Panzerschwein
member
Hello everyone! As some of you may or may not know, I am a big fan of the single shot U.S. martial pistols, often called "horse pistols." These guns were used before the introduction of repeating percussion handguns such as the Colt revolver. I have owned and have been very pleased with the Pedersoli reproduction of the M1805 Harpers Ferry pistol, and posted a review here a few months ago.
Well, I have always wanted an original M1842 Aston Johnson pistol. These were used heavily in the Mexican American War and into the early years of the U.S. Civil War. And you know what? I got one in the mail today!!
Notice the retained ramrod:
167 years old!
Here it is next to my repro M1805 Harpers Ferry:
My overall impressions are very good. The caliber is .54, and it takes musket caps. The action holds nice and tight at half and full cock. The trigger, which is normally heavy on these guns, is very light on this one. It may well have had some trigger work done at some point in the past century and a half plus. The bore is dark with some rust, which is to be expected. I'm sure it will clean up well. The nipple is in great shape and might have been replaced at one point. This pistol appears to not have ever been refinished, which is just what I was wanting. I'm going to have this gun thoroughly inspected and repaired if needed by Lodgewood Mfg. of Wisconsin before I take it to the range. It will be a great joy to fire this pistol! Who knows when it was shot last? Maybe Gettysburg??
Thanks for reading, and keep on the lookout for the full range report and review!
Well, I have always wanted an original M1842 Aston Johnson pistol. These were used heavily in the Mexican American War and into the early years of the U.S. Civil War. And you know what? I got one in the mail today!!
Notice the retained ramrod:
167 years old!
Here it is next to my repro M1805 Harpers Ferry:
My overall impressions are very good. The caliber is .54, and it takes musket caps. The action holds nice and tight at half and full cock. The trigger, which is normally heavy on these guns, is very light on this one. It may well have had some trigger work done at some point in the past century and a half plus. The bore is dark with some rust, which is to be expected. I'm sure it will clean up well. The nipple is in great shape and might have been replaced at one point. This pistol appears to not have ever been refinished, which is just what I was wanting. I'm going to have this gun thoroughly inspected and repaired if needed by Lodgewood Mfg. of Wisconsin before I take it to the range. It will be a great joy to fire this pistol! Who knows when it was shot last? Maybe Gettysburg??
Thanks for reading, and keep on the lookout for the full range report and review!
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