Last year Montana had a late season "traditional muzzle loader only hunt" for 1 week after general rifle season. My son and I are avid hunters and wanted to go but it was not a season before. Meat on the table was always the most important thing in my family. I believe the late season will happen again so I just bought a 54 cal Lyman Great Plains rifle. I hope to be ready by December 1st for season. My oldest brother was an avid hunter with bow, muzzle loader pistol and rifle in that order. His seasons ran long and he loved the hunt more than the kill. Covid got him and my wife 1 week apart. I miss them both more than words.
Never a question about the incredible impact you have made with your kids throughout your teaching career ..... but how remarkable it is the impact you have on all of us with the history of firearms, your thoughtful life lessons, and just plain goodness coming from you on your videos. You’ve been a wonderful influence on so many of us, and I personally have been blessed to find you on UA-cam. You and John are true national treasures ... God bless ... ✝️
My lifelong friend left me his Great Plains Rifle . I have taken 2 deer with mine and feel he is with me when I take it afield. I just put the Lyman receiver sights on it and though it detracts from the authenticity I can't wait to see how much accuracy I can get with the added sight radius. Keep up the good work and pray for our country!
I love my .54 Cal Thompson/Center Hawkin that my wife bought me in 1982. It was a kit back when the kits were very basic. The barrel and the lock was inletted but there was at least a 1/2" wood to remove to get the stock down to their inletted position. The buttplate was inletted but there was still a lot of wood to draw knife off to shape the stock and the sand mold marks needed polished off both the buttplate and thimble. And of course the barrel needed to be draw-filed and then polished before finishing. Later kits were much more finished, but I think I value it more for all the wood, steel and brass work I had to do. A real education and a lot of pride in accomplishment. BTW, it's a real shooter, too.
I would recommend the now out of print book, "The Hawken Rifle: Its Place in History" by Charles E, Hanson Jr. Sadly out of print before its work was done, it dispelled the myth of movies, and dime novels, of the Hawken being the choice of mountain men and fur trappers during the fur trade era from about 1800-1840. They were expensive, were not made in large numbers, did not appear until late in the era. Kit Carson may have had one late in the period and Jim Bridger was known to have one. But otherwise there is not much f any evidence that they were common. The whole era is fascinating for people interested in black powder arms and history and there are a number of good books about the era---most seem to have been printed in the 1980s, but well worth searching for. I'd avoid many of the novels for historical accuracy--even the classic "The Big Sky Country" by A.B, Guthrie repeats the Hawken myth, but is an interesting read. Anyway, the fur trappers of that era used a variety of rifles and most were not Hawkens.
Yeah, what tends to get "glorified" are the best or coolest firearms that were used during any period of history, I suppose. For example, the Sharps rifle is beautiful and was used for buffalo hunting, but I've read that most buffalos were taken with more common, less expensive rifles.
I really appreciate the historical aspect and I can see how the whole process is part of the joy. Couldn’t imagine carryin’ one of these 200 years ago, along with food, fur, and other supplies way out in the thick of it somewhere. Impressive
Honestly I’d never seen anyone shoot a muzzle loader rifle and this was super informative. I didn’t think they’d be anywhere NEAR that accurate. I think it’s because I associated muzzle loaders to the musket and those had no where near the range I’m told at least. Thanks for making these videos. You’re a true Patriot. SEMPER FI Sir!
With practice you can hit a man with a smoothbore musket at about 100 yards. That is if it's loaded with a tight fitting patched ball. A muzzle loading rifle, like the Hawken as well as others, can easily be accurate out to a few hundred yards. The hard part is figuring out your holdover at those ranges. The rifle is more than capable of doing it, most shooters are not.
@@thomaszaccone3960 You're right, there are some VERY accurate muzzle loaders. Lots of guys shoot 1,000 yard matches with rifles like the Whitworth. 58 caliber rifled muskets too. Breech loading non metallic cartridge rifles like the early Sharp's too. I was really referring to the older style rifles of comparatively smaller caliber that were designed for patched round ball. Like the Hawken, and Pennsylvania rifle etc. Those much older designs are still accurate out to 300ish yards with standard open sights.
I took my 13 year old daughter out deer hunting with a CVA Hawken rifle. I have come to the conclusion the mountain man who went out into the Rockies carry two pistols and two rifles. Maybe they left one at camp but they definitely had a spare rifle. They are just such a pain in the butt there are so much that can go wrong with them. And, I cannot imagine going into the Wilderness back then with a flintlock rifle caplock sure did change the game
I've been shooting for many, many years and I still haven't attempted shooting black powder. This was a great, relaxing, "fireside chat" type of video that really made me decide to give black powder a shot before I take my last shot. It's time to do a bit of research and see what Santa may be bringing me this year, lol. Hey guys, great video as usual and thanks for bringing awareness to our youth. We need them to continue on and to help keep our nation free. Thanks again and God bless.
