{
  "apiVersion": 1,
  "kind": "work-order",
  "purpose": "Taking the firearm apart for a job such as refinishing, and putting it back together to specification.",
  "firearm": {
    "slug": "thompson-center-hawken",
    "name": "Thompson/Center Hawken",
    "manufacturer": {
      "id": "thompson-center",
      "name": "Thompson/Center Arms"
    },
    "category": "muzzleloader",
    "action": "single-shot",
    "calibers": [
      ".50 caliber",
      ".45 caliber",
      ".54 caliber"
    ],
    "alsoKnownAs": [
      "T/C Hawken",
      "Hawken rifle",
      "Percussion Hawken"
    ],
    "coversAlso": [
      "T/C Hawken, Renegade, and Pennsylvania Hunter",
      "Most traditional side-lock percussion rifles follow this pattern"
    ],
    "page": "firearms/thompson-center-hawken.html",
    "bundle": "api/v1/firearms/thompson-center-hawken.json",
    "lastUpdated": "2026-10-29"
  },
  "notices": [
    "Thompson/Center Arms limits owner disassembly: Ramrod out, wedge pin out, barrel lifted out of the stock, and nipple (or flintlock touch-hole bushing) removed for cleaning; the manual's Figure 36 shows the full extent.",
    "This work order is written for the Thompson/Center Hawken. It is reported to cover T/C Hawken, Renegade, and Pennsylvania Hunter; Most traditional side-lock percussion rifles follow this pattern — if the firearm on the bench is one of those, check the torque notes: values do not always carry over.",
    "No torque values are recorded for this firearm. Get them from the manufacturer or a gunsmith; do not estimate."
  ],
  "disclaimer": {
    "headline": "Read this before you use anything here.",
    "points": [
      "This is a guide, not an authority. Entries are compiled from manufacturer manuals, technical manuals, published references, and community knowledge. Some of it comes from sources that are not authoritative, and some of it may simply be wrong.",
      "Always consult the manufacturer's manual for your specific firearm and serial-number range. Manufacturers change designs mid-production without renaming the model. The manual that shipped with your firearm outranks anything on this site.",
      "Consult a licensed gunsmith for anything beyond routine field stripping and cleaning, for any firearm you are unsure about, and for any procedure marked as gunsmith-recommended here.",
      "Treat every firearm as loaded. Verify it is unloaded, with the magazine removed and the chamber physically and visually checked, before any procedure in this database. Point it in a safe direction the entire time.",
      "Disassembly can damage a firearm or injure you. Springs are under tension, parts can launch, and reassembling a firearm incorrectly can make it unsafe to fire in a way that is not obvious from the outside. If a reassembled firearm does not pass a function check, stop and see a gunsmith.",
      "Torque values are shown in two groups. Values from the manufacturer or the issuing military are shown as such, with the document they came from. Values reported by anyone else — parts makers, gunsmithing publishers, articles, forums — are shown separately with who said them, how reliable that source is, and their exact words. Those are not specifications. Confirm any torque value with the manufacturer or a licensed gunsmith before relying on it.",
      "Nothing here is legal advice. Firearms law varies by country, state, and city, and some modifications or configurations are regulated or prohibited. You are responsible for knowing and following the law where you are.",
      "No warranty of any kind. Contributors and maintainers accept no liability for damage, injury, or loss arising from use of this material."
