denster:
I am very confident that no original gunmaker of the period would have done such a thing: there was no need.
The H-B pistols are a pair of Wogdon flint fullstocked pistols, which were, at some later date, altered by having the front of the stock cut off and replaced with a brass cap of the same length as the original stock - apparently to add weight and alter the handling and 'feel' of the pistols.
I have examined a great many original duelling and other type flintlock pistols over the last 45 years or so, and have NEVER encountered an original which had any holes whatever drilled into the bore other than the vent.
In fact, photos exist of the original H-B pistols which clearly show that the foreend extension is attached with a key/wedge, exactly as the original wood was, and probably the same one originally fitted by Wogdon.
I really wanted to buy those pistols, but the screw holes in the bore absolutely disqualified them, so far as I am concerned.
I do not think there is an actual safety issue with firing them, but am sure that, with blackpowder and time, corrosion will set-in at the holes. Additionally, the fact that the screws may protrude into the bore, if only minutely, practically assures that the patch will be damaged or torn in passing over them: alternatively, if the screws are below the level of the bore surface, the sharp edges of the holes themselves are likely to do much the same, and smoothbores are at least as dependent on a perfect patch as rifled ones, if any accuracy is to be achieved. I have satisfied myself by actual shooting that a perfect bore is absolutely critical for an accurate smoothbore, and, also, that the duelling pistols really are capable of outstanding accuracy within the customary duelling ranges of 10-15 yards
Having been lucky enough to have shot original flint and percussion smoothbore duelling pistols, I wanted a modern reproduction that would perform as well, and the H-B seemed to offer a likely candidate at a price that is very attractive as compared to a true custom reproduction, or the acknowledged best non-custom modern repro, the Hege-Manton, which is long out of production, impossible to pry from the current owners, and very expensive when available (the last one I saw offered in Europe was going for 2400 English pounds).
In the meanwhile, I acquired a very fine modern custom reproduction 20 bore flint Continental officer's pistol, which shoots very well, indeed, despite having none of the refinements which make the true dueller so efficient.
Then, I placed an order with a well-respected custom maker for a 28 bore
flinter in true dueller style: I should have it by the middle of next year, and expect it will be worth the wait.
If you get out this way (SE Arizona), bring your pistols; I challenge you to a duel (with paper targets, of course)!
