Harper's Ferry M1805 Pistol

[cmhowe72]

I am a former US Army MP. As such the Harper's Ferry Model 1805 is very dear to me. Does anyone else find it appalling that apparently the only manufacturer of firing repros. of the first pistol design manufactured by a US government arsenal is made overseas? Does anyone know of any other companies besides Pedersoli making these (ie- a US based company)? Also, does anyone know why they seem to cost twice as much as other contemporary flintlock repros?

 

[kentucky bucky]

I've seen some that were built by American gunsmiths in the last few years. These are "custom built" guns and are alot more expensive than the imports, but they are correct in caliber and form, which sometimes isn't the case with the cheaper guns. The Rifle Shoppe has a perfect example in kit form if you really want to do it right with all American parts moulded from the originals..

 

[AlexanderA]

The fact that Pedersoli (an Italian company) is making these doesn't bother me nearly as much as the fact that they are poor reproductions (.58 cal. rifled, for one thing, as opposed to .54 cal. smoothbore). Why doesn't someone -- anyone -- make a truly authentic reproduction of this landmark pistol?

 

[arcticap]

Here's a Belgian reproduction M1805 Flintlock Harpers Ferry Pistol from a Dec., 2010 auction in Dallas. It has a .54 rifled bore and "exceptional workmanship".

http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/centennial-arms-reproduction-of-harpers-ferry-m18-1-c-faa5b1bee1

 

[AlexanderA]

The Belgian "Centennial Arms" reproduction of the Harpers Ferry pistol is older than the Pedersoli version, dating to the 1960's and 70's. By all accounts, the workmanship is worse than the Pedersoli, although it's possible that Pedersoli may have acquired some of the original Belgian tooling. I believe, based on examples that I've seen, that the .54 cal. designation is a misprint, and that all of these in fact were made in .58 cal. None of the reproductions, whether Belgian or Italian, can be remotely mistaken for originals.

 

[AJumbo]

I have one of the Pedersolis; rifled, .58, and as yet unfired and sitting in a fitted walnut case. A previous owner just had to see if it would spark, so I followed suit, the damage having already been done; it throws a fine shower of sparks. I would love to have a more accurate repro (.54, smooth), but haven't known where to look. Thanks for the lead on the Rifle Shoppe, AA!