Got a black powder pistol and have NO idea what im doing and need some help.

My Padre just sent it to me today. It seems to be in good condition. It has been used and is pretty dirty. However i want to use this thing.

It is missing the ram rod so i need to buy one. Where do i buy one?

I also need information on finding the correct caliber powder and procudures on how to shoot this type of thing.

Its obviously a modern era reproduction and i really dont care about value.. Its just something from dad and i think it would be fun to shoot...

Flintlocks are fun. you need some basic knowledge of things blackpowder to shoot it safely. If your at all worried you could ' proof test' it once you've id the caliber . It's probably a .45 but there are smaller and larger one's out there. get a basic ruler measure the diameter of the bore to see about where it lies. 45=.0451-.0458in or 11.45-11.6 mm. A good eye and ruler will get you close.
check out these sites for basic supies info etc. Good shootin' post pic of the smoke and fire. be careful of hang fires keep it safe
Best Regards,
TDK
eg of ram rod replacement

Where I got most of my BP supplies years ago still good site Dixie Gun Works

Some basics here

Good folk and knowegebase THR forum

Judging by the barrel size, it looks to be .69 calibre. Almost 3/4 of an inch. It takes big balls,weighing one ounce or more.
Try Dixie for a lot of loading and cleaning parts. Unless there is a shop that sells muzzleloading supplys which is located near to you.

Thanks guys. the muzzle is 9/16th... what does that come up too?

What is the formula used to convert fractional inches to decimal?
Take the first number and divide it by the second number. For example (1/64) 1 divided by 64 equals .015625
0.5625
did you measure land to land if rifled or is it smooth bore? most likely .58 cal similar to this:flintlock pistol -dixie gun works

edit best to get a look at the barrel and see if there is a flash hole by the pan that is drilledand goes into the bore-otherwise it's a wall hanger. Also since most 58 cal bullets are round ball at .570-.575 in if you measured accurately then that's too tight a fit.It may be a .54 cal instead. if you can get a sample .54 and .58 to see which rolls down te barrel if it smoothbore then you'l know. Most smoothbores work with a lubed patch to make a seal over the powder.

Also I did learn in seaching google that Dixie Gun Works had kits stamped Japan in the 70-80's Make sure the flint sparks when it hits the striker otherwise it's a wallhanger. Dixie used to tune them to spark back then but most didn't do so well. Adjust the flint wrapped in a piece of leather in the hammer so it will strike , open the cover and spark.
also usefull site :Track of the Wolf -bore gauge

Yes there is a hole and the flint and spark plate look well used.. However i will go over them and make sure all is well.. If it does not work there was no investment so there will be no loss... if nothing else it can be a conversation peice.

Yup she sparks like a lighter.

That looks like a Miruko made replica of a U.S. 1805 Harper's Ferry pistol.

It'll be either a .54 or .58 cal IIRC.
When a blackpowder barrel is a named caliber you'll actually use a ball about 10/1000ths's smaller. For example: A .54 caliber will use a .530 caliber ball.
The reason for this is the cloth "patching" that surrounds the ball that forms a gas seal around the ball on firing.

Since it's a flinter you'll want to use real blackpowder instead of the substitutes. It ignites much better.
Use 4Fg(FFFFg) for the pan and either 3Fg(FFFg) or 2Fg(FFg) for the main charge.
Start with a modest loading of around 25-30 grains for a main charge and slowly work up. I wouldn't go over about 45grains max.

You can get everything you need(except the blackpowder) from Track of the Wolf( www.trackofthewolf.com )

Good luck. Hope this helps.

That's a replica of a 'Harper Ferry's pistol'....Should have a steel ramrod.

I own a replica of a British 'Sea service' pistol thats similiar to that one, and made in Japan too. It's about .70 caliber.

Copyright © 1996 - 2013 :: AR15.Com LLC :: All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.