My Lyman Great Plains Rifle is 50 cal. Flint Lock. Quite an experience having unpredictable ignition lag. Hold on the target, pull the trigger, keep holding, bang. Right on target!
Love my .54!! My son and I built em out of kits. Hits hard and accurately at 80 yards. Leaves a very big hole!!! 10 years,..no real issues unless you include pilot error. Yes,.my ramrod did make a end-over 50 yard trip and hit a bit low and to the left! ;^). Keep up the good work,..you're a true patriot icon.
Don't shoot as much as I used too but still enjoy getting one or more of the smoke poles out and making some noise. I have 2 Hawkins, a Kentucky Long rifle and several modern inliners including a TC OMEGA, CVA WOLF, SCOUT and a couple of odd balls I've picked up at sales. If you've never tried BP you should try it.
Love the muzzle loader videos. It is the most fun form of shooting in my opinion. The plains rifle is a great gun. Only 2 questions: 1. "Do you know how to skin griz?" 2. Have you ever thought baout making a video on the 1859/1863 Sharps used by Berdan's sharpshooters? Never stop.
I grew up shooting a Thompson Center 50 cal Hawkins. We used to shoot it on the 4th and New Years with just powder and a paper towel. Shoots a huge flame out and it's super loud. Good memories!
Been a muzzle loading fan all my life. My first was a Hopkins and Allen in .45 caliber with the hammer underneath the barrel. I've also owned a Traditions .50 and a Thompson center in .50. Loved the Traditions the best because I made it my own special woods companion. Smoke poles aren't obsolete. Love to the gong!
WOW how cool you got that in 1974! That's when I got mine in 1974 it was a 50cal and a flint lock. I can remember trying to get that flint lined up perfect on the striker plate and flash pan at first was a adventure LoL. Broke a lot of flints before I get it figured out. Enjoyed shooting that gun a lot.. And yes it was a Thompson center hawkins beautiful gun.
Gong, first shot, 80 yards, adjusted sights: freaking amazing! that is the shot that got me to subscribe many, many years ago. For me, it never gets old. Still just as amazing! Thanks guys!
One of the best times I had ice fishing is when my buddy brought out his Hawkins .32 caliber smoke pole. The fishing stunk but we had a serious shooting competition happening.
I was recently at a black-powder shooting club. Due to weather conditions we had to shoot indoors. After the first bursts we shot blind, and at the end we were very dirty. But the fun we had! :-) (Oddly enough, my wife was less happy with me when I got home ..)
I've got the same rifle in the same caliber. Bought it back in the early 1990s. I had a heck of a time with it, till I figured out the right sight picture for the traditional buckhorn sights. Eventually, I figured out that the part of the rear sight to line up with the front sight is between the points of the buckhorn, not the bottom groove. If you use the bottom groove, there's not enough elevation adjustment in the rear sight to get it landing high enough to hit the bullseye.
I love the muzzle loaders thanks. I built a kit 45 Kentucky long 33 inch barrel when I was 12, this spring I purchased a Hawkens 50 cal double set trigger, and most recent picked up a 1858 Remington. All are very accurate, and fun.
I bought a Delux Kentucky rifle kit in .50 cal made by Traditions , it turned out quite nice. I took it to the range today and it had good accuracy. The only problem was the rear sight, it was too small for the dovetail on the barrel so I replaced it with an old sight from a Winchester.The kit cost $ 349 and to me is good value. They also do other kits for a similar price and some for $800 - $900. For a start into black powder its hard to beat.
I have not watched all your videos but I especially enjoy these old cap and ball "Smokies".. Thank you and your son for the positive impact of gun ownership in American.
Every year the Exploring division of our county's scouting program held an event where the kids would form groups of 20-30 and spend 90 minutes or so at different demonstrations; rock climbing, archery, lumberjack skills and the one I worked at year after year, black powder. Do a talk about how the guns work, show a load and fire and then anyone who wanted was offered a chance to shoot. Man those things foul up fast. 100, 150 rounds and you're bruising your hand on the ball starter. That's where I learned firing a flintlock left handed was. . . Startling to say the least.
A couple years ago I was sighting in a .270 and shooting a Glock at a range with my friend. A couple of older gentleman were there shooting their muzzleloaders and having a blast. We were the only 4 people at the range so we got to talking. They offered me to load and shoot their muzzleloaders and I will say it was very fun!
Love Black Powder. Some of my favorite shooting. I live one town over from Rochester, NH. Former home of Thompson Center. I have several TC Firearms. Probably my favorite is my Flintlock Hawken, followed by the Scout pistol. Great fun.