    ],
    "page": "disclaimer.html",
    "legal": {
      "summary": "Legal notice: this material is third-party information compiled from sources of varying reliability and is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not gunsmithing, technical, safety or legal advice, it is not verified or endorsed by any manufacturer, and it must not be taken as fact. Any work on a firearm beyond the routine field stripping described in its own owner's manual should be performed only by a licensed and insured gunsmith. You use this material entirely at your own risk. Fundamental Build LLC and the project's contributors make no warranty of any kind and accept no liability for death, injury, damage or loss arising from its use. Full terms: LEGAL.md.",
      "page": "legal.html",
      "notice": "https://github.com/Fundamental-build-LLC/Pew-Takedown/blob/main/LEGAL.md"
    }
  },
  "sourcing": {
    "confidence": "medium",
    "verification": "community-reviewed"
  },
  "manufacturerDisassembly": {
    "status": "limited",
    "limit": "Ramrod out, wedge pin out, barrel lifted out of the stock, and nipple (or flintlock touch-hole bushing) removed for cleaning; the manual's Figure 36 shows the full extent.",
    "statement": "T/C says never to disassemble the Hawken beyond the procedures in the manual; its photo shows the extent of disassembly, and other service goes to T/C Customer Service.",
    "source": {
      "title": "Safety & Instruction Manual, T/C Hawken Muzzleloading Rifle (10-30-2010)",
      "publisher": "Thompson/Center Arms",
      "reliability": "primary",
      "url": "https://tcarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TC_Hawken_ML_Manual_10-30-2010.pdf",
      "page": "39",
      "pdfPage": 6,
      "pageUrl": "https://tcarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TC_Hawken_ML_Manual_10-30-2010.pdf#page=6",
      "quote": "NEVER DISASSEMBLE YOUR FIREARM beyond the procedures outlined in this manual. Improper disassembly or re-assembly of your firearm may be dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death."
    }
  },
  "recalls": [],
  "shopTier": {
    "tier": 2,
    "group": "muzzleloader",
    "rating": "Pew-Takedown editorial rating (1 easy – 3 hardest), not the manufacturer's",
    "reason": "Hooked breech and a single wedge make the barrel easy, but the coatable job goes into the percussion lock with its strongly compressed coil mainspring (needs a coil mainspring vise) and fly for the double-set triggers, plus the set-trigger assembly that must be re-adjusted. Moderate.",
    "confidence": "medium",
    "partCount": null,
    "painPoints": [
      {
        "issue": "The lock’s coil mainspring is strongly compressed and needs a coil-mainspring vise; improvised pliers are the novice mistake.",
        "during": "both",
        "source": {
          "title": "Track of the Wolf parts search: mainsprings (Coil Mainspring Vise, TOOL-VISE-COIL; Mainspring Vise, TOOL-VISE)",
          "publisher": "Track of the Wolf",
          "reliability": "primary",
          "url": "https://www.trackofthewolf.com/parts/search/1?search=mainsprings&PageSize=100",
          "page": null,
          "pdfPage": null,
          "pageUrl": null,
          "quote": "Novice gun owners may try to disassemble a coil mainspring lock using a needle nose Vice-Grip®"
        }
      },
      {
        "issue": "Set-trigger engagement is set by a screw in front of the rear trigger and must be re-checked after the trigger assembly has been out.",
        "during": "reassembly",
        "source": {
          "title": "Safety & Instruction Manual, T/C Hawken Muzzleloading Rifle (10-30-2010)",
          "publisher": "Thompson/Center Arms",
          "reliability": "primary",
          "url": "https://tcarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TC_Hawken_ML_Manual_10-30-2010.pdf",
          "page": null,
          "pdfPage": null,
          "pageUrl": null,
          "quote": "The adjustment screw located in front of the rear trigger controls the amount of set trigger engagement."
        }
      },
      {
        "issue": "Thompson/Center limits owner disassembly to wedge-and-barrel removal.",
        "during": "both",
        "source": {
          "title": "Safety & Instruction Manual, T/C Hawken Muzzleloading Rifle (10-30-2010)",
          "publisher": "Thompson/Center Arms",
          "reliability": "primary",
          "url": "https://tcarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TC_Hawken_ML_Manual_10-30-2010.pdf",
          "page": null,
          "pdfPage": null,
          "pageUrl": null,
          "quote": "NEVER DISASSEMBLE YOUR FIREARM beyond the procedures outlined in this manual. Improper disassembly or re-assembly of your firearm may be dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death."
