Sea Service Pistols?

Does anyone sell a decent replica of a Royal Navy sea service pistol? Have always loved them, and now that I am finally getting into black powder, I thought it would be fun to have one to go with my Brown Bess. Are there any kit's to build one that people would recommend over an already assembled item?

-Cody

Were plenty o'em from India. I think some in movies came from Loyalist Arms in Canada and they have always been above average in my extensive dealings with them for such products and related service over the years. Veteran Arms, owned by a member here, with whom I've had limited but also similarly positive dealings, has one too I happen to know.

When Master And Commander came out, a terrible movie overall by the way, a friend-in-arms I served with in coastal and inland waterway reenacting asked me what I thought he probably found the most inspiring part of the movie. "Easy," said I -- "the part where they were passing around buckets full o'Sea Service pistols for boarders, and now you need one." "Exactly right" says he! Well, we got him one. He was one of our cadre who owned his own 18th C. small sailing ship, bow swivel-gun (Loyalist also hooked us up with) and all...

Don't know about "kits" heres a military type. 16 bore modern bbl. cut to 10" Made from a block of walnut. Not the hardest project to undertake. Give it a go & stay in touch, lots of expertise on this site...Tom

Are the Indian made pieces of decent construction? I will admit I was a little wary of them being made in India. As far as kits go, I found this one but it is slightly out of my price range for now.
http://www.blackleyandson.com/acatalog/Pistol_Kits.html

"Land" and "Sea" patterns for small arms were usually somewhat close in style. "Sea" pattern muskets and pistols tended toward more functional and less inlays, generally had all brass fittings to resist salt corrosion and were issued out to ship's company and Royal Marines for sea duty. There are several different patterns over the 18th century, namely 1718, 1756 and 1756/77...though, in truth, they were quite similar to one another. Basically, the sea service pistols had heavier butt caps without side ears, flat faced cocks and locks and often had belt hooks. As mentioned above, Loyalist Arms probably has the most knowledge in this area since the only source of pistols now are from the Indian makers unless you can get a kit form The Rifle Shoppe or build your own from parts. Books like "Pattern Dates for British Ordnance Small Arms 1718-1783" by De Witt Bailey, will help you visualize what these pistols really looked like and how to modify what's currently available to a more cosmetic example of what the originals looked like. Good luck.

Alden said:

When Master And Commander came out, a terrible movie overall by the way,...

Click to expand...

I beg to differ. I thought the movie was pretty well done and enjoyed watching it very much. There is precious little out there entertainment-wise that portrays the black powder era, so relax and enjoy when one comes along.

The kit from Rifle Shoppe looks like it is worth saving for. Are they a good company to deal with?

Good product but you may wait 7 years to get it! Not the best track record for getting orders out promptly. Would suggest you not send money unless they have it complete and in-stock! :thumbsup:

Order an assembled lock from Rifle Shoppe -- it is the only way to probably assure they are not "making a mistake" when they take your money and tell you it is in stock or you find out when you eventually get the parts that some are missing or are the wrong ones! But there stuff is good otherwise.

As for India-made? Well, some offerings are better than others but I'd say that generally it is below average and their quality lowered that bar to begin with. Let me put it another way...

Is there anything you would say "great" about or pay a premium for when you found out it was "Made in India"? 'nough said!?

Just received the 'Tower Horse Pistol' from Loyalist Arms, which appeared to be similar to the Sea Service model. Seems like reasonable quality for the price, but have not shot it yet (too bleepin' cold, and the snow is too deep...).

Loyalist had great service.

Sorry, too long a day. I got the percussion model. Not what you're seeking.

Black Jack said:

Alden said:

When Master And Commander came out, a terrible movie overall by the way,...

Click to expand...

I beg to differ. I thought the movie was pretty well done and enjoyed watching it very much. There is precious little out there entertainment-wise that portrays the black powder era, so relax and enjoy when one comes along.

Click to expand...

I won't pretend a horrid movie was good because it was a period piece with black powder that could have been astounding! Take out every scene with Master And Commander Russel Crowe's love interest, the doctor: nothing's lost, much is gained, and then I'll change my mind.

The kits in your posted link are very high quality English made kits , absolute top shelf.

Thank you all for the advice. I think I will just save up an extra couple weeks and either get the Rifle Shoppe kit if they have it or the kit from England.

Just remember. The Rifle Shoppe is known to take up to 3+ years to deliver some of their merchandise.

They are about the only source for some specialized parts and as such, a builder wanting exactly the part they carry must order from them.

That doesn't seem to speed up their delivery so make absolutely sure they have exactly what you want on hand for immediate delivery when you order. Otherwise, it could be years before you get your gun.

3+ Years?! My word that is a bloody long time.

Here's what you're looking for...flat lock plate and cock.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com...-CurFgQznMcJFhK5BZKHhgleAhB6SjldZkmxhEzlXGdo6

Aye, that is it!

Alden said:

I won't pretend a horrid movie was good because it was a period piece with black powder that could have been astounding! Take out every scene with Master And Commander Russel Crowe's love interest, the doctor: nothing's lost, much is gained, and then I'll change my mind.

Click to expand...

If you had read any of the Maturin/Aubrey books that inspired the movie, you would understand just how well the movie did at capturing the overall flavor of the books.

What made me fall in love with the pistol was more the A&E rendition of CS Forester's series, Hornblower though I also enjoyed Master and Commander.

They are neat looking. Reading this thread sure makes me want to get one!