PRIMING THE PIECE

The rifle was one of the most important possessions

 of the mountain man. This picture displays the mountain man

priming his weapon. The Hawken rifle was more reliable

than the flint and priming powder rifle but it had the unfortunate

tendency to go off unexpectedly. As a result it was

often loaded but no priming cap was put in place.

The caps could be put in place when danger or the

opportunity for food presented itself.