Missouri's state firearm?

[Jvincent]

While I was helping my grandpa clear out his old gun cabinet, we came across some rifles that have been passed down through the family for generations. It really made me realize how much Missouri’s gun culture is rooted in those handme down deer rifles and shotguns.

If we were to honor that tradition with an official state firearm, which one would capture its essence the best?

 

[Teep]

Maybe a Hawkins.

 

[Icemanxxxv]

Hands down Hawken!

 

[sheriffjohn]

The Hawken rifle was voted Missouri's state firearm several years ago. It is already a done deal.

 

[Teep]

Wished I had bought one when T/C was making them.

 

[sheriffjohn]

T/C's were never replicas of anything. Representations of the type, but not historically correct. True recreations are still produced and years ago, there were actual recreations of original "Hawken" firearms, but the happy time of reasonably-priced replicas has passed Expect to pay large sums for what's available. The Hawken Shop in St. Louis decades ago was an excellent resource. He had an original Sam Hawken rifle in the store, parts and historically correct reproductions for sale.

Check out The Muzzleloading Forum. Very active and down-to-earth discussions and active sellers of traditional muzzle loading plunder.

 

[Icemanxxxv]

I'm waiting for mine to be delivered.

https://kiblerslongrifles.com/products/j-k-hawken-rifle-kit-250-for-lock-billed-separately

 

[Bobcat]

I'm waiting for mine to be delivered.

https://kiblerslongrifles.com/products/j-k-hawken-rifle-kit-250-for-lock-billed-separately

I would say Jim’s kit is probably as close as you’ll find to an original without going to a full custom.

 

[Icemanxxxv]

I have his SMR in 40 She's a thing of beauty! Wonderful rifle.

 

[MichaelCfffg]

I found an article years ago about Jim Bridger's rifle, a Hawkins of course, in a very old copy of Muzzle Blasts magazine. There were a lot of detailed photos and descriptions about the rifle. My wife had just bought me a caplock Lyman Great Plains Rifle in .54 cal., and I was really surprised at just how closely it resembled Bridger's Hawkins. It was virtually identical, with just a few minor exceptions. I think you'd be very close to achieving your goal by getting yourself a Lyman GPR.

 

[Bobcat]

I have his SMR in 40 She's a thing of beauty! Wonderful rifle.

That’s the one I want! I’m torn between a cherry stock or waiting until he gets some more ash in. Have you ever weighed yours?

 

[Icemanxxxv]

No I haven't but it balances and handles like a charm. Carried hunting this year never found it to be a burden at all. They are absolutely magnificent arms. I had 72 hours into mine before I was done. Logged my progress in a binder. Hardest part was the but plate. Patients and persistence will get it done. Very enjoyable build.

 

[Icemanxxxv]

Here are a few pics

 

[Icemanxxxv]

That's Jim's standard maple stock

 

[Bobcat]

Wow, what a beauty! Thanks for sharing!

 

[sheriffjohn]

Kibler has filled several niches, has great customer support, and though pricey by old days standards, aren't out of line today. There are and always have been other choices in kits, some are rather daunting, Kibler's are straight forward and authentic. One of the best authentic recreations was the Ithaca Hawken - both kit and factory rifles. Long gone, if you can fine one, you're assured it's the real deal.

 

[Longcarbine]

I found an article years ago about Jim Bridger's rifle, a Hawkins of course, in a very old copy of Muzzle Blasts magazine. There were a lot of detailed photos and descriptions about the rifle. My wife had just bought me a caplock Lyman Great Plains Rifle in .54 cal., and I was really surprised at just how closely it resembled Bridger's Hawkins. It was virtually identical, with just a few minor exceptions. I think you'd be very close to achieving your goal by getting yourself a Lyman GPR.

I had one in .50 caliber, loved it.

 

[dakayzoom]

Winchester 94!!

 

[Bobcat]

Winchester 94!!

That would be a good one, but I think the Hawken is the only real choice. The Hawken shop also produced a little known rifle called the Missouri Squirrel Rifle, sort of a miniature plains rifle. I had the opportunity to handle one of the squirrel rifles back in the late ‘80s, it belonged to a private collector. It was a trim little cap lock, its plain walnut stock was unadorned save for a thin pewter nose cap and iron butt plate. It’s under rib had 2 iron thimbles the best I remember but there was no entry pipe. It’s been a long time since I saw it but it was a pretty rifle!