Buying me a pistol !

[Rateye]

Trying to decide which pistol I want to order.

English Lock:

http://www.loyalistarms.freeservers.com/en...tol1615-60.html

Dog lock: Perfect for the period. I’m just not sold on the look of the handle or the butt cap?

http://www.loyalistarms.freeservers.com/do...oglokpistl.html

Dragoon: This is what I always leaned toward when I thought of a flintlock pistol. Maybe add a clip??

http://www.loyalistarms.freeservers.com/br...ragoon1730.html

Early Brit sea Pistol: They say it’s essentially the same as the Dragoon. It has a clip already. Slightly curved handle?

http://www.loyalistarms.freeservers.com/br...vicepistol.html

I’m wondering if a doglock could be put on the dragoon. Or a better buttcap on the Doglock?

I would be very greatful for some straight advice from those in the know…

Here's to ya!

Rats

[Story]

Your other option is the "Potzdam" - note that this basic design was made in the Low Countries for massive export. Furthermore, the Dragoon design was copied from it.

http://www.loyalistarms.freeservers.com/1727potz.html

I posted this in the BUYING WEAPONS thread, as an example of how the basic European design evolved

http://www.forthehunt.com/Auction/ViewItem...p?Item=54658630

If you don't mind dropping $80 to dress up the Doglock, check out

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info....roducts_id=6778

Belt hooks, in brass

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/categories/p...cceptsCookies=1

and steel

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/categories/p...cceptsCookies=1

[Story]

And there's a fellow out of FL peddling the Potzdam pistols, name's "Dale". I purchased a blunderbuss from him back in '04, good guy.

http://www.forthehunt.com/Auction/ViewItem...p?Item=54778875

[Rateye]

That butt cap might be perfectly ugly enough!

However, I'm also thinking about a pistol to look as if it was a common ship's issued weapon.

I might just talk with the capt (If he's out there) and crew and see if we want to go in and buy the same arms for issue and a lower price. (I believe Loyalist said 3 or more = a deal?)

How difficult is changing the buttcaps?

Rats

[Story]

That butt cap might be perfectly ugly enough!

How difficult is changing the buttcaps?

To answer a question with a quetion: how good are your woodworking skills with a dremel and/or chisels?

I'd suggest practicing first on a piece of soft pine. The first one you do will be the hardest, the third the easiest.

Two more belt hooks, slightly different style -

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info....roducts_id=7268

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info....roducts_id=7267

Also, you might want to sign up here and read all the old posts on woodworking and such

http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/index.php

[Story]

If you're want a standard-issue 'look' to the Doglock, consider this cheaper buttcap from the Early Sea Service pistol -

559 BC Butt Cap $ 18.95

http://www.therifleshoppe.com/(559).htm

Note that you can also get (if in stock) the belt hook - slightly more expensive, but you'll save on shipping and it's *more* period correct -

559 BH Belt Hook $ 16.95

Beware, the Rifle Shoppe may not have all parts in stock. Send them a nice email citing what you want to buy, they answered my questions quite quickly.

Your other option is the buttcap from the James II pistol -

628 BC Butt Cap $ 19.95

http://www.therifleshoppe.com/(628).htm

[Cap'n Pete Straw]

My two Sea Service pistols did not have belt clips so, as you can see in this montage of my flintlocks, I solved the problem by attaching them to eack other by a decorative braid "lanyard," to wear around my neck. You have to be careful when running, however, or risk being pummeled to death. And the length of the lanyard is extremely important, if you know what I mean.

Also pictured is my steel Scottish Murdock Highlander flintlock -- you can see (between the "rams horns" on the handle) the vent pick which I lost at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. I have not been able to find a replacement via the Internet.

[HarborMaster]

How difficult is changing the buttcaps?

That depends on the shape of the handle and the shape of the buttcap. The mixing of the "Dog-Lock": and the sea services wood seems to be what I am getting from this thread?..., A dog lock has a much more uncomfortable feel to its flat stock that positions your wrist forward., but thats the way it was............, the sea service or even a betterexample still is the lightinfantry dragoon., positions your wrist more like that of a modern weapon .,much more comfortable.,however not as GAoP. Myself I have 1 loyalist pistol., 2 from the Disciminating General MH and 1 from Middlesex. It would seem these threads are always pointing to loyalist. Please dont cut yourself short on choice by only shopping with loyalist after all these vendors are all pretty close competitors and have all their wares made in India. A fine job indeed I may add..., however I would not put one above the other ALL have been kind to me.

Personally I go for the comfort., therefore I do not own a doglock., I have a Pedersoli Queen Anne.., (Now theres a new one PEDERSOLI has not been brought up yet) and I have a Ketland trade pistol.., a sea service a light dragoon.., to be honest., the queen anne is tops amongst them all in parts machining quality and exacting measurement for easy replacement by a long standing company with a long standing gun pattern. If you are uncomfortable with the doglocks postion but NEED a doglock instead of a flinter., you might re-consider and just go for a blunderbuss., problem solved.

I just bought my Flint Buss (Not dog-buss) from MH and wow I am impressed., when I drilled the vent hole., wow the barrel thickness is 5/16 !!!! Its buffed !!! Heavy loads will be no-problem.

Good luck on your correct choice...., almost any will be great.

[Rateye]

Aye, thanks to all who replied!

In my frenzy to find me pistol, I forgot all about the queen anne! (that is until me capt. set me straight! Thanks again to ye sir!)

After looking and pricing, that's probably the table where I'll be landing me dollars.

Now I have to decide between the steel or the brass.

Any suggestions or advice from those that own em?

