Pedersoli Charleville

[RobD]

Sold the Pedi Bess to a fellow reenactor in my Regiment and will get a Kibler Bess kit when it's available (hopefully by early next year).  I finished the Kibler fowler that I'll be using and in the meanwhile I've had a hankering for a Charlie (the most used military musket of the Continental army) and was looking around for a used Miroku Charlie but they're Extremely hard to find, no dice.  Even the Pedi Charlie's are near non-existent; found one at $2k, no thanks!  DGW still has Pedi Charlie kits and I figured I'd better jump on one before they're toast, too - ordered and due to arrive tomorrow ($1480).  The Miroku is touted at near dead nuts for a 1766 - the Pedi has it's period correct issues, but that doesn't matter at all to me.  Will post the build here.

[Bigsmoke]

I cannot even remember when this happened, but it had to be in the late 80's or the early 90's and Track was carrying a Charleville musket.  They sent one to me to do a product review on.  Was it a .69 caliber?  Maybe, but I have slept since then and frankly haven't even thought about it until now.
Who made it?  I dunno, but I am thinking it was Pedersoli.
Anyway, the ignition was good and fast and it shot tolerably well all things considered.  I do recall that I thought my Bess shot better.
Good luck with your build.  Will be looking forward to progress reports.
John

[RobD]

Most if not all repo Bess muskets (1st or 2nd Land Patterns) are .75 and the Charlies are .69 ... give or take .01 or so.  They'll all be fine for reenacting, their locks can be reasonably well tuned.  As always I'll pull the breech plug and if there's that narrow vent hole trough in its face (I expect that) I'll Dremel it cone shaped and reinstall the plug with Nika anti-seize.  Most if not all of these guns have low drilled touch holes (not in the "sunset" position), which is fine.  The Pedi 1766 is based off the 1764 Leger and there is no retention to the first bbl band, it's friction fit only.  I may "upgrade" that to a later model by adding a spring retainer, or just pin the damned thing.  Ah yes, more fun ensues!  Huzzah!!    

[RobD]

LOTS of wood removal to be done ...

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[RobD]

Musket completely disassembled, comb reshaped, overall stock wood contoured and sanded from 80 to 320 grit.

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[RobD]

Pulled the breech plug and to my most pleasant surprise its face was untouched by the touch hole drilling!  Amazing!!!!

Painted the plug threads with Nikal and returned it back home.

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[RobD]

Stained with Laurel Mountain Forge American Walnut, 6 wipes of Tru-Oil with very fine synthetic 3M between each light coat, buffed with stiff paper towel to kill any gross shine.  Metal furniture filed and wire wheeled.  The final look is that of a well cared for but in-service Continental Army French musket.  Total weight is 10lbs 7ozs.  Baptism at the Regiment meet this Saturday.  Still awaiting news for ordering the Kibler Bess kit which will portend the fate of this little popper 

[RobD]

Took it the Regiment range shoot today and baptized it with patched ball loads, very nice shooter.  Handed it over to Michael, its new owner/caretaker for the maiden and he had some good shooting fun.

[KDubs]

Nice build Rob.
 I'm sure that young fella while be a steward for the future.
 He must be tickled to have such a nice shooting iron.
 Kevin

[RobD]

I gotta admit, the particular Charlie shoots lights out, near one hole with a patched loose fitting .600 ball load down its .690 throat and at @ 25 yards off the bench.

[Bigsmoke]

A loose fitting .600 ball down a .690 hole shoot good?
That does kind of contradict logic but it would sure load easily.

[RobD]

A loose fitting .600 ball down a .690 hole shoot good?
That does kind of contradict logic but it would sure load easily.

Lubed heavy cotton duck cloth patch.  I don't nor ever won't do the bare ball load thingy ... well, unless it's load of buck or bird lead shot. 

[Bigsmoke]

I think I will give that a try next time I am at a shooting range, whenever that might be.
Our local range might be opening next month, according to rumors that are circulating.
But I will believe that when I see it.

[RobD]

I don't like the idea of speed skidding a bare lead ball down the bbl (I load BP PPB 45-70 bore rider cartridges so the paper jacket prevents bbl leading).  Add to this that most folks find that bare ball accuracy requires a large kick of powder, like 110 to 120 grains of 2F at the least.  I load lubed patch balls or military paper cartridge loads, where both types insulate the lead from the bore.  Usually 70 grains average of Swiss 1-1/2F for .62 (20ga), .66 (16ga) and .75 bores (.575, .625, and .690 diameter balls).  If we're playing long distance (100yd) games I run 80-90 grains.  I might also use Swiss 3F, too.