Been watching for years, love seeing your vids getting the huge view counts. Sincerely thanks. Life is good and just that much better with you guys a part of it. We appreciate you.
I have the Thompson Renegade in .54, and love it! Also the SS Hawken in .50. And the Seneca in .36 (many 'chucks, and a few squirrels, too.) I have used Goex Black, but switched to Pyrodex and now Triple 7 is my fav. Just cleaner. I also shoot mainly round balls. They work. I have also tried the knurled lead Hornady 240 gr .44 HP's in a sabot -- my .50 will get me 1700 f/s, and those soft lead hp's will literally turn inside out, but hold together in a deer (one, frontal, ~40 yds, under the skin in the hind leg! That knurled surface takes the sabot better than a smooth jacketed one. My alternate deer load. Jerry N.
As a mountain man might say: "'This child' enjoyed this video!" I have always loved black powder rifles and the .54 Caliber Hawken is a favorite of mine. Just as a matter of note, the mountainmen ranged far and wide in the west, trapping beaver and other fur bearing pelts and shooting "buffler's" and bear over vast distances, not only in the mountains but in the plains as well. In fact, rivers were largely their mode of travel as well as their real place of work so wherever the rivers meandered, they were sure to be found. So, when they were in the western plains, they considered themselves to be "in the mountains." hence the designation of the Hawken .54 as being a "Rocky Mountain Rifle." I always appreciate seeing your love for guns and the absolute reverence with which you handle them. And by the way, you are a pretty darn crack shot! I seldom see you miss! Thanks for listening!
I’d love to have a Lymans but I’m pretty happy with my Traditions Spring Field Hawken, I bought it used for $50 bucks.. It shoots 430 grain conicals just as accurate as it does .490 lead balls .. Very accurate rifle ..!
It takes a bit of time to get a proper powder patch and ball combination but once you get it dialed in you can use it as your hunting load. After that go to the range and load up with a 20 grain load and shoot all day. One pound of powder will give you approximately 350 shots. You can use this lite load to work on your trigger pull, your follow through and gain the strength need to hold on to your target.
The Lyman Great Plains Rifle is a well made replica of the original Hawken and is very accurate. I bought mine about 30 years ago in.54 cal.at a gun show new for $250.It also shoots heavy cast bullets very accurately.
I don’t own a historical type BP rifle but I love my TC inline .50 cal. This video has got me itching to get it out and shoot. Love all your videos Mr. H. Much respect
The crescent butt plate was not meant to be 'shouldered', but instead seated on the upper arm, where top of bicep and the deltoid meet. You shoot with rifle more across your chest, your stance changes. Also the cheek rest and your eye relief feel better then. Kinda weird at first, but very secure and stable. I guess it was for shooting buffalo off horse back? Dunno, but that's what I've found. Those two sharp points could bite you otherwise
Hey, I’ve got this rifle in .54 cal and would really really like to see a good video on cleaning this beast, especially the patent breech at the bottom of the barrel. Nothing I can find on UA-cam that’s as knowledgeable as you could be. Three shooting vids deserves a cleaning vid. Thank you.
Great to see you're still shooting this rifle! I just purchased one from Track of the Wolf (the flintlock version), not in small part based on your video reviews and Mike Beliveau's series about the kit he built. Can't wait to get it out and make some smoke.
Hickok 45 The Hawken is featured in the movie Jeremiah Johnson staring Robert Redford, movie was made many years ago. He was a trapper in the Rockies in 1830s.
Well looks like I need to try black powder out. I have loaded 45-70 with black powder for old trapdoors. It's time to put the AR-15 down and pick up a flint lock or cap and ball rifle. You may have turned me on to something.
I owned a T/C Renegade in 54 cal and it was a dream to shoot. It had a shotgun butt and handled recoil from even top loads with ease. No pain. I also had a Lyman GPR in 54 and got rid of it not long after I got it. That sob kicked my brains out. I think the only other rifle that kicked worse was the T/C Bone Collector in 50 cal. I wish T/C would bring back the Renegade.
Deep crescent buttplates will do that. That's why shotgun buttplates were invented. With a cresent, you get all the recoil all at once. With the flat butt plate, it starts in the middle and sort of rolls the recoil into the shoulder across the flat face. Still, I will always prefer the authentic style of the Lyman, or Dixie Tennessee Mountain Rifle over any modernized rifle.
@@OutnBacker I built a Kentucky Longrifle from a kit. It has a crescent butt plate. But it is only a 45 cal. Extremely accurate. I bought a special nipple for it so i can shoot Blackhorn 209 powder. It shoots best groups using a .445 ball with a pillow ticking patch, and real saliva, not patch grease. I love to shoot it.
