Newly made Colt 1855 Root Musketoon

[Long Johns Wolf]

This little revolving rifle could be added to the herd recently.
The maker's mark is WAFFEN HEFNER DÜSSELDORF meaning "dealership Hefner of Düsseldorf" in Germany.
Proof tested Nov. 1991 in Mellrichstadt, Bavaria, cal. stamp reads .58 (they are way too correct, these proof testers, ha).
Barrel length is 24", OAL 107 cm.
The compartment in the butt for the extension of the cleaning rod was empty when the first owner purchased the musketoon in 1994.
Oil finished wood, all blued steel.
Unfortunately, no further hard facts can be presented about Hefner and his work.
Rumour has it, however, that Hefner also made a small-scale production of these Roots for high end buyers incl. also a rifle and a carbine.
This would also imply Hefner made Root rifles were made ca. 10 years before Palmetto started the industrial production of their military rifles.
If you pards & pardettes can add any subject info I would appreciate that.
Long Johns Wolf

[Long Johns Wolf]

More pics of the Hefner-Root Musketoon.
Long Johns Wolf

[Long Johns Wolf]

There is no hatching of the hammer, the sides are plane.
Which is in contrast to original Root pattern rifles and those from Palmetto.
Very strange considering the other minute details of this Hefner-musketoon.
Long Johns Wolf

[Mogorilla]

Wow, I like that!   I had not heard (other than rumors) that a replica prior to Palmetto had existed.   I have handled a couple of originals, and would love a carbine version.   I handled an original carbine and they are great in hand, and easy to hold in a position that keeps the forward hand out of the way of gasses.  I was saving  $0.01 for a Palmetto that would have been chopped, but heard so much bad, opted to not go that route.   Would love to hear more about this.

[Galen]

I'll take 2......

[Reverend P. Babcock Chase]

Very cool; however, I seem to remember seeing a Colt prototype in a Hartford CT museum with modified with large "deflectors" mounted to the frame right in front of the cylinder. These were apparently to hopefully protect the shooters hand in the event of a chain fire. Something to think about.

Maybe Kirst could make a .45/70 conversion cylinder for these.

Rev. Chase

[Coffinmaker]

Ah Rev. Chase 

I wouldn't be looking for a Kirst any time soon.  With a market share of about a dozen or so examples, the cost of Breach rings and Cylinders would way exceed any possible dollar return.


Yes Auntie Agness, People are Still Hazardous to Yer Health

[Galen]

Perhaps a 45-70 reproduction of the Colt Root is something for Pedersoli to start on.

[Reverend P. Babcock Chase]

Howdy Coffinmaker,

I really didn't expect a Kirst conversion would be viable given the numbers. I think that you'ed be forced to admit that a .45/70 version would be kind of cool.

Rev. Chase

[Professor Marvel]

Howdy Coffinmaker,

I really didn't expect a Kirst conversion would be viable given the numbers. I think that you'ed be forced to admit that a .45/70 version would be kind of cool.

Rev. Chase

I know.... Let's petition Goon to do it!

All it takes is money and time.....