Hey Capt. Pete!

Wish we could have found that piece fer you. You never know, we might have to take another look before the end of the season!

I also remember a certain wench "shinning" a certain scoundrel's murdoch! Mayhaps that's where the screw went??

Rats

[HarborMaster]

Tough-one...., another choice. That may be a question of where do you live? The steel will hold up well however it will rust. I guess thats ok for some., they think it looks to store bought if it shines., myself I dont let a gun get crappy. I was taught to keep them clean and immaculate. Now the Brass will not rust but is a softer metal and needs cleaned with a little more care. Perhaps even a little lighter loads. say back off 5 grains or so from a really hot load.

Oh one more thing about this also.., A steel barrel can take a roundball or lots of shot., even fleche (be careful loading fleche) However a Brass barrel should only get a round ball to avoid scarring the inside of the barrel., brass is tough!., but its not steel which is tougher !

Again tho where do you live? I live in the tropics part of the time..., I ship my belongs there and will retire there. Steel will rust fast in the tropics., its 95% humidity...., but the SCUBA cant be beat !!!! Go Brass Man.., it says nautical. I waited for my brass.,we ordered it and it took 9 months to make it from David Pedersoli's shop in Italy to my desk.., but yea...,it was worth it..,but so is a Brass barreled Blunderbuss too and they generally have them in stock.,my new MH came within 8 days.

[Story]

Loyalist Arms are having a sale on the Pedersoli Queen Annes', # S.328 @ $US 245.00

...and another source on Queen Annes

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976626297.htm

[Cap'n Pete Straw]

In my frenzy to find me pistol, I forgot all about the queen anne! (that is until me capt. set me straight! Thanks again to ye sir!)

After looking and pricing, that's probably the table where I'll be landing me dollars.

Now I have to decide between the steel or the brass.

Any suggestions or advice from those that own em?

I also have a Queen Anne -- it's in the photo on the upper right. Mine has a steel barrel (I didn't even know they came in brass). An excellent gun, and I want to purchase and build another.... but first, it's bagpipes, then a blunderbuss...

I also remember a certain wench "shinning" a certain scoundrel's murdoch! Mayhaps that's where the screw went??

I totally forgot about that! Good thinking -- I wish I had looked there immediately -- even if it was found, it's probably been mislaid already. It's worth a look, however.

[Rateye]

Perhaps you can also bring that Queen Anne and let ol' Rats have a looksee at her???

Another round to a trouble making Pete!

Rats

[Story]

Queen Anne w/ chrome barrel??? Didn't know they offered that - $235.00

(add $20.00 shipping and handling) http://www.cherrys.com/ped_pist.htm

[Rateye]

Has anyone worked or conducted dealings with the good Master Cherry's?

If so what has their exterience been?

Favorable or unfortunate?

I'm also wondering if anyone has weathered or "browned" a barrel afore?

Me thinks there are some who have partaken in the unfortunate un-Civil War events, who might be learned in these arts???

Again, I am grateful for your advice...

Rats

[HarborMaster]

Well yes......, I have. I was told the brass would be a special order.,NO REFUNDS and a 90 day wait on special orders.... O.K. So after 120 days I called., All I got was it has to go thru customs. 160 days same. Then I got we need to get a big enough order to warrant a shipment ? 180 days again the customs story. Finally at 8 months I got No-Refund......., So Capital One got me my refund tho Cherrys did not like it. At 10 months the gun came to Cherrys., they called I paid it back again from the refund., and all was settled. We are done. I love the pistol I am glad it came but I was very un happy during the process.

[Rateye]

Sorry to hear of your misfortune good sir.

It would seen all was stemmed from an order of the special kind and unfortunately placed at a time of which their stores of brass barrels hath been depleated.

I think perhaps I will lean toward a steel barrel and possibly season said boomer, when the urge suits me.

Many thanks for your hasty reply!

Rats

[Story]

IMO, an even prettier & sleeker pistol - the 1731 Potzdam @ $285 /$299

http://www.militaryheritage.com/pistol3.htm

http://www.middlesexvillagetrading.com/ger...man_dragoon.htm

[HarborMaster]

The Brass QA is not usually a stocked item ., most often it will have to be ordered. the 1731 Potzdam is a very nice piece.

Myself I am looking at adding the MH Light dragoon. Tho not period correct for the GAoP it has a more comfortable handle at an improved "Right angle" and a .62 caliber bore.

Or the elliot light Middlesex pistols

It is a shorter barrel for these sorts of firearms. Also I am considering a Japanese Matchlock pistol., Very nice indeed !!!

[Cap'n Pete Straw]

Perhaps you can also bring that Queen Anne and let ol' Rats have a looksee at her???

Can do... but I am NOT making multiple trips to the parking lot (Enter park once. Exit park once)! And I am not planning to carry around 20 pounds of iron with me...

I browned the barrel of my Queen Anne. It was the first time I browned anything, and I think it came out a bit heavy... but I like it nonetheless. Again, I am real happy with this kit.

[Rateye]

Went with a kit did you?

How troublesome was the working and building of said kit?

Rats

[Cap'n Pete Straw]

The most trouble was taking the piecs out of teh box and building it. Slow and steady wins the race; I essentially built the whole thing in a single six hour session in the back yard.

There's another thread in the Pub where I recorded my trials and tribulations... somewhere...

To sum up: I drank too much beer in the process. I had to get up too often to obtain another tool I did not think to carry out to the back yard with me. And (everyone's advice) use caution when bending the trigger guard -- there is a natural weak point at the screw hole that is prone to snapping. However, if you are cautious about this, you should not experience any problem.