Sawhandle pistols

LonesomePigeon · September 10, 2016, 11:50:58 PM

Were sawhandle pistols very common in America during the plainsman time period? For some reason I am under the impression that sawhandle pistols were mainly used for dueling and target shooting in the Old World and that it's not likely a mountain man or plainsman would have had one. My friend has a really nice custom made one that I could get for a good price. It is percussion sidelock and it does have a ramrod.

Tascosa Joe · September 11, 2016, 08:13:03 AM

I am embarrassed to say, since I wrote most of the weapons authenticity rules, that I am unfamiliar with this subject. I have seen several in rendezvous camps over the years but that does not mean they were common in the American west.

T-Joe

Major 2 · September 14, 2016, 06:11:49 AM

Not very common...as you say "used for dueling and target shooting"

the short range on average , cost and pack-ability would prelude them in most men's possibles, that not to say never just not common at all.

Now, a marshal pistol would have value as a quick 2nd shot close in , but I imagine few were available to average trapper/ M'man
though one might see one at Popo agie or Green River.

LonesomePigeon · September 15, 2016, 07:36:00 PM

Thanks, I figured not too common. I went ahead and got it because I was able to trade for it.

Tascosa Joe · September 16, 2016, 07:33:49 AM

No offense intended. "God did not make any ugly women (pistols) but that one is just barely pretty".

St. George · September 16, 2016, 09:40:21 AM

Not even remotely close to anything of the time period beyond method of ignition and propellant, these were once fairly common in NMLRA matches.

But that was some time ago.

The sight placement allowed for the greatest length for sight alignment.

If you want to see what was in actual use - look at a copy of 'Flayderman's Guide to Antique Firearms'.

Scouts Out!

Major 2 · September 16, 2016, 11:59:16 AM

About as close as I can find , in light canvas look see

British Moore Dueling pistol

LonesomePigeon · September 18, 2016, 09:04:13 AM

Funny. I bought it because I thought it was beautiful. All the furniture has what appears to me to be real bone charcoal color case hardening and the wood finish is superb. The style may not be to the liking of some but the craftsmanship is of a very high quality. The builder is Bob Brown who is known for making authenic copies of Hawken rifles. I was able to speak with him and he said it was basically a spare parts creation and not a replica of anything in particular.

Major 2 · September 19, 2016, 11:13:23 PM

You have a unique and rare 1 off, It will stir conversation, and should be fun, enjoy it

Coffinmaker · September 26, 2016, 07:45:37 PM

Golly Gee Wiz!!

That is one mighty fine looking pistol. Appears the wood to metal fit is superb and the subject matter is not something real common. I the time frame that type of handgun was in use (Dueling), the guns were not "production" pieces. ALL were pretty much "one-off" by custom gunmakers.
When you take it out for a walk, you arne not going to hear "hey, kool, I got one just like it." There is something really KOOL about "Unique." Really nice gun. How does it shoot??

Coffinmaker

LonesomePigeon · September 26, 2016, 10:41:21 PM

Coffin, yes the wood to metal fit is superb. I don't mind if some don't like it, I realize the style is not typical. I took it out shooting today and without really having the time to work up a load it seems very accurate with 25 grains of Goex 2f. It's got a DeHaas barrel with 1:22 twist.
I really like it but I think the trigger could use some tuning. When I dry fire it it seems great, very light and little to no over travel. But when it's loaded and I try to shoot it sometimes it's very sticky. Not really sure what's going on but I think it may have to do with when I dry fired it I was probably pointing it somewhat upward and when I was actually shooting it I had it pointed straight out.