A rare pistol

Muzzle and breech loading black powder firearms. Military and sporting.
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Aughnanure
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A rare pistol

Post by Aughnanure » Sun Aug 18, 2024 6:42 pm

Am waiting for the paper work from the Police Firearms Registry to come through before I pick up my 1863 Starr pistol.
Whilst browsing I came across this rarer one.
IMG_6270.jpeg
A cartridge conversion of one, I wondered what the gismoe under the barrel was for then it dawned that it’s for pushinng the empty cases out.
Self Defence is not only a Right, it is an Obligation.

Eoin.
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Niner
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Re: A rare pistol

Post by Niner » Sun Aug 18, 2024 7:08 pm

Looks like the loading rod has been modified on that cartridge version. Can't really visualize how it can push out spent shell casings from the photo. On the as manufactured BP cap fired version the loading rod would push in a smaller rod that it was hinged to and press the bullet down over the powder. I'd like to see the one you are getting if you feel like taking a photo of it and posting it.
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Re: A rare pistol

Post by Niner Delta » Sun Aug 18, 2024 8:45 pm

Am not understanding how that lever will push out a cartridge while on the centerline?

.
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Peace is that brief, quiet moment in history.......... when everybody stands around reloading.
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Re: A rare pistol

Post by Aughnanure » Wed Aug 21, 2024 7:01 am

Had me for a while too.
Take the cylinder out, remove the cartridge retaining plate then reverse the cylinder and push the empties out,
Given that a screw must be removed to break the gun open and that replacement is a bit of a fiddle, loading the originaj with combustable paper cartridges and percussion caps was possibly faster though much less convenient.
The retaining plate shows up as the redish bit at the back of the cylinder.
Self Defence is not only a Right, it is an Obligation.

Eoin.
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Aughnanure
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Re: A rare pistol

Post by Aughnanure » Wed Aug 21, 2024 7:17 am

The vendor’s photo.
IMG_6200.jpeg
He got the model wrong, it’s an 1863 model, probably made in late ‘63 or early ‘64.
I still have to get my hot little hands on it permanently although I’ve seen it and had a play at the club armourer’s place.
The vendor said that the barrel was surprisingly bright; no wonder, mechanically it’s new only the finish has deteriorated with age [like me😇😇]

Will post pics when Iget the chance.

Always wanted a single action Starr but they are very rare in Australia.
Self Defence is not only a Right, it is an Obligation.

Eoin.
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Re: A rare pistol

Post by Niner » Wed Aug 21, 2024 9:12 am

Nice looking specimen from the seller's photo. A "real" pistol, not reproduction, that is in as good a shape as that one would be a real hoot to shoot. All my BP pistols are reproductions.
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