where would i find a .22 blackpowder pepperbox?

[Busyhands94]

Hi folks! i have been looking for one of these FOREVER!! i like how they look, it's a very interesting design! i have two blackpowder .22s but i think just one more can't hurt! does anyone know where to find one for a reasonable price? i would also be willing to buy or trade for one. i make custom patch knives and would love to trade! i just think these are so neat looking, i would love to own one someday! does anybody have experience with them? how is the quality? how many grains of powder does one load in these?

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/printitem.cfm?ItemNum=9274907

 

[arcticap]

That's very interesting. I never saw that model before. The Hoppe's .36's were more common and also worked in double action mode.
The prices have gone up enough on those to make them unaffordable and/or undesirable for many folks.
Having smooth bores and lacking sights to obtain good accuracy are other perceived disadvantages.
The way to find one is to keep searching for as long as it takes. It might show up at an online auction somewhere or at an estate or garage sale.
Usually when there are so few of them, by the time that you hear about it the auction is over or it has already been purchased by the person posting. Then you'll need to decide if you want to ask if he will sell it to you.
It sure is a unique model though!

 

[Berkley]

They were made by Astra, and are no longer being manufactured. Dixie Gun Works sold them until they ran out. This is from the 1997 DGW catalog:

 

[ofitg]

Somebody sold one on Gunbroker a couple of months ago.....

All I can suggest is "Watch the auctions". They turn up occasionally.

 

[BHP FAN]

ugh. I had a pair years ago, and they are not worth your money. they went out of time almost right off the bat, and there never were any spare parts. what looks like a nipple wrench in the picture is actually a combo powder measure/ram rod, and the nipples appeared to be actually milled into the gun, and not removable.more window dressing or wall hanger than actual firearm, your money would be better spent on more powder and caps, or spare cylinders for your mouse guns.oh...and the grips are plated [not very well] cast zinc.

 

[arcticap]

Now you know...

Ignorance is bliss!

 

[Berkley]

the nipples appeared to be actually milled into the gun, and not removable

According to Flayderman, the same is true of some original Allen & Thurber pepperboxes. Then again, Mark Twain had a pretty low opinion of them as shooters also.

 

[BHP FAN]

I'm pretty sure Busyhands has made better guns than these out of broken BB guns and scrap he found in his garage.

 

[Busyhands94]

come to think of it i probably could make a pepperbox of better quality than this. that might work!

 

[BHP FAN]

Of that, I have absolutely no doubt. The Classic Arms kit was crude, but still miles ahead of the Dixie Gunworks .22's.