        }
      }
    ],
    "minutes": {
      "strip": 30,
      "rebuild": 45,
      "basis": "estimated",
      "note": "Estimated: wedge pin and barrel, nipple and breech plug, sights, lock off the stock and stripped with a coil-mainspring vise, double-set trigger assembly, trigger guard; brass furniture (patch box, nose cap, butt plate) left on unless coated. Rebuild longer for the lock (mainspring, fly, sear) and set-trigger adjustment.",
      "source": null
    },
    "stripScope": [
      {
        "assembly": "Barrel",
        "removes": [
          "ramrod",
          "wedge pin (through the escutcheons)",
          "barrel lifted off the hooked breech",
          "nipple",
          "breech plug (anti-seize on refit)",
          "front and rear sights"
        ],
        "tools": [
          "nipple wrench",
          "breech plug wrench",
          "small brass drift for the wedge"
        ]
      },
      {
        "assembly": "Lock",
        "removes": [
          "lock bolt(s) and lock off the stock",
          "hammer",
          "coil mainspring and plunger",
          "bridle, sear and sear spring",
          "tumbler and fly"
        ],
        "tools": [
          "coil mainspring vise"
        ]
      },
      {
        "assembly": "Triggers and furniture",
        "removes": [
          "tang screw",
          "double-set trigger assembly (triggers, springs, adjustment screw)",
          "trigger guard",
          "thimbles/ramrod spring as needed"
        ],
        "tools": [
          "fitted screwdrivers (wood-screw slots)"
        ]
      }
    ],
    "hardware": null,
    "specialTools": [
      {
        "tool": "Coil mainspring vise (TOOL-VISE-COIL or similar)",
        "usedFor": "Compressing the T/C coil mainspring to strip the lock"
      },
      {
        "tool": "Nipple wrench",
        "usedFor": "Percussion nipple"
      },
      {
        "tool": "Breech plug wrench",
        "usedFor": "Hooked breech plug"
      },
      {
        "tool": "Fitted gunsmith screwdrivers",
        "usedFor": "Lock bolt, tang and trigger-guard screws in the wood"
      }
    ],
    "fitOnRebuild": [
      {
        "check": "Set-trigger engagement re-adjusted; single-stage pull and set pull both safe",
        "why": "T/C sets the triggers at the factory with the screw in front of the rear trigger.",
        "source": {
          "title": "Safety & Instruction Manual, T/C Hawken Muzzleloading Rifle (10-30-2010)",
          "publisher": "Thompson/Center Arms",
          "reliability": "primary",
          "url": "https://tcarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TC_Hawken_ML_Manual_10-30-2010.pdf",
          "page": null,
          "pdfPage": null,
          "pageUrl": null,
          "quote": "The adjustment screw located in front of the rear trigger controls the amount of set trigger engagement."
        }
      },
      {
        "check": "Hooked breech fully seated in the tang slot before the wedge goes in; wedge snug",
        "why": "T/C: heavy resistance means the hooked breech is not seated.",
        "source": {
          "title": "Safety & Instruction Manual, T/C Hawken Muzzleloading Rifle (10-30-2010)",
          "publisher": "Thompson/Center Arms",
          "reliability": "primary",
          "url": "https://tcarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TC_Hawken_ML_Manual_10-30-2010.pdf",
          "page": null,
          "pdfPage": null,
          "pageUrl": null,
          "quote": "stop and check to see that the hooked breech plug on the barrel is fully seated in the breech plug slot in the tang."
