Bizarre looking target percussion pistol

TraditionalHuntsman · Mar 30, 2023

I've never seen anything like this, the shape makes it look like some kind or target pistol with the grip shape. Seller is asking $400, is this worth it? I can't find anything on it.

Seller says "I Hollis" is marked somewhere

Trot · Mar 30, 2023

Honestly, I wouldn't want it at any price without knowing the quality of the parts. It looks like it was made from scrounged parts, and the workmanship looks pretty poor. The hammer doesn't even have a cup on the end, would most likely throw cap fragments everywhere.

Loyalist Dave · Mar 30, 2023

TraditionalHuntsman said:
I've never seen anything like this, the shape makes it look like some kind or target pistol with the grip shape. Seller is asking $400, is this worth it? I can't find anything on it.
View attachment 210779
Seller says "I Hollis" is marked somewhere
View attachment 210780

Yes it's a target pistol. Looks like one built in the 1950's-1970 time frame. Not only is the wood a modern design, but no ramrod, so the shooter was expected to have the rest of what was needed in a toolbox or something.

LD

earlwb · Mar 30, 2023

I agree in that It looks like someone made a target pistol out of whatever they could scrounge up. Maybe someone was learning and it was a early attempt. But it definitely is not worth $400.

The barrel appears to only be held in with the breech plug tang screw. The lock has one screw going through but the other appears to be a wood screw though. Then as mentioned there is no cup on the hammer. Everyone need to wear eye protection for sure with it.

But then I am not sure I could have done better if I had made it when I was young.

hawkeye2 · Mar 31, 2023

Very likely a breechloading shotgun lock. Very little value.

brushblind · Mar 31, 2023

No way, look elsewhere, way too much!

SDSmlf · Mar 31, 2023

TraditionalHuntsman said:
I've never seen anything like this, the shape makes it look like some kind or target pistol with the grip shape. Seller is asking $400, is this worth it? I can't find anything on it.
View attachment 210779
Seller says "I Hollis" is marked somewhere
View attachment 210780

Appears to be something built by someone with limited skills and low end components, though I could be wrong….

Here is a photograph of a Richard Hollis gun, possibly the inspiration for the I Hollis gun. I do not see any value in it unless you are a relative or descendant of I Hollis.

TraditionalHuntsman · Apr 3, 2023

earlwb said:
I agree in that It looks like someone made a target pistol out of whatever they could scrounge up. Maybe someone was learning and it was a early attempt. But it definitely is not worth $400.

The barrel appears to only be held in with the breech plug tang screw. The lock has one screw going through but the other appears to be a wood screw though. Then as mentioned there is no cup on the hammer. Everyone need to wear eye protection for sure with it.

But then I am not sure I could have done better if I had made it when I was young.

Is it worth $100 for at least the barrel and wood frame? I pointed out the issues you and the other commenters raised and they dropped the asking price over a few back and forth emails.

deerstalkert · Apr 4, 2023

i am known for buying anything. i would pass on this one. just too many issues. and no way of knowing what the bore is like.

TDM · Apr 4, 2023

I’d pass on it. There’s just not a lot to like there.

Trot · Apr 4, 2023

I wouldn't want it for $100, or even less. With such poor craftsmanship and not knowing anything about the barrel it may not even be safe.

Colonial Boy · Apr 4, 2023

Not even with a barge pole.

user 48679 · Apr 4, 2023

The workmanship on that pistol is sadly lacking that of 19th Century British makers.

Vintage saw-handled target pistols were much more elegant, as they were built for the more wealthy target shooters of the day........................ consider the bulky, somewhat awkward saw handle rear projection of that one, as opposed to gennies.

This is a genuine I. Hollis & Son caplock (for comparison)

earlwb · Apr 4, 2023

I kinda like that protrusion on the rear of that pistol. With my .69 flintlock pistol you have to maintain a good strong grip otherwise when you fire it the gun will slip back in your hand and slam the lock up against the inside of your thumb and cut it real good. That protrusion would be quite helpful.

earlwb · Apr 4, 2023

Tough call but I might be tempted to spend a $100 on it. It depends on shipping though as they might burn you on shipping costs. The barrel if good might be worth that.

ronaldrothb49 · Apr 4, 2023

Definitely a target pistol. I would try to get more info maybe check the bottom of the barrel for a barrel makers stamp. Sorry guys but this is typical of a target gun. Used to shoot against a guy at friendship in cross stick matches. His rifle had a Douglas barrel Duct taped in a hogged out half stock, an old percussion lock with a drum and nipple and a single trigger. No butt plate so he could make the weight limit. Stock wasn't finished. He did have Redfield sights. Well that ugly duckling rifle kept him in the winners circle. Pretty doesn't win matches. Have seen a lot of target pistols like this. The question I would try to get answered on this one is how does it shoot?

TDM · Apr 4, 2023

ronaldrothb49 said:
Definitely a target pistol. I would try to get more info maybe check the bottom of the barrel for a barrel makers stamp. Sorry guys but this is typical of a target gun. Used to shoot against a guy at friendship in cross stick matches. His rifle had a Douglas barrel Duct taped in a hogged out half stock, an old percussion lock with a drum and nipple and a single trigger. No butt plate so he could make the weight limit. Stock wasn't finished. He did have Redfield sights. Well that ugly duckling rifle kept him in the winners circle. Pretty doesn't win matches. Have seen a lot of target pistols like this. The question I would try to get answered on this one is how does it shoot?

That makes the pistol a lot more interesting.

Eterry · Apr 4, 2023

ronaldrothb49 said:
Definitely a target pistol. I would try to get more info maybe check the bottom of the barrel for a barrel makers stamp. Sorry guys but this is typical of a target gun. Used to shoot against a guy at friendship in cross stick matches. His rifle had a Douglas barrel Duct taped in a hogged out half stock, an old percussion lock with a drum and nipple and a single trigger. No butt plate so he could make the weight limit. Stock wasn't finished. He did have Redfield sights. Well that ugly duckling rifle kept him in the winners circle. Pretty doesn't win matches. Have seen a lot of target pistols like this. The question I would try to get answered on this one is how does it shoot?

This ^^^^^^^ is the truth. As my friend, with a wall of State Championship plaques says..." Beauty is a Beauty Does!! I'm guessing if you found the right load all the naysayers would quietly walk away.

cynthialee · Apr 4, 2023

Homemade stock cobbled together parts. Ugly as sin. Wouldn't pay more than $100, but I bet it shoots well.

I have seen that lock somewhere before, but I can't remember where. And I bet the cup on the hammer was removed, probably had a big gouge in it.

I doubt this sows ear could be made into a silk purse. Would have to take some of that wood off, smooth it all out. The barrel and lock could be cleaned up nice and sharp easy enough. But that hammer will always suck beans.

jimhallam · Apr 5, 2023

My flaky memory seens to recall a company in the USA who were making saw-handle target pistols of very high quality, back in the '60s or '70s. I think that they also made some based on a M1911 - again, time flies so I could be tapping absolute twaddle on the keyboard ;-)

Bizarre looking target percussion pistol

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