Thread: Black powder repro guns (Italian).

My first muzzle loader was an Italian kitset 45 cal Hawken. Maker unknown. Purchased off John Howat when he operated out of an office under his tank stand at his home.
I had a lot of fun finishing that rifle and shooting it. It was quite accurate with round balls.

The only issue I found was the barrel steel was super soft. I had to tickle up the crown twice after accuracy dropped off, despite always using a muzzle protector. The recrowning in the lathe was like machining butter.

Finished my BP "career" with 2 Parker Hales. No problems with their quality.