Big Muzzle Pistol!

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Panzerschwein

Panzerschwein

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Hey guys! Check this out:

hferry.jpg

Guess what that is? It's the .54 caliber muzzle of my beautiful Harper's Ferry M1805 percussion conversion military horse pistol!

tehgrvfecds.jpg

This is now my favorite black powder gun to shoot. Modeled after what could be found in the militia arsenals in the South at the start of the U.S. Civil War, this is a Pedersoli made replica. Smoothbore, .54 caliber. Surprisingly accurate with the right load. Pistols of this type would have been carried by Confederate cavalry early on in the war between the states. This gun was made for the demand of N-SSA shooters for the newly introduced smoothbore pistol event they now host. While I'm not an N-SSA member, I've experienced a lot of joy shooting this horse pistol. These can be found for sale at Dixie Gun Works, and are a very good quality representation of an under appreciated class of Civil War era weapons. It wasn't just Colt and Remington revolvers that fought the war, but these old single shot pistols as well.

Thanks for reading all, Take care!

Cooldill
 
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Sweet pistol you have there. Whats you starting load? Always used 1 grain per caliber in rifles to start, never had a big horse pistol to fool with however.
 
The rib is attached with two screws, and my starting load was 35 grains of FFG powder, but this pistol groups best with heavier 50-55 grain charges. :)
 
You might want to solder that rib on. Tin both the rib and the bottom of the barrel first.

I wrapped bailing wire around the barrel & rib, then knocked a screw in to tension the wire.

Then heat the rib with a propane torch and flux it. Allow the solder to flow in.

When you're done, remove the screws and wire and remove the extra solder with a piece of brass (won't scratch the metal). Then hit it with emery paper and restore the bright finish.
 
Tommygunn said:
You are EVIL! :evil:


I liked your Harper's Ferry gun so much.......I ordered my own today! So much for saving any $$$$$$.;)
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Awesome! Did you get the percussion version? I love mine, it is so fun to shoot! I'm sure you will love your too!!
 
4v50 Gary said:
You might want to solder that rib on. Tin both the rib and the bottom of the barrel first.

I wrapped bailing wire around the barrel & rib, then knocked a screw in to tension the wire.

Then heat the rib with a propane torch and flux it. Allow the solder to flow in.

When you're done, remove the screws and wire and remove the extra solder with a piece of brass (won't scratch the metal). Then hit it with emery paper and restore the bright finish.
Click to expand...
Why would all of that be necessary? It seems fine how it is.
 
Blackpowdershooter44 said:
So these were factory converted to percussion from the 1807 harpers ferrry flint?
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These are a reproduction of percussion-converted Harpers Ferry M1805 pistols, guns that could be found in local militia arsenals that fought the early battles of the U.S. Civil War, primarily in the south.

I posted a detailed review here and elsewhere on this gun. Here is the most complete:

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/pedersoli-harpers-ferry-percussion-pistol-review.120413/

Tommygun: When you get the gun you should post a range report too! :D
 
Here are some better pictures guys:

20160212_114911.jpg

20160212_115021_1.jpg

20160212_115224.jpg

20160212_115325.jpg

She is a little dirty and tarnished from firing, but I think it looks better that way. So far I've fired this gun at least 250 times. Zero misfires of any kind whatsoever with Remington #10 caps. No hang fires, no cap jams, nothing. About every ten shots, I swab the bore with a spit patch or two followed by a dry patch, then wipe off the nipple and use a nipple pick to make sure the flash hole is clear. Works like a charm. With paper cartridges I clean about twice as often, every five shots, because the greased patch keeps the fouling soft while the paper cartridge doesn't. Anyone on the fence about these guns need get off it now. I can assure you this is perhaps the most fun black powder pistol I've ever shot. While the cap and ball revolvers are very cool and fun, the steady rate of fire and reliability of a single shot pistol is hard to beat. Just an amazingly relaxing and fun experience shooting one of these. :)
 
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Cooldil....you have redoubled on the evil ... you've made me even more impatient to receive the Harpers Ferry I ordered. Got an e-mail from Dixie Gun Works that they have it in stock and "will ship" --- oh, and a bit of good news; I didn't realize it was on sale so they will be sending me back $45.00 in overpayment!:D


Nice photographs!​
 
Very Nice!
But now you need a pommel holster, a saddle and, of course, a horse to go with your new HORSE pistol!!!
No, it never ends.
 
Ephraim Kibbey said:
Very Nice!
But now you need a pommel holster, a saddle and, of course, a horse to go with your new HORSE pistol!!!
No, it never ends.
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HA! If hay and cabbage weren't so expensive, I'd probably do that! It would be fun to ride into town with a brace of these in pommel holsters! :D

Tommygun: You are going to love it. If you have any questions about it once you get it, let me know and I should be able to answer them.
 
Well, my Harper's Ferry arrived today. What a BEAUTIFUL pistol!
My only other muzzle loader single shot is a .50 caliber, with set trigger, made in Spain, and it is a good gun, but the trigger on the Harper's is much better, smoother.
Also of some interest was a DVD made by Pedersoli showing their facilities and their guns being made, loading and target and cleaning advice.
But I am struck by how nicely made the gun is. It is more expensive than the Spanish made pistol but we'll worth it.
 
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Excellent! You will be even more pleased when you shoot it. I recommend a .530" ball, Hornady makes a good one, and a .010" lubed patch. I have been using 2F powder in mine, but 3F should work as well. 25 grains is a good starter load but you may well find yours likes quite a bit more powder for best shooting, I know mine does. Mine also has loved Remington #10 caps, no misfires in over 200 rounds. Post pics if you get the chance!! :D
 
Why solder the rib? Historically they were soldered, not screwed on. Second, you gain the experience of soldering the rib and you might need it if you take on bigger projects later like in making a half-stock rifle.
 
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