So am I correct that the origins of the term "don't go off half cocked" comes from shooting this type of gun? What would happen if you pull the trigger when you have it "half cocked"?
Josh Rowe is correct. Half cocking takes the hammer off of the cap preventing an accidental drop from firing the weapon. In a battle situation you definitely want to be cocky to the fullest extent 🤣😁
If your rifle is half-cocked, you shoulder it, aim, and pull the trigger, and...nothing. Going off half-cocked means you don't really have the stuff to do what you intend, despite your feeling that you're ready to go.
This gun is really good for stealth if you’re many because when you all shoot it at once in multiple targets it can create a “‘smoke bomb”’ like screen so that the other back up targets can’t see you clearly
You really need to get the "Flinch-lock" version of that rifle! Nothing like firing one with your powder slightly damp from hunting and have it sizzle in the pan a moment before it actually goes off.
Love the smell of Black Powder in the morning. Over here across the pond Blackpowder Pistols/Rifles are a staple diet on the range. How about a 50 -140 Sharos in Bkackpowder, love to see you shoot one of thise big cigar length cartridge rifles. Keep the videos coming.
Like you I had a T/C Hawken that I bought in 1974 and had lots of fun shooting it. How about a video on a Sharps Buffalo gun. Great video and keep up the great work
For a few years a I owned were muzzle loaders and black powder pistols. I enjoy target shooting with them more than modern firearms. I always wanted to build a flintlock rifle.
Anyone who doesn't understand why some people collect firearms just needs to watch a few hickok videos to see what responsible, lawful gun owners are like and why people enjoy collecting/shooting firearms and how interesting the hobby can be.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
First Video with this Rifle: ua-cam.com/video/QZCVQMEwlT0/v-deo.html
Chapter 2 Video with this Rifle: ua-cam.com/video/RHQlbbBUtyk/v-deo.html
Would love it if you did a 50 Beowulf (12.7x42) review!
Last year Montana had a late season "traditional muzzle loader only hunt" for 1 week after general rifle season. My son and I are avid hunters and wanted to go but it was not a season before. Meat on the table was always the most important thing in my family. I believe the late season will happen again so I just bought a 54 cal Lyman Great Plains rifle. I hope to be ready by December 1st for season. My oldest brother was an avid hunter with bow, muzzle loader pistol and rifle in that order. His seasons ran long and he loved the hunt more than the kill. Covid got him and my wife 1 week apart. I miss them both more than words.
Never a question about the incredible impact you have made with your kids throughout your teaching career ..... but how remarkable it is the impact you have on all of us with the history of firearms, your thoughtful life lessons, and just plain goodness coming from you on your videos. You’ve been a wonderful influence on so many of us, and I personally have been blessed to find you on UA-cam. You and John are true national treasures ... God bless ... ✝️
My lifelong friend left me his Great Plains Rifle . I have taken 2 deer with mine and feel he is with me when I take it afield. I just put the Lyman receiver sights on it and though it detracts from the authenticity I can't wait to see how much accuracy I can get with the added sight radius. Keep up the good work and pray for our country!
I have the Lyman receiver sight on my Great Plains Rifle and it makes it very accurate.
"I tend to lean on the side of freedom"
Live free or die
I haven’t watched you for a couple of years, and you haven’t even changed a bit.
I see you have elected the way of pain.
Well that's your loss
A little thinner these days, perhaps.
I love my .54 Cal Thompson/Center Hawkin that my wife bought me in 1982. It was a kit back when the kits were very basic. The barrel and the lock was inletted but there was at least a 1/2" wood to remove to get the stock down to their inletted position. The buttplate was inletted but there was still a lot of wood to draw knife off to shape the stock and the sand mold marks needed polished off both the buttplate and thimble. And of course the barrel needed to be draw-filed and then polished before finishing.
Later kits were much more finished, but I think I value it more for all the wood, steel and brass work I had to do. A real education and a lot of pride in accomplishment.
BTW, it's a real shooter, too.
After the movie Jeremiah Johnson came out in 1972 you couldn't find a Hawkins in any gun shop. It's what got me hunting and shooting them in 76.
@The serpent must die So I guess I don't have to ask if you know how to skin a griz.
@The serpent must die Yeah, when my mam heard about, she act like she was gut shot.
I would recommend the now out of print book, "The Hawken Rifle: Its Place in History" by Charles E, Hanson Jr. Sadly out of print before its work was done, it dispelled the myth of movies, and dime novels, of the Hawken being the choice of mountain men and fur trappers during the fur trade era from about 1800-1840. They were expensive, were not made in large numbers, did not appear until late in the era. Kit Carson may have had one late in the period and Jim Bridger was known to have one. But otherwise there is not much f any evidence that they were common.
