Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Traditional Firearms => Caplock Pistols => Topic started by: prairie dog on September 07, 2012, 05:12:24 AM

Title: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: prairie dog on September 07, 2012, 05:12:24 AM

I have a 50 cal. CVA belt pistol that matches my CVA mountain rifle.  I have been shooting it in rendezvous and club matches for a while.  Last year I took third place for the yearly aggregate.  I've been working with it's sights, trigger, and load development and I believe I am getting all the accuracy I can possibly get out of it.  It looks as if the twist is a 1:48 and I think that could very well be the source of my frustration and why I can't get it to group any better.

My son has been shooting my mountain rifle at rendezvous since I bought the new GPR and I promised he could have the CVA pistol when I got a replacement for it.  At the time I was thinking of getting the Lyman pistol in 50 cal.  However, I notice the twist on the Lyman is 1:30.

That got me to looking at the Pedersoli Charles Moore pistol.  It comes in 36 cal. with a 1:15 twist or a 45 cal. with a 1:18 twist.  I have seen two versions of this pistol, the "target" model is a bright finish with silver trim and the "standard" version has a blue finish.  Both pistols have single set triggers.  

I am trying to decide between the blue version of the Pedersoli Charles Moore pistol and the Lyman pistol.  I sure would like to hear from those of you who have shot these pistols.  

Is the 45 cal. 1:18 twist going to be the best bet over the 50 cal. 1:30 twist all other things being equal?  Or am I overly concerned about the twist issue?

I am trying to decide which pistol is going to give me the best chance to be competitive in the matches.  Either pistol will look correct for my time period and both will fit my budget.

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: biliff on September 07, 2012, 01:38:00 PM

FWIW,
   I've been shooting the Pedersoli LePage (flint and percussion)in .44, 1/18 twist. Very accurate with light (20gr FFFg Goex) charges. 1" groups at 25yds benched. Single set trigger is crisp and can be set down to a few ounces. The adjustment screw on the percussion gun's trigger needed a dab of nail polish to keep it from backing out.
   Like the C. Moore they're target pistols and meant to be used with mild charges.
   Can't speak to the Lyman, other than I've seen a bunch of people doing real well with them on trail walks.

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: prairie dog on September 26, 2012, 09:58:22 AM

Thanks for your reply.  I've ordered the Pedersoil Charles Moore.  I will let you know how it shoots when I get it.

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: Rev on September 26, 2012, 11:11:06 AM

A little late here but I, too, shoot the LePage and have found it to be the most accurate ML pistol I have found ( I have owned 8 or 9 others, shot even more). The fast twist makes a world of difference...

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: prairie dog on September 27, 2012, 12:58:16 PM

Well, Fed Ex delivered my new pistol.  It is the standard Charles Moore target model with the silver finish.  Looking it over I noticed the hooked breech did not fit the tang properly. It simply would not go completely into the tang leaving a gap at the bottom.  

The tang was inlet into the stock at a downward angle as well. As it was the tang and barrel did not align.  I could see daylight through the gap.  None of this is going to be conducive to accuracy.

I don't know why I can't seam to buy a factory gun that doesn't need some gunsmith work done before I can go shoot it.  My friends tell me it's because I am just too picky and expect perfection.  I answer that by showing them the factory guns I bought 20 years ago which have never needed any additional work.  I think quality control is just being neglected.

Any how, I filed and fitted the tang to the hooked breach, removed some more wood from the tang inlet to allow it to sit on the same plane as the barrel, and bedded the tang and barrel with steel bed.  It is clamped up and curing now.  

I won't get to go shoot it until next week.  I will report more on this little adventure as things develop.  I hope I don't run into any more problems.

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: sse on September 27, 2012, 01:40:55 PM

Sorry to hear about that.  I'd feel the same.  I hope it functions well enough to make up for it.

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: Bigsmoke on September 27, 2012, 04:57:54 PM

If I were you, I would go on the Pedersoli website and email Mr. Pedersoli and tell him about the quality control on your pistol.  Never know, it might just get you some results.  He does seem to take the criticism pretty personally.
John

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: prairie dog on September 27, 2012, 06:12:43 PM

I may do that.  It can't hurt to give feedback to the manufacture.

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: prairie dog on September 29, 2012, 10:50:22 AM

Of all the luck, the steel bed I used didn't set up.  It may have gotten too hot stored in my garage, or it's past it's shelve life.  I know I mixed it properly, 4 to 1 ratio measured by volume.  This stuff normally sets up hard overnight.  It's been 48 hours and nada.

I just finished cleaning it all off of the pistol.  I'll get a new package of Acuraglass and try again.  

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: prairie dog on September 30, 2012, 10:14:59 AM

Oh yeah!  The bedding job came out perfect this time. Got things all lined up nice and tight.  A little cleaning and I'll put everything back together.  Might get to shoot it latter this week.

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: prairie dog on September 30, 2012, 04:13:22 PM

All cleaned up and re-assembled.  Just need to let the bedding cure for a few more days then I can see how she shoots.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/Sells/Rendezvous/DSCF2877.jpg)

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: Bison Horn on September 30, 2012, 06:51:47 PM

Great job and a good looker PD! You bringing that to Tool shoot? BH

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: prairie dog on September 30, 2012, 07:41:38 PM

Yep, that's the plan.  But she is going to have to prove she will shoot before I take her to the dance. That old CVA pistol did take first place for me last month.  I may have to stick with it until I get up to speed with this one.

I don't name all my guns, but this one earned it's name "little beast" for all the trouble I've had with her so far.  I just hope she doesn't require much more TLC.

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: prairie dog on October 10, 2012, 05:21:38 PM

I just got back from the range and it looks like the pistol is going to be a shooter.  I don't have the sights adjusted to put the point of impact where I want it yet but I did get several one hole groups.  Another session or two should prove rewarding.

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: Roaddog on October 11, 2012, 06:13:28 AM

Glad you two are getting along better. It sounds like your goingto make a good team.

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: prairie dog on October 11, 2012, 09:10:40 AM

I believe the potential is there.

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: prairie dog on October 15, 2012, 08:13:21 AM

I shot a 49XX at our match yesterday and that was good enough for first place.  I think the little beast is going to work out to be a fine pistol.  I can't wait to get some range time to fine tune the sights and do some load development.  In spite of the initial issues, it looks like I've got a good shooting pistol.

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: Riley/MN on October 15, 2012, 11:07:08 AM

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: Roaddog on October 16, 2012, 06:07:42 AM

Good news for sure.

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: gunmaker on November 06, 2012, 01:44:21 AM

Seen a few of those pistols, sorry about yer problems.  but those rascallllls really do shoot to where you aim.   stay at it....Tom

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: snake eyes on November 08, 2012, 08:45:45 AM

PD,
    Just wondering if you ever contacted Pedersoli??? If so their reply.
John

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: prairie dog on November 11, 2012, 09:49:49 PM

No, I never did.  I just fixed it and moved on.

Title: Re: Shoping for a new pistol
Post by: prairie dog on March 06, 2013, 08:16:48 PM

A little up date on this project.  

I took second place in the yearly aggregate this time adding 20 points to my score over last season.  I only had the new pistol for the last three matches so I expect to do better next time.  I beat the fellow who shoots the modern in-line target pistol.
The Gentleman who took first is shooting a custom built dueling pistol.  He was 8 points ahead of me so I still have a little work to do.  I am still tweaking my load and getting to know the Pedersoli pistol better each time I shoot it.  

I can honestly say that I am happy with the pistol and getting along with it just fine.