        }
      },
      {
        "check": "Breech plug threads with anti-seize",
        "why": "T/C asks for anti-seize on refit.",
        "source": {
          "title": "Safety & Instruction Manual, T/C Hawken Muzzleloading Rifle (10-30-2010)",
          "publisher": "Thompson/Center Arms",
          "reliability": "primary",
          "url": "https://tcarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TC_Hawken_ML_Manual_10-30-2010.pdf",
          "page": null,
          "pdfPage": null,
          "pageUrl": null,
          "quote": "Re-install the breech plug, making sure that you have lubricated all of the threads with an anti-seize lubricant"
        }
      },
      {
        "check": "Lock half-cock and full-cock notches hold; lock seated in its inletting without binding; screws not overtightened in the",
        "why": "Entry reassembly warning on wood screws; a lock that binds in the inletting will not fire.",
        "source": null
      },
      {
        "check": "Sight re-zero",
        "why": "Sights come off for coating.",
        "source": null
      }
    ],
    "assessed": "2026-10-29"
  },
  "videos": [],
  "configurations": [],
  "tools": [
    {
      "name": "Marked ramrod",
      "required": true,
      "usedFor": "Verifying whether the bore is loaded. Mark it at the muzzle with the bore known empty."
    },
    {
      "name": "Nipple wrench",
      "required": true,
      "usedFor": "Removing the nipple for cleaning and for clearing the flash channel."
    },
    {
      "name": "CO2 discharger or ball puller",
      "required": false,
      "usedFor": "Removing an unfired charge without firing it. A ball puller screws into the projectile; a CO2 discharger blows the charge out through the muzzle."
    }
  ],
  "phases": [
    {
      "id": "clear",
      "title": "Clear and make safe",
      "steps": [
        {
          "n": 1,
          "instruction": "Point the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger."
        },
        {
          "n": 2,
          "instruction": "Remove any percussion cap from the nipple.",
          "warning": "Removing the cap removes the ignition source. It does not unload the rifle.",
          "partsFreed": [
            "Percussion cap"
          ]
        },
        {
          "n": 3,
          "instruction": "Insert your marked ramrod down the bore and compare the mark against the muzzle.",
          "warning": "If the rod stops short of the empty mark, the rifle is loaded. NEVER look down the muzzle to check."
        },
        {
          "n": 4,
          "instruction": "If the rifle is loaded and you do not intend to fire it, remove the charge with a ball puller or a CO2 discharger.",
          "warning": "If you cannot remove the charge, the rifle remains loaded. Store and handle it accordingly and get the right tool."
        },
        {
          "n": 5,
          "instruction": "With the bore confirmed empty, remove the nipple with the nipple wrench and confirm the flash channel is clear.",
          "partsFreed": [
            "Nipple"
          ]
        },
        {
          "n": 6,
          "instruction": "Remove all powder, caps, and projectiles from the work area."
        }
      ],
      "videos": []
    },
    {
      "id": "disassemble",
      "title": "Disassemble",
      "videos": [],
      "procedures": [
        {
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "title": "Field Strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "configuration": false,
          "steps": [
            {
              "n": 1,
              "instruction": "Complete the Clear and Make Safe procedure and confirm the bore is empty with the marked ramrod."
            },
            {
              "n": 2,
              "instruction": "Remove the nipple with the nipple wrench and clean the flash channel.",
              "partsFreed": [
                "Nipple"
              ]
            },
            {
              "n": 3,
              "instruction": "Remove the lock retaining screw or screws from the side of the stock opposite the lock.",
              "partsFreed": [
                "Lock screws"
              ]
            },
            {
              "n": 4,
              "instruction": "Lift the lock assembly out of its mortise in the stock as a unit.",
              "warning": "Do not disassemble the lock itself — the mainspring is strongly compressed and requires a mainspring vice.",
              "partsFreed": [
                "Lock assembly"
              ]
            },
            {
              "n": 5,
              "instruction": "Remove the tang screw and the barrel wedge or keys, then lift the barrel out of the stock.",
              "tip": "Note the orientation of wedges and keys.",
              "partsFreed": [
                "Barrel",
                "Tang screw",
                "Barrel wedge"
              ]
            },
            {
              "n": 6,
              "instruction": "Clean the bore with hot soapy water, flushing through the nipple seat, then dry completely and oil.",
              "warning": "Same-day cleaning. Black powder fouling rusts a bore overnight."
