M1842 Aston Johnson Initial Impressions

[Panzerschwein]

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!

 

[webrx]

The only thing I can say is:

Cool Gun(s)!

d

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks! I quite like them!

 

[Blackpowdershooter44]

Awesome! Nice gun cooldill!

 

[whughett]

Some of the small detail on such guns is amazing. The trigger guard on this one for example.

 

[col.lemat]

Nice piece of history you have there. Oil and light 000 steel wool clean up and you should be able to experience history for yourself. Not to be shot as often as a repro, but on special patriotic occasions it should do quite well.

 

[Panzerschwein]

UPDATE:

I sent the gun off this morning to Lodgewood Mfg. I talked to a man there (I think named David) who was very nice and he explained how he was going to fix up my pistol. When I get it back, the crack in the stock will be repaired and the lockwork same. Once this is done, I am probably going to have Robert Hoyt reline my barrel. It is pretty badly pitted.

I'll keep everyone updated. With luck, my lil' Aston horse pistol will be all ready for his first day at the range (in a hell of a long time, at least!) just in time for summer.

 

[mec]

This lock appears like new-fire blue intact.The trigger is extremenly heavy

Many of these have crack in the inletting = either from heavy loads or using the brass butt cap as a cudgel This one was not cracked.

One-hand from 25 yards. Not too bad for a smooth bore.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I love it! Your Gun's Magazine article on this pistol was one of my favorites. Thank you MEC!