Pedersoli Kentucky Frontier Flintlock Customization Project

[Compressorguy]

Hi Bill, great question, the rifle has always been quite nose heavy and still is even after removing all the extra forend wood. I suppose it did move back slightly and the balance seems to be in the exact middle of the entry pipe right now. I hung some lead weights off the back of the butt plate and 4 oz would bring it to neutral where I would normally hold with my support hand. I suppose it would take 5 oz once inletted into the butt stock or leave at 4oz for slightly nose heavy.

 

[Compressorguy]

Grenadier1758, that’s great to know. I really wanted and like the aged gray patina look. When I built my pistol I browned it (hated the coppery color) then removed all of the brown with an oiled scotchbrite pad, thinking I needed to redo it but that left behind a nice aged gray/brown patina that I really like. How long did it take to age to that look?

 

[Grenadier1758]

I've been shooting the Derringer rifle for about 10 years now and the graying took place pretty quickly. It doesn't take long after the rifle has been shot a few times and the barrel wiped off with a fouling infused patch and then an oiled patch. A few stroked with a scotch brite pad or 0000 steel wool keeps any rust under control.

 

[BillKilgore]

If you hunt, that is 5 more ounces to carry through the woods. Maybe you can carry some lead balls in the patchbox if you want it to balance just right. I got lucky with my first build. It is an early Lancaster 50 cal with a 42" swamped Rice barrel. The rifle weighs just over 7 pounds and is easy to shoulder.

 

[Compressorguy]

Just weighed the rifle an it’s exactly 8.0 lbs. Unfortunately it doesn’t have a patch box, carrying extra lead balls would have worked out nicely. As far as hunting it wouldnt be a big deal to have added weight. Most of my hunting is usually just a short walk to a tree stand and seated. I may only move once during a hunt. I could see if walking a lot/all day, you’d feel every ounce.

Beautiful rifle btw!

 

[BillKilgore]

Thanks. Your’s is stunning and now it’s customized for you. Good job.

 

[Compressorguy]

One thing that made a vast improvement was contouring the cheek piece. The red line represents the original contour. Now the front/ rear sights align perfectly centered when shouldering without adjusting my head/cheek placement.

 

[smo]

In the white…. 2010..

12 years later…

 

[Compressorguy]

smo, OOOHHHHHH YESSS! That’s the look! Beautiful! Where do I get that in a bottle, !

 

[smo]

Lots of handling & shooting….

And I’m a firm believer this helps too….

 

[Compressorguy]

Major SHOUT OUT and special THANKS to “Spikebuck” for his 2015 thread that documented his Pedersoli “rebuild” and gave me the courage, direction and inspiration for my own rebuild/customization project! Phenomenal post, THANK YOU!

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/pedersoli-frontier-rebuild-underway.98605/

 

[Compressorguy]

YES, I ONLY use Barricade on all my powder burners and vintage spring airguns.

 

[brazosland]

OP I did something similiar but a lot less involved to my Pedersoli Kentucky as a Covid project.

Stripped and sanded the barrel and lock. Left it white. It has greyed to a nice dull grey finish in less than 18 months. Did the same to my Ped Bess Carbine and same grey there.

Leave it be and shoot it and in a short time it will be very nicely dulled and colored a bit by powder and your hands.

 

[Acorn Mush]

Beautiful work Compressorguy. Congratulations on a job well done.

Something tells me that you will be enjoying the living daylights out of your works of art. Thumbs up!

 

[XVIIc Wheelock]

I have found the best place to balance a muzzle heavy long rifle is to remove the butt plate, drill a hole or two and insert however many lead balls it takes to balance. A little weight on the extreme butt end of the rifle is better for balance correction than any other location...and it is invisible! Then, of course replace the butt plate!! The overall rifle carry weight increase is imperceptable, but balance where you want it, is really noticeable!

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

Nice work, gun really stands out!

 

[Compressorguy]

Finally got the ram rod stained. Was trying for natural aged look. I think I like the contrasting colors and this finally completes the rebuild! Can’t wait to re-shoot it, lol.

 

[Tradbow]

No tip on rod? For what reason or were rifles on the frontier of America missing iron on the ram rods? Just trying to learn is all.

 

[Compressorguy]

Just the way I finished it, no particular reason. I’ve seen them with and without and can always add one later. There is a threaded tip on the internal tapered end. Not sure which way is more HC for this rifle, but then again the end result wasn’t meant to be an all out HC copy. Just a customization, personalization, learning project since I couldn't splurge on a Kibler kit right now and already had the Pedersoli.

 

[DuncNZ]

Finally got the ram rod stained. Was trying for natural aged look. I think I like the contrasting colors and this finally completes the rebuild! Can’t wait to re-shoot it, lol. View attachment 125300

A rifle that beautiful must have a name , you can't calling her "it"