Building a flintlock pistol from scratch-help

salzo

I know this might be a tall order, but I really have the urge to build a flintlock pistol.I have built a flintlock rifle from a kit, and would be more than happy building a pistol from kit, but here are some problems.I would like to have a pistol with a left handed lock, and as far as I know, these kits are not available. I realize this is going to be quite a project, but with patience, I think I can do it.Does anyone know where I could find instructions for building a pistol from scratch? I am looking to make one in the Hawken rifle style.Once I have the instructions, I will need a source for materials. Any suggestions?Finally, are pistol length barrels available with a vent hole on the left side of the barrel to accomodate a left handed gun. Can I cut a rifle barrel down? Can I get the barrel without a vent hole and drill a hole myself? I would appreciate any help and/or suggestions.

AdamsQuailHunter

1. Go to Dixie Gun Works web site. It is www.dixiegunworks.com. Order a copy of their new 2002 catalog. It is well worth the price and has a wealth of information in the front and particularily the back of the catalog.2. They have Siler locks - in flint and left hand. They aren't exactly cheap at $100 a pop but they are good.3. They have a bunch of pistol kits, but with a quik glance I did not see any left hand ones.

bsebast

Salzo-- I've built several flintlock and percussion muzzleloading rifles from scratch, i.e. starting with barrel and stock blanks. I did use Siler locks because of their quality. It takes time, planning, and patience, but it's a lot of fun, not to mention, you get exactly what you want.Somewhere in my shop I have a large bore pistol barrel (made by Green River) already crowned and breached. I intended to make a flintlock pistol with it but never got around to it. It has not had the touch-hole drilled yet so it could be made into either a right or left handed flintlock Hawkin style pistol. I hadn't thought about selling it, but if you would be interested in it, contact me at bsebast@airmail.net and let's talk. I doubt I will ever get around to making the muzzleloading pistol.

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Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 bsebast@airmail.net[This message has been edited by bsebast (edited 12-09-2001).]

bsebast

Salvo-- I also have several Siler locks in my shop that I haven't looked at in 20 years. I don't think I have a left hander but I will look and see.My family and I were heavy into competitive black powder shooting back in the 70's and early 80's. To get the accuracy we needed, I had to make our rifles.

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Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 bsebast@airmail.net

rhmc24

Send me a mailing address or email address so I can get it and I will send you a free copy of my book Modern Kentucky Rifle. I have a few copies a bit the worse for long and poor storage since the 1960s, but perfectly readable. About rifle building but has useful info that applies to pistols as well. Sold over 50k copies over the years till I sold out to Dixie in 1989. They have since reprinted it. Hope this helps. email me: rhmc24@swbell.net

He Dog

Salzo, I have drawings of a Hawken pistol that might help. It is right handed, but with a mirror you could probably work it out. I don't want to part with the plans, but I would consider making some xeroxes if you are interested. I got them from the Museum of the Fur Trade and they make have more available.