What do I have here?

[woodsnwater]

I just bought this pendersoli Kentucky from a member here. I was expecting a threaded vent liner and a patent breech but I get this. And the breech seems to be traditional/ standard.

 

[woodsnwater]

I meant to add that the barrel has been defarbed of all info.

 

[excess650]

The hole looks big, and too low. IMO, it should be centered at the top of the pan, so could be fixed by plunging with an endmill at the correct location, and then tapped for a removeable (or not) liner.

 

[SDSmlf]

Is that hole threaded?

 

[Steve Martin]

I was just going to ask what SDSmlf asked - is the hole threaded? maybe if it is threaded the threads match available vent liners that can be installed, if it's not threaded then you will need to determine what size threads can be cut so you can install a vent liner. The vent location is slightly high but I have compensated for that on rifles in the past by grinding the pan out a bit which lowers everything.

 

[Compressorguy]

Was going to ask what year it was mfg by the letter designations but I see it has been defarbed. It is an older to very early one based on the designs stamped into the lock plate and cock. Maybe back then they didn’t use a vent liner? Would be interesting to locate some pics of an older one to compare. Wish the date code and or s/n was known.

Btw, Congrats on your purchase, I love mine!

 

[woodsnwater]

There is a guy on youtube with one trying to get some answers too. (Pedersoli flintlock .45 cal mystery rifle) If y'all want to look it up. Apparently it's an early one made in the 70's or 80's.
The vent looks lined with stainless and the hole is smaller than the pic makes it look. About large paperclip size.
The standard breech is strange too. I like it though.

 

[deerstalkert]

the picture perspective sure make it look oversize. if larger than 5/32 I would drill it and install a vent liner.
those shooting/standing to your right would be most appreciative!
also it appears low to me. but many are and work.
the suggestion of plunge milling for a vent liner is great. but i'd center the hole with the top of the pan.

 

[SDSmlf]

With the gun as is, how does it shoot?

 

[Pete G]

Looks to be re-enactors Pedersoli with a drilled out vent to make the piece self priming.

 

[woodsnwater]

With the gun as is, how does it shoot?

I'll hopefully find out this weekend.

 

[Grenadier1758]

The hole looks big, and too low. IMO, it should be centered at the top of the pan, so could be fixed by plunging with an endmill at the correct location, and then tapped for a removeable (or not) liner.

Could it be that the touch hole is externally coned? That would explain the very large opening we see. @woodsnwater, have you done a trial fit with some drill bits to estimate the actual touch hole diameter?

 

[woodsnwater]

Could it be that the touch hole is externally coned? That would explain the very large opening we see. @woodsnwater, have you done a trial fit with some drill bits to estimate the actual touch hole diameter?

I will tonight. I'm going to remove the barrel too. First time unpinning one.

 

[excess650]

the picture perspective sure make it look oversize. if larger than 5/32 I would drill it and install a vent liner.
those shooting/standing to your right would be most appreciative!
also it appears low to me. but many are and work.
the suggestion of plunge milling for a vent liner is great. but i'd center the hole with the top of the pan.

5/32 is .160" which is about .100" larger than my quickest ignition flinter. 1/16" in the "sunset potition" would be my recommendation.

 

[deerstalkert]

Old timer's! thats my story!
5/64th's is what i was thinking. fingers and what's left of my brain don't talk to each other sometimes!

 

[Daveboone]

I will tonight. I'm going to remove the barrel too. First time unpinning one.

Be sure you have an appropriatly sized pin punch for the job. It isnt difficult but improvised punches (nails, etc. ) tend to veer to the side buggering up the pin holes. If you dont have a set, they are pretty inexpensive and well worth the money. HD or Lowes, any good hardware store should set you up.

 

[woodsnwater]

Old timer's! thats my story!
5/64th's is what i was thinking. fingers and what's left of my brain don't talk to each other sometimes!

Dang! I was hoping that 1/8"+ hole was good. lol

 

[deerstalkert]

1/8th + will have an effect on your accuracy. and get you dirty looks from the right on the firing line.

 

[woodsnwater]

Just giving you a hard time.

 

[deerstalkert]

i've been married 56 years, how much more hard time do i have to put up with?