Pistol Dilema: Help!

[Panzerschwein]

Hello guys!

As some of you may know, I bought a Pedersoli Navy Moll .45 caliber pistol from Dixie Gun Works, and it arrived today:



This gun is VERY pretty. Man, the maple stock is just awesome and so beautiful. The fit and finish is good, not great, but overall this is an extremely handsome pistol. It fits my hand well, has good balance, and the sights are nice and crisp.

But, we've got problems.

Unfortunately, I found two issues with the pistol when cleaning it. First, and probably least serious, is that the drum for the nipple extends too far into the breech area. When looking down the bore, the nipple drum sticks way out into the centerline of the bore. I don't think it's supposed to be like that, I shouldn't be able to see the drum. This is going to make cleaning the breech a chore since the drum will be in the way.

The second problem, is that this thing has a ROUGH bore. It was totally ripping up my cleaning patches, and the jag I was using is undersized. I could feel how gritty the bore was. Keep in mind this was after a thorough cleaning and degreasing. So I checked online, and it appears this is not uncommon for Pedersoli guns. I also read that I can fire lap the bore and this should solve the problem.

But, this is a $600 gun. Should I accept these issues? Dixie Gun Works has a great no questions asked return policy on their guns, which I've used in the past and they were totally cool about it.

So I am kind of at a loss. I really do like the way this gun looks, feels, points, but these are some pretty significant issues for such a pricey gun. I kind of feel like I should return it... or should I fix it??

I am just so confused right now... somebody please help if you can...

 

[WestKentucky]

600 bucks...I would be really picky. Your call, but from my experience the first impression really sticks. You feel like it is a poorly finished bore and improperly fitted drum...how will you feel in a few years?

 

[Panzerschwein]

600 bucks...I would be really picky. Your call, but from my experience the first impression really sticks. You feel like it is a poorly finished bore and improperly fitted drum...how will you feel in a few years?

I know what you mean. Really, looking this gun over, the fit and finish just isn't were it should be. It looks like they put all the money into the gorgeous maple stock, and trust me, it looks great... but upon closer inspection the metalwork isn't on par.

And like I said, $600 ($595 before shipping) so yeah. The thing is I have a Pedersoli Harpers Ferry .54 percussion pistol that I got from Dixie about 6 months ago, and the fit and finish are much superior to this gun, and that one only cost $450.

But I really wanted this pistol... it's sad that there are so few choices in these type guns today. Pedersoli is about the only name in town, and frankly they dropped the ball on this example. I'm just wondering if I should bother fixing it, or just returning it for a full refund.

 

[4v50 Gary]

The drum issue is easy to resolve.

Now, as to the rough barrel, If it can't shoot straight, I wouldn't want it.

 

[Panzerschwein]

How should I go about fixing the drum?

 

[repawn]

I would at least exchange it - they missed on the quality control on this one - maybe you ended up with the lemon of the batch.

 

[Crawdad1]

That's a shame, beautiful pistol Cooldill. I agree with Gary, the drum is an easy fix but that barrel might not be.

 

[Fingers McGee]

I'd send it back and hope the replacement was in better shape.

 

[Blackpowdershooter44]

Cooldill, send it back and exchange it for another. Dixie should pay for shipping as well.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I don't know guys... I'm worried that all the bores are going to be rough like this. I doubt Dixie will run patches down it to see either way.

 

[Blackpowdershooter44]

If you get another pistol with the same problems, you can either fix that one or send it back for your money back

 

[Panzerschwein]

I don't know BPS. I'm just not impressed with this pistol overall, except the maple stock. It's almost like they focused solely on making a pretty wood stock and forgot about the metal!!

I think I'll be sending it back for a refund. Pedersoli let me down on this one. They sure nailed my Harpers Ferry pistol, that gun rocks, but this gun... doesn't rock.

I've got it boxed up now, probably going to drop it off at FedEx tomorrow morning. Oh well! There are plenty of other cool black powder guns I want to get. Just kind of upset this one sucked so much buttermilk for the money.

 

[Tommygunn]

Cooldill, sorry to hear your Moll pistol appears to have some problems. I received mine earlier this week and it's looks aren't very different than yours.
Examining the interior of mine with a light shows the drum in mine extends partially into the chamber, which appears to be recessed itself and would be hard to clean no matter. I have always used HOT soapy water in these types of pistols to clean out the barrel, and also a good cleaning jag, I force the soapy water through the nipple, which I then remove and wipe dry and clean, then oil --into the hole as well! -- and then swab out the barrel, check for leading of the barrel, and then with the cleaning jag and patch I leave a film of gun oil in the barrel.
My barrel does not appear to be rough in any unusual way, the rifling seems crisp and sharp, and running a patch down it did not result in the patch being degraded or torn up in any way, but examining the interior of the barrel showed what looked like dust particles but I think these are very small bits of the patch.

