'm not going to be aiming at houses or roads or anything but better safe than sorry. I was thinking of sandbags behind the target.

RE: Thinking about making the jump ...
 

Get yourself one of these handy wedge puller/wedger setter/nipple wrench combinations for your rifle. You will never be without one and it saves wear and tear on your rifle and wedge pin. http://www.octobercountry.com/products3.php?productid=513

The wedge pin is supposed to be a tight fit. If it was not, then something would be wrong. A simple target for you is a cardboard box filled with sand. Then tape a paper plate on the front of the box and with a simple magic marker draw a circle on the plate. Start your shooting at 25 yards off some kind of a rest. I will guess that the rifle will tune in with 90 grains of Pyrodex RS and a .530 patched roundball and give you excellent accuracy and penetration. You have a beautiful rifle there. My friend hunts with the exact rifle, and it is all he uses, even during the modern season. Good luck with your rifle. Post a picture of it if you can. I like looking at a beautiful Hawkins rifle..