The whole era is fascinating for people interested in black powder arms and history and there are a number of good books about the era---most seem to have been printed in the 1980s, but well worth searching for. I'd avoid many of the novels for historical accuracy--even the classic "The Big Sky Country" by A.B, Guthrie repeats the Hawken myth, but is an interesting read.
Anyway, the fur trappers of that era used a variety of rifles and most were not Hawkens.
Yeah, what tends to get "glorified" are the best or coolest firearms that were used during any period of history, I suppose. For example, the Sharps rifle is beautiful and was used for buffalo hunting, but I've read that most buffalos were taken with more common, less expensive rifles.
Were there other half stock rifles produced by other builders besides the Hawken brothers back in the day ..? Me thinks there probably was ..!
I really appreciate the historical aspect and I can see how the whole process is part of the joy. Couldn’t imagine carryin’ one of these 200 years ago, along with food, fur, and other supplies way out in the thick of it somewhere. Impressive
My first charcoal stuffer was a Lyman Great Plains caplock in .54. Still enjoy shooting it nearly 25 years later.
Perfect timing, I was going through your old blackpowder videos to get ready to shoot my Lyman Great Plains rifle
Honestly I’d never seen anyone shoot a muzzle loader rifle and this was super informative. I didn’t think they’d be anywhere NEAR that accurate. I think it’s because I associated muzzle loaders to the musket and those had no where near the range I’m told at least. Thanks for making these videos. You’re a true Patriot.
SEMPER FI Sir!
With practice you can hit a man with a smoothbore musket at about 100 yards. That is if it's loaded with a tight fitting patched ball. A muzzle loading rifle, like the Hawken as well as others, can easily be accurate out to a few hundred yards. The hard part is figuring out your holdover at those ranges. The rifle is more than capable of doing it, most shooters are not.
Check out civil war rifled muskets. VERY accurate
@@smartacus88 Whitworth Rifle - kills at close to a mile
As with 99% of all handguns and rifles, they are way more accurate than I am. A smooth bore would be an exception.
@@thomaszaccone3960 You're right, there are some VERY accurate muzzle loaders. Lots of guys shoot 1,000 yard matches with rifles like the Whitworth. 58 caliber rifled muskets too. Breech loading non metallic cartridge rifles like the early Sharp's too. I was really referring to the older style rifles of comparatively smaller caliber that were designed for patched round ball. Like the Hawken, and Pennsylvania rifle etc. Those much older designs are still accurate out to 300ish yards with standard open sights.
I took my 13 year old daughter out deer hunting with a CVA Hawken rifle. I have come to the conclusion the mountain man who went out into the Rockies carry two pistols and two rifles. Maybe they left one at camp but they definitely had a spare rifle. They are just such a pain in the butt there are so much that can go wrong with them. And, I cannot imagine going into the Wilderness back then with a flintlock rifle caplock sure did change the game
I've been shooting for many, many years and I still haven't attempted shooting black powder. This was a great, relaxing, "fireside chat" type of video that really made me decide to give black powder a shot before I take my last shot. It's time to do a bit of research and see what Santa may be bringing me this year, lol. Hey guys, great video as usual and thanks for bringing awareness to our youth. We need them to continue on and to help keep our nation free. Thanks again and God bless.
My Lyman Great Plains Rifle is 50 cal. Flint Lock. Quite an experience having unpredictable ignition lag. Hold on the target, pull the trigger, keep holding, bang. Right on target!
Love my .54!! My son and I built em out of kits. Hits hard and accurately at 80 yards. Leaves a very big hole!!! 10 years,..no real issues unless you include pilot error. Yes,.my ramrod did make a end-over 50 yard trip and hit a bit low and to the left! ;^). Keep up the good work,..you're a true patriot icon.
Don't shoot as much as I used too but still enjoy getting one or more of the smoke poles out and making some noise. I have 2 Hawkins, a Kentucky Long rifle and several modern inliners including a TC OMEGA, CVA WOLF, SCOUT and a couple of odd balls I've picked up at sales. If you've never tried BP you should try it.
I have never liked modern BP inliners.
Your earlier Lyman videos motivated me to get one of these as well as my love for the trapper/mountain man era.
Love the muzzle loader videos. It is the most fun form of shooting in my opinion.
The plains rifle is a great gun. Only 2 questions:
1. "Do you know how to skin griz?"
2. Have you ever thought baout making a video on the 1859/1863 Sharps used by Berdan's sharpshooters?
Never stop.
I grew up shooting a Thompson Center 50 cal Hawkins. We used to shoot it on the 4th and New Years with just powder and a paper towel. Shoots a huge flame out and it's super loud. Good memories!