What I plan to do:
Nothing, I plan to shoot the gun to see how it performs. I've had guns with less than spectacularly beautiful barrels shoot very well. I think what roughness that is there (I can't see it but those particles indicate that either they are there, or very sharp rifling) will smooth over with use.

The Harper's Ferry pistol, remember, is a smooth bore and costs less to make, and probably won't be as accurate----especially as it lacks a rear sight.

Best of luck with yours. I'm not sure what I would do in your case.....I get the impression that the barrel in yours may be rougher than mine.

 

[Patocazador]

"If you get another pistol with the same problems, you can either fix that one or send it back for your money back"

This is the best solution.

 

[Noz]

The poorest quality firearm I have ever purchased was a Pedersoli flint lock. I did not get my money out of it but I did get rid of it. I was the second owner so returning it was out of the question.

 

[Tommygunn]

The poorest quality firearm I have ever purchased was a Pedersoli flint lock. I did not get my money out of it but I did get rid of it. I was the second owner so returning it was out of the question.

That's odd. Pedersoli has a good reputation from all else I've heard. Even good companies churn out a lemon on occasion, you know.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks guys. I decided to send the pistol back to Dixie Gun Works, with a message asking for a replacement that has been inspected for these issues. If they don't have any that pass inspection, I asked for a refund.

I'll keep everyone updated. I am still pretty upset, I really wanted to love this gun. But we just shouldn't accept this level of quality from an expensive gun like this. I had to send it back.

 

[J-Bar]

Thanks guys. I decided to send the pistol back to Dixie Gun Works, with a message asking for a replacement that has been inspected for these issues. If they don't have any that pass inspection, I asked for a refund.

I'll keep everyone updated. I am still pretty upset, I really wanted to love this gun. But we just shouldn't accept this level of quality from an expensive gun like this. I had to send it back.

Thank you for doing this. The more we accept shoddy workmanship, the more we will have to endure it.

DGW's response will tell us all a lot about both Pedersoli and DGW.

 

[Old Fuff]

As a rule of thumb, and an understand they're exceptions, it has been my general experience that with the exception of designated "target models," European makers pay much more attention to exterior cosmetics then interior quality. This is partly the fault of importers who are trying to keep prices competitive, and partly because the makers perceive that most U.S. buyers are looking for a wall hanger/collectable.

The level of experience at Dixie is high and long standing. So explain what your goals are. If you look at the selection of barrels in their approximately 700 page print catalog you will find they have interiors running from fair to excellent - and priced accordingly. Incidentally if you don't have a soft-cover print copy, buy one. It will run you $5.00 which is the same it was back in the early 1950's when I got my first copy.

Anyway when they have a clear understanding of what your needs and expectations are I think you will get some solid suggestions. Keep in mind that best quality in anything seldom is inexpensive, but in the long run pays off.

 

[Old Fuff]

And as a second thought. You can buy a kit and finish it yourself (wood only, or wood and metal) to save money that can be put toward buying higher quality components - a trick I often resorted too.

 

[Panzerschwein]

And as a second thought. You can buy a kit and finish it yourself (wood only, or wood and metal) to save money that can be put toward buying higher quality components - a trick I often resorted too.

I'm not so handy "with the tools" as it were. I'm BAD when it comes to making things, no kits for me!

Here is the letter I sent along with the gun back to Dixie:

Dear Dixie Gun Works,

I would like to return this Pedersoli Navy Moll pistol for an exchange or refund. It has several defects. The nipple drum is screwed too far into the powder chamber, and shows corrosion right out of the box. Also, the bore is very rough and shredded patches badly when I cleaned it. The trigger is excesively heavy. The sideplate shows numerous small scratches, among other cosmetic issues. I cannot accept this pistol in such a condition from the factory, not for the price, as I am sure it would not perform well.

I would like to exchange this pistol for one without these problems. If all of your inventory has these issues, then I would like a refund. My contact information is below. Thank you for your help.

V/r

My Name

Hopefully they can send me back a good one. It's a shame that there aren't more choices in production single shot muzzleloading pistols. It's either Pedersoli, Traditions, or one of the shady Indian made deals. Alas... hopefully they make it right for me.

 

[Blackpowdershooter44]

Have you called them as well? I would give them a call and tell them the same thing as you stated in your letter

 

[Panzerschwein]

Have you called them as well? I would give them a call and tell them the same thing as you stated in your letter

I'll call them when the tracking number shows that it gets back to them. I have confidence they'll help me. Just a shame it's come to this though... I'm still sad.

 

[Jim Watson]

The Lyman Great Plains pistol is not as flossy as the Moll, but if it shoots as well as the GP rifles do, it would be worth checking out... at half the price.

 

[IROCZ]

Cooldill, how did this turn out?