Pedersoli Frontier

[Tower06]

I've got a Pedersoli Frontier (aka Blue Ridge at Cabelas) rifle, and I want to use it for deer until I save up some greebacks for my thompson Omega. I have several questions, and I am hoping the black powder experts can out out this newbie. Does anyone know where (or do you have one) I can get a percussion lock for this rifle? Mine is flint, but I want to switch it out to percsussion for hunting. Also, Pedersoli lists an adjustable sight on their site, model USA409 for this rifle. I have been unable to find one anywhere. Any ideas where I can get one? Lastly, has anyone ever mounted a scope on this rifle. I know...the purists are ready to hang me since rifles such as this are not "historically accurate" with a scope. I am not looking for historic accuracy at this point, I just want to get better results in the field. That being said, can it be done, or am I asking for trouble? Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

[mtngunr]

Give them a call and ask...
http://www.vtigunparts.com/store/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=56&cat=Pedersoli+Frontier+Rifle
There used to be a magnetically attached no-gunsmithing BP rifle scope mount by the name of Quic-Kee, which came in 4 sizes, 1"-15/16ths"-7/8ths"-13/16ths"...might try a web search.

 

[Tower06]

Found the Quic-Kee on the Dixie Gun works website....Thanks.

 

[arcticap]

This is the first Pedersoli distributor to ask about parts.

http://www.flintlocksetc.com/

But if the low dollar is causing them to currently not place orders, you might want to try:

http://www.cherrys.com/

Also, an outfit by the name of either Lee Shaver or Lee Shavers Gunsmithing is (or was) the warrany repair station for Pedersoli USA. Their phone number is 417-682-3330, PO box 570, La Mar, Missouri,64759. They should be able to order parts.

If all else fails, try emailing Pedersoli directly through their website. They've responded in English to others who have had warranty issues which resulted in small parts shipments being sent to them right from Italy. At least they should be able tell you who is actively ordering parts.

Dixie sells Quickee Mounts but I'm not sure if they will fit your gun or not. It depends on the diameter of the barrel and how much of the barrel flat is exposed above the barrel channel wood. They sell two sizes:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=4385129&postcount=4


There are also offset scope bases available for octagonal barrels in the Bargain Bin on the Traditions website at a clearance price, but I've never seen how well they actually work.

http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=A1329

 

[Tower06]

Articap thanks. In regards to sizing the mounts, the 15/16 and 1"...is that width across the barrel?

 

[arcticap]

Yes, measure from one flat to the opposite flat.
I wonder if installing an offset mount causes scope adjustment problems, especially at the longer shooting distances?
Hopefully there will be enough adjustment in the scope to compensate for the mount being offset.
If a conventional mount or scope base/rail were installed in line with the bore, then it might promote more accuracy. But that might necessitate mounting the entire scope forward of the hammer and limiting the choice of scope to an electronic dot scope which has long eye relief and a scope body that's short enough to not interfere with the hammer.
A plus is that some electonic dot sights offer small accurate dots, variable reticles (like crosshairs) that come in different colors, and extra large tubes with better viewing angles & easier target aquistion.
It's just that most don't offer much magnification if any, and basically only provide a fairly clear aiming point.
It's just a thought to consider before installing a mount that may affect how the gun is shouldered and where on the stock that the cheek is placed.

 

[mtngunr]

Cantilever scope mounts were/are used successfully on Garand M1-D's, Winchester '94's, etc....the cheekweld thing might require building up the comb of the stock....lace-on cheek pad, stacked-up moleskin, come to mind immediately...

 

[Tower06]

I have a Nikon Omega scope with long eye relief, so I will probably use that. As it stands, I will definately have to use a cheek pad to build up the comb. The Pedersoli I have has a lower comb, so with a scope on it I will need more height.

 

[mtngunr]

With the offset scope, you'll also need to build out as well as up.....there are so many ways rifle shooters and shotgunners have skinned that cat, I wouldn't even attempt a listing....

 

[.38 Special]

One of the least practical projects I've heard of. By the time you're done mounting the scope on a gun that wasn't designed for it, as well as buying and installing a new lock, building up a cheekpiece, and whatever else, you've essentially paid for a replacement -- not to mention made a pretty serious dent in your Omega savings.

The Frontier is a very fine hunting piece and in your shoes I would use it as-is. If you absolutely can't stand to be seen with a "traditional" gun, sell it or trade it for something closer to your ideal.