Hawken Rifle
Legendary Firearms of the Old West
I suppose the history of the Old West could be told just by describing the firearms carried. Take the Hawken rifle, for instance, among many legendary guns, indeed.
Winchester ’73s ruled the range during its era. The Colt Peacemaker stalked the towns. And the Sharp’s big 50 brought down the last of the buffalo. Before that, the Henry Repeating Rifle and the Remington locked cap revolvers. Mountain men preferred the Hawken Percussion rifle in their days. Most of the American brigades were issued rifles made by Samuel Hawken in St. Louis. These were 10-12 pounders with 34-inch octagon barrels, .50 calibers with low sight set triggers and percussion lock.
The Hawken rifle provided early frontier men the ideal weapon. Uncomplicated and strong. The parts seldom broke and could take the
Hawken rifle stock
punishment of the plains and mountains. A Hawken rifle could drop a charging buffalo. And good shots would down a grizzle bear. Uncomplicated and strong–still qualities to make a good weapon.
Today’s Warfare Weapons
Few battles today require firearms, but we’re definitely in a fight. Battles rage in our country for the minds of this present generation and centers on the presumption the smarts of men far exceeds the wisdom of God. We combat pervasive moral attitudes that at times take delight in anti-biblical positions.
Selfishness contends on a whole society which focuses on “doing something for themselves.” We strive against cults as they sneak around the corners of the faithful, picking off strays and stragglers. We face the ambush of the demonic, hedonistic, and the materialistic foes of this present age. We need an uncomplicated and strong weapon, like the Hawken rifle, something that will work.
The Bible Says
We possess the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. The Sword is a simple weapon, in one piece and no parts. A good sword is so strong it won’t break. However, it might get dull. God’s Word will never lose its edge.
There is one danger. We could forget to bring our weapon. That would be as foolish as old Jim Bridger leaving his Hawken rifle in camp.
Stephen Bly
Circa 1993
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“Hawken Rifle History” audio podcast by award-winning western author Stephen Bly. Sponsored by BlyBooks.com Legacy Series.
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