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "refinish",
      "title": "Refinish",
      "components": [
        {
          "name": "Nipple",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 2
        },
        {
          "name": "Lock screws",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 3
        },
        {
          "name": "Lock assembly",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 4
        },
        {
          "name": "Barrel",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 5
        },
        {
          "name": "Tang screw",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 5
        },
        {
          "name": "Barrel wedge",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 5
        }
      ],
      "manufacturerPartsList": null,
      "partsDiagrams": [],
      "materials": [],
      "note": "The components the procedures above separate. Coating, masking and cure are outside this database; follow your coating system's instructions. A part the manufacturer marks \"factory fit\" should not be swapped or reworked."
    },
    {
      "id": "reassemble",
      "title": "Reassemble",
      "videos": [],
      "procedures": [
        {
          "procedure": "reassembly",
          "title": "Reassembly",
          "configuration": false,
          "steps": [
            {
              "n": 1,
              "instruction": "Set the barrel into the stock and install the barrel wedge or keys and the tang screw."
            },
            {
              "n": 2,
              "instruction": "Set the lock assembly back into its mortise and install the lock screws, tightening them snugly.",
              "warning": "Do not overtighten screws into a wooden stock."
            },
            {
              "n": 3,
              "instruction": "Install the nipple, confirming its flash channel is clear.",
              "warning": "A blocked flash channel causes misfires and hangfires."
            },
            {
              "n": 4,
              "instruction": "Perform the function check."
            }
          ],
          "instruction": null
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "torque",
      "title": "Torque",
      "coverage": "none-recorded",
      "manufacturer": [],
      "reported": [],
      "notes": "The manufacturer's documents give no torque value. They say: \"Re-install the breech plug, making sure that you have lubricated all of the threads with an anti-seize lubricant like T/C's Super Lube.\" (Safety & Instruction Manual, T/C Hawken Muzzleloading Rifle (10-30-2010), PDF p. 40) \"The pin should fit snugly, and may have to be gently tapped into position for full engagement.\" (Safety & Instruction Manual, T/C Hawken Muzzleloading Rifle (10-30-2010), PDF p. 41)"
    },
    {
      "id": "function-check",
      "title": "Function check",
      "checks": [
        "Verify the bore is empty using a marked ramrod before each check.",
        "Confirm the hammer holds at half-cock and full cock.",
        "With the hammer at full cock, engage the safety if fitted and press the trigger. The hammer must not fall.",
        "Disengage the safety and press the trigger. The hammer should fall cleanly.",
        "Confirm the nipple or breech plug flash channel is clear by firing a cap or primer with the muzzle pointed at something light — grass or leaves should visibly move.",
        "Confirm the ramrod moves freely down the bore and seats against the breech.",
        "Confirm the lock is securely seated and its screws are snug.",
        "If the rifle has set triggers, confirm the set trigger sets and releases correctly and that the rifle can also be fired unset."
      ],
      "videos": []
    }
  ],
  "troubleshooting": [],
  "sources": [
    {
      "n": 1,
      "id": null,
      "title": "Thompson/Center Hawken Owner’s Manual",
      "publisher": "Thompson/Center Arms",
      "reliability": "primary",
      "url": null,
      "accessed": null
    },
    {
      "n": 2,
      "id": "thompson-center-arms-89967f",
      "title": "Safety & Instruction Manual, T/C Hawken Muzzleloading Rifle (10-30-2010)",
      "publisher": "Thompson/Center Arms",
      "reliability": "primary",
      "url": "https://tcarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TC_Hawken_ML_Manual_10-30-2010.pdf",
      "accessed": "2026-09-27"
    },
    {
      "n": 3,
      "id": "tier-b5e6cbb9",
      "title": "Track of the Wolf parts search: mainsprings (Coil Mainspring Vise, TOOL-VISE-COIL; Mainspring Vise, TOOL-VISE)",
      "publisher": "Track of the Wolf",
      "reliability": "primary",
      "url": "https://www.trackofthewolf.com/parts/search/1?search=mainsprings&PageSize=100",
      "accessed": "2026-10-29"
    }
  ]
}