Been a muzzle loading fan all my life. My first was a Hopkins and Allen in .45 caliber with the hammer underneath the barrel. I've also owned a Traditions .50 and a Thompson center in
.50. Loved the Traditions the best because I made it my own special woods companion. Smoke poles aren't obsolete. Love to the gong!
WOW how cool you got that in 1974! That's when I got mine in 1974 it was a 50cal and a flint lock. I can remember trying to get that flint lined up perfect on the striker plate and flash pan at first was a adventure LoL. Broke a lot of flints before I get it figured out. Enjoyed shooting that gun a lot..
And yes it was a Thompson center hawkins beautiful gun.
Gong, first shot, 80 yards, adjusted sights: freaking amazing! that is the shot that got me to subscribe many, many years ago. For me, it never gets old. Still just as amazing! Thanks guys!
I love My Lyman GPR, it's a 70's model, beautiful and accurate.
One of the best times I had ice fishing is when my buddy brought out his Hawkins .32 caliber smoke pole. The fishing stunk but we had a serious shooting competition happening.
I was recently at a black-powder shooting club. Due to weather conditions we had to shoot indoors. After the first bursts we shot blind, and at the end we were very dirty. But the fun we had! :-)
(Oddly enough, my wife was less happy with me when I got home ..)
How do you find these clubs? I’m getting started in bp shooting
Bought me a .50 cal Hawken at a pawn shop when I was 15 in 1989. I have a new Green Mountain Barrel on it with peep sights. I just love it!
I've got the same rifle in the same caliber. Bought it back in the early 1990s. I had a heck of a time with it, till I figured out the right sight picture for the traditional buckhorn sights. Eventually, I figured out that the part of the rear sight to line up with the front sight is between the points of the buckhorn, not the bottom groove. If you use the bottom groove, there's not enough elevation adjustment in the rear sight to get it landing high enough to hit the bullseye.
I love the muzzle loaders thanks. I built a kit 45 Kentucky long 33 inch barrel when I was 12, this spring I purchased a Hawkens 50 cal double set trigger, and most recent picked up a 1858 Remington. All are very accurate, and fun.
I bought a Delux Kentucky rifle kit in .50 cal made by Traditions , it turned out quite nice. I took it to the range today and it had good accuracy. The only problem was the rear sight, it was too small for the dovetail on the barrel so I replaced it with an old sight from a Winchester.The kit cost $ 349 and to me is good value. They also do other kits for a similar price and some for $800 - $900. For a start into black powder its hard to beat.
I have not watched all your videos but I especially enjoy these old cap and ball "Smokies".. Thank you and your son for the positive impact of gun ownership in American.
Every year the Exploring division of our county's scouting program held an event where the kids would form groups of 20-30 and spend 90 minutes or so at different demonstrations; rock climbing, archery, lumberjack skills and the one I worked at year after year, black powder. Do a talk about how the guns work, show a load and fire and then anyone who wanted was offered a chance to shoot. Man those things foul up fast. 100, 150 rounds and you're bruising your hand on the ball starter. That's where I learned firing a flintlock left handed was. . . Startling to say the least.
A couple years ago I was sighting in a .270 and shooting a Glock at a range with my friend. A couple of older gentleman were there shooting their muzzleloaders and having a blast. We were the only 4 people at the range so we got to talking. They offered me to load and shoot their muzzleloaders and I will say it was very fun!
Love Black Powder. Some of my favorite shooting. I live one town over from Rochester, NH. Former home of Thompson Center. I have several TC Firearms. Probably my favorite is my Flintlock Hawken, followed by the Scout pistol. Great fun.
Been watching for years, love seeing your vids getting the huge view counts. Sincerely thanks. Life is good and just that much better with you guys a part of it. We appreciate you.
I've got an old LGPR, flinter, .50cal extremely accurate rifle. One of my favorites.
I have the Thompson Renegade in .54, and love it! Also the SS Hawken in .50. And the Seneca in .36 (many 'chucks, and a few squirrels, too.) I have used Goex Black, but switched to Pyrodex and now Triple 7 is my fav. Just cleaner. I also shoot mainly round balls. They work. I have also tried the knurled lead Hornady 240 gr .44 HP's in a sabot -- my .50 will get me 1700 f/s, and those soft lead hp's will literally turn inside out, but hold together in a deer (one, frontal, ~40 yds, under the skin in the hind leg! That knurled surface takes the sabot better than a smooth jacketed one. My alternate deer load. Jerry N.
As a mountain man might say: "'This child' enjoyed this video!" I have always loved black powder rifles and the .54 Caliber Hawken is a favorite of mine. Just as a matter of note, the mountainmen ranged far and wide in the west, trapping beaver and other fur bearing pelts and shooting "buffler's" and bear over vast distances, not only in the mountains but in the plains as well. In fact, rivers were largely their mode of travel as well as their real place of work so wherever the rivers meandered, they were sure to be found. So, when they were in the western plains, they considered themselves to be "in the mountains." hence the designation of the Hawken .54 as being a "Rocky Mountain Rifle." I always appreciate seeing your love for guns and the absolute reverence with which you handle them. And by the way, you are a pretty darn crack shot! I seldom see you miss! Thanks for listening!
