WANTED Single-Shot Pistol (replica)

[DixieRifles]

I wanted to find a good replica single-shot pistol that would be fun to shoot and also target shoot. Also want something inexpensive and will accept a Used condition.
I like the military pistols, like the Dixie Gun Works Model 1855 but that comes with a shoulder stock for $650.

What I DO NOT Want:
X- Kentucky Pistol with the "C" shaped grip.
X- Lyman Plains Pistol with the heavy Hexagonal barrel.

Prefer a Dueling Pistol even one without a ramrod. Good grip and both sights.
Prefer caliber .50 caliber or smaller, even down to .31 caliber.

Flintlock? Still debatable. I would like to own a Flintlock pistol or rifle but I think I would get more use from a percussion.
Prefer USED condition if that saves me money and the condition is Good. Maybe a few dings and such but no corrosion in bore, etc.

Looking for types and makes that are available. Anyone want to sale me something so they have money for Christmas?
Anyone have a used DGW Model 1855?

 

[DixieRifles]

I think I have decided on this one:

William Parker Pistol by Traditions in .50 caliber.

Anyone know where to find a good deal on one, either new or used?

 

[DixieRifles]

Well, I think I have made my decision.

William Parker Dueling Pistol made by Traditions.
Nice slim lines without that heave barrel on the other Plains Pistols.
0.50 Caliber means I don't have to buy another size of ammo.
Hooked Breech barrel for easy cleaning.
Set Trigger and a fair rear sight should make it fund to Target Shoot.
Price: $365 I like that!

This is the grip shape that I wanted. It doesn't have the brass pommel on the bottom so I have to be careful not to chip the Walnut.

 

[Cavalier]

@DixieRifles Thats beautiful! If it is not too much trouble would you mind letting us know how you like it after you have fired it. I am fascinated by dueling pistols myself, flint or percussion. I have a Pedrosoli Harper's Ferry, (not a dueling pistol, I know), that I love.

Thanks for the photo.

John

 

[DixieRifles]

Thats beautiful! If it is not too much trouble would you mind letting us know how you like it after you have fired it. I am fascinated by dueling pistols myself, flint or percussion. I have a Pedrosoli Harper's Ferry, (not a dueling pistol, I know), that I love.

Yes, sure. I may not shoot it for a month or even more. But I'm sure I can't hold out that long.
I have the correct ammo but I want to make a nice ramrod. I also have to figure out how to load it without putting too much force on the curved grip. This does not Brass Cap on the bottom of the grip. Instead it has that small "Rim" around the bottom. I don't want to scar that up.
I searched for video's of someone firing this gun. Most videos are the Lyman Plains Pistol or I find videos posted by Italians or Russians(?). I tried to see how they load it without resting the grip on a bench. But most of these videos were showing beginners. One guy tapped the ramrod down some 15 times after the ball was seated. I'm used to loading Colt/or/Ruger revolvers. It has a built-in Lever that applies the force through the gun's frame and not into the grip. It should not take much force----but there will always be that one load that won't budge.
This Traditions pistol is a cheaper version of the Pedrosoli. I believe the Pedrosoli has a nicer sight but it doesn't have the Set Trigger.


Here is the Italian video of a more expensive replica. Not sure if it a Pedrosoli.
I can't find one video of a Traditions pistol.

I found this "review" on a gun forum. I didn't plan to use 50 grains of powder; start with 30 and maybe increase it some.

1-inch group at 30 yards no problem. I tested 240 grain .50 cal PA conical made by Hornady and they are a perfect match for the pistol. They fit nice and tight so it will never move forward from the powder. I shot up to 50 grains of FFF with very little recoil. Despite the heavy barrel and length the pistol is very light. I plan on carrying it during the PA archery muzzleloader deer overlap season to use as a finishing pistol if necessary.
Heck with a 50 grain charge and a 240-grain conical or heavier it will kill a deer out to 50 yds no problem according to the Taylor knockdown calculator. With the heavy powder charge it does shoot a few inches high so I might put a taller front blade sight on it at some point but for now it is a blast to shoot.

Oh. This video shows loading and firing a Pedrosoli model that has a similar grip as the Traditions. This guy has good description but with a strong accent. Note how the Set Trigger works on this Model.

 

[DixieRifles]

In my early days, I designed and built a loading stand much like this one. Used simple plywood. It was used to hold a replica Colt revolver so I had 2 free hands.

This is a Stand that is shown with a single shot pistol. I would still worry that too much pressure would damage a curved grip like this.

 

[Cavalier]

Well first, thank you for posting all this! Videos too no less.

It's a beautiful piece. Congratulations! The next time a challange is issued you will be the envy of every man present on the field of honor.

Sad to relate I put a small gouge in the stock when removing the pin under the barrel of my Harper's Ferry pistol. Heartbreaking!

I share your concern about damaging the wood grip while loading. However I never tried a loading stand.

John

 

[Rhea Cole]

Our next door neighbor spent three years recreating a matched set of Joe Matton dueling pistols. He recreated the box & as much as possible, all the kit, as well. On the glorious day he put the finishing touches on the box, he proudly walked into his backyard to fire his pistols. He took aim at a piece of paper tacked to a power pole. Our yards backed up on the bottom of a bluff. He aimed & fired... collapsed in agony. At ten paces, the ball bounced off the pole & hit him square on the right shin bone, breaking off a jagged splinter. I don't know if he ever fired the second one or not.
However, looking on the bright side, he did get to experience what a duel really would have been like... there is some satisfaction in that ¿no?

 

[Cavalier]

@Rhea Cole Yes, I guess there is. What's a shin more or less, in the quest for historical accuracy. Quite a painful way to experience the past, however. Is he still shooting black powder, do you know?

John

 

[Rhea Cole]

@Rhea Cole Yes, I guess there is. What's a shin more or less, in the quest for historical accuracy. Quite a painful way to experience the past, however. Is he still shooting black powder, do you know?

John

Actually, when my Dad was called to take him to the hospital, all he was shooting was blood!