Pedersoli Harpers Ferry Percussion Pistol

M

Model12Win

Moderator
Hello all!

Pedersoli has a new percussion pistol out. It is the percussion version of there 1805 Harpers Ferry .54 caliber pistol, which is a smoothbore. Here it is for sale on Dixie Gun Works:

https://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?products_id=17135&osCsid=kugi2b1cuc8c4kr4n0r9jo8330

Here is a YouTube video of someone shooting it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOCYr64aYUk

This gun is right up my alley. I've wanted a single shot percussion pistol for a long time, especially a military style one. This thing is just so cool... but I have some questions:

Where Harpers Ferry 1805 pistols ever converted into percussion guns? Is this model historically accurate? Were these used in the Civil War at all?

Also, what kind of accuracy can I expect with the smooth bore barrel of this gun? It looks like it has a front sight blade... I'd only be using this gun for plinking an casual target shooting.

What do you guys know/think about this new model from Pedersoli? I am going to pick one up most likely, but I need some feedback first as the only other black powder gun I have is a Cimarron 1851 Navy, which is a superb gun.

Thanks all!
 
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From my rudimentary knowledge of the American civil war, no doubt there were plenty of pistols of an earlier age, especially so for the Confederate volunteers, as they suffered from a never ending shortage of arms.
It's usually true for any war - in the early stages, at least.
And no doubt there were plenty of conversions from flintlock to percussion, as there were for rifles and shotguns.
Maybe someone with more knowledge will soon answer.
 
Very cool. I did manage to find this:

http://www.harpersferryarsenal.com/harpers-ferry-excerpt/

It appears at least one Harpers Ferry pistol was converted to percussion! Who knows if it was used in the Civil War or not, or earlier during the Mexican America War etc. etc.

Really digging this gun guys. I made the awful mistake of not shooting my blackpowder guns at all this summer, and naturally, the itch strikes me rights as it's getting cold outside! Alas, cold be damned, I'll probably have to get one of these soon. Something so cool about them!!

How about accuracy on these guns? What can I expect with a smooth bore barrel?
 
Probably so. Pedersoli brought this out for the N-SSA single-shot competition, as there were no reproductions available. The N-SSA small arms committee has to approve the arms for historical accuracy and applicability to the Civil War.

Steve
 
I would think it's a very accurate conversion. And if the N-SSA has approved it that's a plus.

Many years ago, I had the chance to buy an original conversion of the rifle and the conversion was made just in this manner - like so many flint conversions - with a drum and nipple and hammer of the correct throw. No doubt there were conversions made on the pistols as well. This one looks like it would be nice.

Steve - when I was shooting N-SSA they didn't have a single shot pistol competition. Can you explain what they are doing now with the single shot competition? Individual or team? Target or pigeon board, etc. Also, what are the rules as far as loading - must use ramrod or range rod allowed? Looks like it would be fun and this particular piston looks like it could be very popular. Thanks.
 
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Unfortunately, I have only peripherally been following along with the new pistol category so I can't say much about it. I don't intend to participate in it - it is unlikely to be happening at skirmishes in the Deep South region and I don't go to the Nationals. So I'm not fully aware of the format and/or rules. I know you can't have an integral ramrod like some of the pistols did/do.

Steve
 
I have an original Pedersoli flintlock version of the Harper's Ferry pistol, and it has always been a lot of fun to shoot, although not particularly accurate, since it is a smoothbore.

The only problem I had with it was a too soft frizzen which I replaced and had no problems after,

Unfortunately, I don't shoot black powder anymore and it just sits.:(
 
So... I didn't know NSSA approved this gun.

I messaged Pedersoli some time ago about making a repro of the M1842 Aston Johnson military pistol. They expressed some interest, though mentioned they had this in the pipeline.

I would absolutely LOVE an Aston Johnson .54 pistol repro, and needless to say it would be pretty historically accurate since Pedersoli makes them. Maybe I should message them again and see what they say... ;)
 
So... I didn't know NSSA approved this gun.
Click to expand...

I don't know that it has actually been approved yet, though it may have been, I don't know. Best bet is to check the approved arms list or the N-SSA arms committee.

Steve
 
PISTOLS

US Pistol Harpers Ferry, Model 1805, percussion drum conv., caliber .54

Makers Barrels
1) Pedersoli & C. (DGW/DP&C.) 1) None
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I just found this on the N-SSA 2015 approved arms list.

Interesting... but I wonder why it was approved? I wonder who I should contact within the N-SSA who might be able to explain this?
 
Interesting... but I wonder why it was approved? I wonder who I should contact within the N-SSA who might be able to explain this?
Click to expand...

As I recall, if it was a firearm issued during the American Civil War in quantities over 100 (or was it 1000? I can't remember) units then it is a valid firearm for consideration. The guy to ask is John Holland. You can find him on the N-SSA forum.

Steve
 
Well guys, I got this gun and it just arrived today!!

harpersferry.jpg


Here it is all cleaned up. Initial impressions are very good. Takedown was simple and straightforward, though some of the screws and fittings were very tight. Functions nicely, crisp trigger. I popped a cap off in my living room to make sure it works okay, and it sure does! "BANG!!" LOL! :D

I can't wait to shoot it! Expect regular updates! :)
 
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