I’d love to have a Lymans but I’m pretty happy with my Traditions Spring Field Hawken, I bought it used for $50 bucks.. It shoots 430 grain conicals just as accurate as it does .490 lead balls .. Very accurate rifle ..!
Black powder guns are my favorite thanks for making my morning Hickok
I've never shot a muzzle loader myself, but I love these black powder videos. They're just so relaxing, and fun.
I love these rifles for the same reason I love the maple stock Henry's. They're rugged, functional, accurate, beautiful, and American made.
I have the same rifle......in 50 Caliber, very nice rifle, well made and very accurate!
It takes a bit of time to get a proper powder patch and ball combination but once you get it dialed in you can use it as your hunting load. After that go to the range and load up with a 20 grain load and shoot all day. One pound of powder will give you approximately 350 shots. You can use this lite load to work on your trigger pull, your follow through and gain the strength need to hold on to your target.
Always enjoy the videos. I also enjoy a Lyman Great Plains Rifle in a Flintlock.
was watching the debate last night while shopping for the Lyman Great Plains Rifle... perfect timing this came out today @hickok45 !
Had my new GPR Signature 54 out today. Fantastic rifle.
The Lyman Great Plains Rifle is a well made replica of the original Hawken and is very accurate. I bought mine about 30 years ago in.54 cal.at a gun show new for $250.It also shoots heavy cast bullets very accurately.
I'm a civil war reenactor. Love the smell of black powder! Carry an Enfield .577 cal.
I don’t own a historical type BP rifle but I love my TC inline .50 cal. This video has got me itching to get it out and shoot. Love all your videos Mr. H. Much respect
Love this guy the ultimate gun nut but with historically knowledge about every gun he shoots !
Gotta have the period correct cargo shorts ! That's hilarious !! Great video, I enjoyed watching !
The crescent butt plate was not meant to be 'shouldered', but instead seated on the upper arm, where top of bicep and the deltoid meet. You shoot with rifle more across your chest, your stance changes. Also the cheek rest and your eye relief feel better then. Kinda weird at first, but very secure and stable. I guess it was for shooting buffalo off horse back? Dunno, but that's what I've found. Those two sharp points could bite you otherwise
Hey, I’ve got this rifle in .54 cal and would really really like to see a good video on cleaning this beast, especially the patent breech at the bottom of the barrel. Nothing I can find on UA-cam that’s as knowledgeable as you could be. Three shooting vids deserves a cleaning vid. Thank you.
Great to see you're still shooting this rifle! I just purchased one from Track of the Wolf (the flintlock version), not in small part based on your video reviews and Mike Beliveau's series about the kit he built. Can't wait to get it out and make some smoke.
Thanks so much for the great professional videos hickok.
Hickok 45 The Hawken is featured in the movie Jeremiah Johnson staring Robert Redford, movie was made many years ago. He was a trapper in the Rockies in 1830s.
Really enjoyable to watch, love the black powder video's!
I noticed you never checked for an empty chamber after shooting that. love you man, hope you realize these are all my attempts to jokes.
I only check the chamber on this rifle when I've been doing "double taps." :-)
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I’ve never owned a black powder firearm. Glad to see you enjoying yours.
Well looks like I need to try black powder out. I have loaded 45-70 with black powder for old trapdoors. It's time to put the AR-15 down and pick up a flint lock or cap and ball rifle. You may have turned me on to something.
I just ordered a Lyman Signature series Great Plains Rifle in 54 cal. percussion. I can't wait for it to arrive.
I owned a T/C Renegade in 54 cal and it was a dream to shoot. It had a shotgun butt and handled recoil from even top loads with ease. No pain. I also had a Lyman GPR in 54 and got rid of it not long after I got it. That sob kicked my brains out. I think the only other rifle that kicked worse was the T/C Bone Collector in 50 cal. I wish T/C would bring back the Renegade.
Deep crescent buttplates will do that. That's why shotgun buttplates were invented. With a cresent, you get all the recoil all at once. With the flat butt plate, it starts in the middle and sort of rolls the recoil into the shoulder across the flat face. Still, I will always prefer the authentic style of the Lyman, or Dixie Tennessee Mountain Rifle over any modernized rifle.
@@OutnBacker I built a Kentucky Longrifle from a kit. It has a crescent butt plate. But it is only a 45 cal. Extremely accurate. I bought a special nipple for it so i can shoot Blackhorn 209 powder. It shoots best groups using a .445 ball with a pillow ticking patch, and real saliva, not patch grease. I love to shoot it.
