Blackpowder pistol needs some TLC

[jungleking]

Hi all, I have been holding onto this for a while and really hoping it can be resurrected. I think the photos will tell the tail but basically long story short, I found this stuffed into an old lead shot bag in a drawer at my grandparents house. Looks as if it was run over by a truck. Barrel looks good from what I can tell after pulling the dirt out and there are a few bent and broken parts. Anybody help identify this and possibly direct me to where I could get parts?

Thanks!

 

[jungleking]

Here are two more showing the markings on the barrel.

 

[Kp321]

I would try Dixie Gunworks.

 

[Jim K]

It is not an antique. It is a cheap Spanish "repro", probably only a few years old; when new it had very little value and hasn't gained any since. You can make it a "project" gun if you want, but I would not spend any money on it.

Jim

 

[jungleking]

The internals did look cheaply made. I did see a few of these reproductions in auctions but that's it. No place for parts from what I can tell. I guess I could turn it into a project gun but don't know where to start.

 

[rcmodel]

Mmmmmm?

I would start by putting all the parts back in the bag.

Then use your photo of the parts only to list on eBay under

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sop=12&_nkw=black+powder+gun+parts&_frs=1

Cut your losses, and make a little money!



rc

 

[4v50 Gary]

I think it's a splendid opportunity to assemble a working pistol. I'd get a wood blank for the pistol, perhaps a grip cap, trigger guard of your choice, a rammer and maybe a pipe or two.

The stock is gone. Certainly you could add a grip, but I don't think it's worth salvaging.

 

[jungleking]

Put the caplock mechanism back together this evening and realized the only part salvageable in this mess may be the barrel. the hammer spring has a crack in it, the trigger also has a nice crack in it(which I knew when first pulling apart). Looks like it is truly going to be a ground up build. I need help with a parts list guide as I am unfamiliar with these types of pistols. Anybody have recommendations on places to buy parts?

Thanks All!

 

[rcmodel]

Dixie Gun Works would be a good place to start looking.

But?
If the lock is all that low quality?
Why in the world do you think the barrel might be any better, or safer?

It will cost more to re-build it then the gun will ever be worth x 10.

Cut your losses while you still can, and still have all your fingers & eyes!

rc

 

[jungleking]

I guess to me the barrel seemed more solidly built, but then again, I'm no metallurgist. Thanks for the website recommendation by the way, as well as Kp321 for earlier in the post. Looks like I would be throwing money away if I try to resurrect this pistol at least in the present time. I may have it looked at by a gunsmith in the future, but now I'm eyeing the Kentucky pistol...maybe even a Derringer.

Thanks!

 

[Jim K]

Some of those Spanish percussion guns had barrels made from steel(?) tubing of low quality, suitable for water pipe but not much else. There have been allegations of forged proof marks, and bypassed proofs. I would not spend any money on that gun or trust any part of it. Replacing parts or putting on a new stock would only be throwing good money away.

Jim

 

[jungleking]

I'll just create a non firing prop gun of sorts out of it down the road. I would say it would look good as a display piece but not as a working gun. Also use the time to learn how to wood work so I don't screw up a good one.
Sadly though, I may have to sideline my thoughts about getting a kit. Thanks to gray areas in Illinois Law I can't tell if I must have the kits go through an FFL or shipped to my door. I know federally its not an issue but Illinois says they are classified as firearms. technically that means it goes through an FFL but the 4473 doesn't apply here. All I can find written is that I must have a valid FOID Card(which I do). Nothing specifically says must be processed through dealer That I can find.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Check out Dixie Gun Works for the spring replacement. You can still use it to build a pistol.

 

[jungleking]

Thanks Gary, I found they have one main spring that looks like it will match. will need to measure the one I have to be sure it will work.

Any suggestions on wood types to use for a stock?

 

[rcmodel]

Curly maple, or even easier to shape, good old American Walnut.



rc

 

[4v50 Gary]

Look at the hole for the spring. Measure that distance to the stirrup. If nothing else, you can photo copy the broken spring and the inside of the lockplate and send that in. That will help Dixie to fit you with a new spring.

As for wood, go with Walnut or cherry (or whatever is on sale).

 

[Stacer]

If you want to get rid of it, I'd be interested. It's the same model as the very first gun my father bought in the 70's.