Pedersoli Kentucky or Dixie Pa.

[trsdbrown]

Hello All,

I'm a beginner and I'm to going to build my first gun from a kit. I was wondering if anyone has a preference: Pedersoli Kentucky or Dixie Pa. (made by Pedersoli). I like the price on the Kentucky but it lacks set triggers. What is the pull like on the Kentucky w/o set triggers?? I will use it to hunt in Pa. (flint only).

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_162_193&products_id=2030

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_162_193&products_id=5926

 

[ArmedBear]

They're both made by Pedersoli. Quality should be similar.

I like set triggers. Others say they never use them in the field. I have had one opportunity to use a double-set trigger on a Pedersoli gun on big game. On said occasion, it worked perfectly, a one-shot kill right where I was trying to place the bullet.

Often, the trigger pull on a traditional lock can be quite heavy. A double-set turns it into a target-grade trigger pull and can usually be adjusted to your preference. It also facilitates holding the rifle steady while waiting for the flintlock ignition delay, since you just touch the trigger instead of a squeeze (PRACTICE BEFORE HUNTING!). Most double-set triggers will also fire with a heavy pull, even when not set, so there's no downside.

 

[Pancho]

First of all you can't go wrong with Pedersoli. I've got two of them and they are beautiful. Secondly, I wouldn't worry about having to have double set triggers especially for hunting. If you're trying to hit the bull on paper at 100 yds. the double set would help. Hunting adrenaline can really get you screwed up with double sets.
The only question I've got between the two is the style. They look the same and it is my belief that the style is Penn. Lancaster not Kentucky.

 

[Pancho]

Armed Bear has a point. If you have doublesets you don't have to use them. One other point they don't say what the barrel length is. IMHO if there is a difference I'd go with the shorter of the two. I've hunted with my pedersoli Blue ridge with a long barrel and it can be a real pain busting through undergrowth with a longgun.

 

[ArmedBear]

Personally, I think that adrenaline screws up a good squeeze more than a set trigger pull. YMMV

If a set trigger is adjusted so you just have to touch it off, you can keep your finger off of it until you want to fire. Just hold the gun steady and pull your finger back slowly and lightly towards the trigger and bang, it goes off. This can be nice with a flint, too.

With a trigger that takes a good squeeze, under the influence of adrenaline, I seem to misjudge how hard I'm pulling it sometimes. Again, YMMV, but you don't HAVE to set the trigger if you prefer a harder pull.

 

[dogrunner]

I own a flint Pedersoli Penna. rifle in .45 that I acquired in trade years ago. Darn nice, accurate piece. Unless the action has been changed you have the option of using either the set trigger or the single stage utilizing only the front trigger......Anyway, that's how mine works. Trigger pull can be adjusted to suit your preference by any competent gunsmith....mine is typically a bit stiffer using the single stage but truly a "hair" trigger on its set mode.

Pedersoli's products are of high quality and I would not hesitate to drop a few bucks on one again. I also own one of the Kodiak doubles in .50 that seems to make it with me on every fall muzzle loading hunt....

 

[Pancho]

In Eastern Ohio and Western Pa. The deer country is hilly and thick with undergrowth most opportunities come quick and leave just as quick and the chance to use the set trigger is rare but as you said Armedbear I like the choice that doublesets gives you.

 

[ArmedBear]

In Eastern Ohio and Western Pa. The deer country is hilly and thick with undergrowth most opportunities come quick and leave just as quick and the chance to use the set trigger is rare

Ah. Yeah, when I got a chance to use it, it was in open country.

 

[Pancho]

Doublesets are sweet to have when you have the chance to use them especially with a flinter.

 

[ArmedBear]

Also, it's possible to set the trigger with the hammer on half-cock. Of course, the adjustment should be tested thoroughly to make sure the gun won't go off. For hunting, though, the trigger doesn't have to be a "hair trigger", just light enough.

Anyway, when ready to fire, you just cock the hammer and you're ready to go.

 

[Pancho]

What kind of finish are you planning to put on the wood. I've got a system that may not be authentic but it sure is easy and beautiful and tough.