@@TheArby13 Yeah, that caliber seems to be a winner in many rifles for some reason. There has to be a physics answer as to why.
I hunt with a tradition in line. Very good rifle and fairly priced. I got my first in line deer this year with a tradition
Hikcock is so awesome!
Like his guns
@camo man guys I’m not
I saw green vent.
A pedersoli whitworth would be a really cool rifle to see done since they have a hexagonal bore in place of normal rifling
hickok is the kind of uncle we all wanted growing up.
Is that a musket oh my god it is isn't it man I love the work you put into these videos
thank you really for making these videos sir. Very interesting and educational.
So am I correct that the origins of the term "don't go off half cocked" comes from shooting this type of gun? What would happen if you pull the trigger when you have it "half cocked"?
Nothing
Nothing
Half cock on these guns is basically like having a safety on your gun.
Josh Rowe is correct. Half cocking takes the hammer off of the cap preventing an accidental drop from firing the weapon. In a battle situation you definitely want to be cocky to the fullest extent 🤣😁
If your rifle is half-cocked, you shoulder it, aim, and pull the trigger, and...nothing. Going off half-cocked means you don't really have the stuff to do what you intend, despite your feeling that you're ready to go.
“Iv been standing at a table with a long ram rod since 1975.”
- Hickok45
Such a pleasing design for a rifle.
This gun is really good for stealth if you’re many because when you all shoot it at once in multiple targets it can create a “‘smoke bomb”’ like screen so that the other back up targets can’t see you clearly
You really need to get the "Flinch-lock" version of that rifle! Nothing like firing one with your powder slightly damp from hunting and have it sizzle in the pan a moment before it actually goes off.
It’s not hard to imagine why so many people died in battles with these types of guns, hold on don’t shot I’m reloading, BAM!
Holy cow I need one of these ! Really fun vid , thank you mr. 45 !
Love the smell of Black Powder in the morning. Over here across the pond Blackpowder Pistols/Rifles are a staple diet on the range. How about a 50 -140 Sharos in Bkackpowder, love to see you shoot one of thise big cigar length cartridge rifles. Keep the videos coming.
Great gun for dafence 😂 I love the dad humor that comes from this page
I've got the replica by Lyman that's the Remington Zouave, great old rifle still, it was probably 73 or 74 when I bought it.
Like you I had a T/C Hawken that I bought in 1974 and had lots of fun shooting it. How about a video on a Sharps Buffalo gun. Great video and keep up the great work
For a few years a I owned were muzzle loaders and black powder pistols. I enjoy target shooting with them more than modern firearms. I always wanted to build a flintlock rifle.
Nice-looking smoke pole. When it comes to fire and brimstone, they bring it. Good show.
I really want too thank you!!! I asked you delivered!!! I have one and I love it!!! Keep on KEEPING ON!!!!!!
full of jokes this shoot, appreciate the firearm education, humor and your time spent. 🤜
I could listen to that wonderful accent all day! And of course watch the deadly accuracy!
Sweet Thunderstick
I heared it. Reminded me of my Pops. 3rd grade education from Stilwell, OK. Thanks, Bro.
I love that rifle sir thank you for bringing it back out. Have a good weekend.
I absolutely love you and Johns videos
One of my favorite rifles to shoot! How about the 1858 Remington Army cap & ball again, please! Keep your powder dry & your aim be true.
I love the GPR. I have two in .54. one in flint, the other cap.
i Miss the Rendezvous at Friendship, IN. It's one of my fondest memories, as a child, growing up in the early 1980's. Why did it go away?
Covid. Hopefully, the spring shoot will take place.
Anyone who doesn't understand why some people collect firearms just needs to watch a few hickok videos to see what responsible, lawful gun owners are like and why people enjoy collecting/shooting firearms and how interesting the hobby can be.
If we had these rifles, it’d have certainly aided in our war of Independence if I must say so myself. Good Video, Sir Hickcok45
Ayyo George wassup man!
@@itssaad8663 Tis going well, good sir. What say you?
Invented 30 years after that war. But in plenty of time for the Americans to shoot at each other.
I LOVE my .54 cal Hawken. My wife bought it used for me for my 30th birthday
We can smell that black powder smoke! Somebody is gonna be doing some cleaning though! Great video!
Old firearms just have something about them, I'm not very fond of modern weapons but old ones are just a delight.
I built my own muzzle loader through SDI. The courses taught me much, and I can fire it at my local WMA.
1976 was the first time I saw one used when I was in Boy Scouts.
One of my fondest memories of my time in the scouts was getting my rifle shooting merit badge with black powder at camp in the early 90’s.