Author Topic: Any info on older Ardesa .58 cal percussion?  (Read 1993 times)

gtwusmc

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Any info on older Ardesa .58 cal percussion?
« on: April 24, 2019, 11:48:12 PM »
Hello, I would first like to preface this post by stating, I realize this is by noooo means a fancy rifle. I am just curious about anything I can find out about it. ( I also posted a cpl days ago in the "Black Powder Shooting" forum, with no success...)
  But last summer I purchased a .58 cal Ardesa stamped rifle for about $180 from an online auction. Cosmetically it is in pretty darn good shape for a "cheaper" production rifle. I shot it just a handful of times, just enough for getting comfortable with it. Used it for deer hunting in Ohio this past fall, didn't see a deer to shoot, but it went "BANG" after being loaded and carried in the snowy woods all week and hit about 2" high at 50 yds (Using a .562 ball and 80 gr FF Goex is I recall correctly .)
  My question (s) are any info from the more informed on this particular rifle. I really cant find anything on the internet on it. I am curious about years of production, barrel rate of twist, any pros' and con's of it?
  I am currently on the road or I would post pics of it, but it has a crecent moon inlay on the cheek rest, and is a double wedge fore end , I have seen a few similar rifles by Ardesa, but usually .50 or even .45 cal. ( Pics I am posting below are from an online auction of an almost identical Ardesa rifle in looks and condition, but the rifle pictured is a .45, while mine is .58)
  Any info would be greatly appreciated!








Offline Bob Roller

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Re: Any info on older Ardesa .58 cal percussion?
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2019, 04:23:21 PM »
About 10 years ago I helped a shooter on the 500 yard range at Friendship with
an Ardesa.451.It was new and unfired and was not bad looking.Once we got a load
working it shot well at the 500 yard target.I also recall remaking a lock for one for
an American International competitor that was going to Europe or wherever to shoot.
I have redone two of these locks and the tumblers were very soft.One lasted for 5
shots from new and it came in from Hawaii as I recall.They may no be making these
guns any more but other than the low quality locks,they were not bad.

Bob Roller

gtwusmc

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Re: Any info on older Ardesa .58 cal percussion?
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2019, 05:55:55 PM »
  Thank you sir, I appreciate any info I can gather.
   Once again, I know this isn't a real fancy or true to historical form rifle, but just want to enjoy it as an occasional range and beat up in the brush rifle.

Offline Seth Isaacson

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Re: Any info on older Ardesa .58 cal percussion?
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2019, 07:21:38 PM »
I believe the current "Traditions" guns in the U.S. are still manufactured by Ardesa if I am recalling correctly. An L&R replacement lock for Traditions current guns may fit if yours fails after getting some use.
I am the Lead Historian and a Firearms Specialist at Rock Island Auction Co., but I am here out of my own personal interests in muzzle loading and history.
*All opinions expressed are mine alone and are NOT meant to represent those of any other entity unless otherwise expressly stated.*

gtwusmc

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Re: Any info on older Ardesa .58 cal percussion?
« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2019, 07:26:53 PM »
  Thank you as well!

Offline bones92

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Re: Any info on older Ardesa .58 cal percussion?
« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2019, 02:30:51 PM »
These were made in Spain, and Ardesa continues to be a supplier for Traditions (and maybe others).  https://ammoterra.com/company/ardesa-s-a

As stated before, the barrels are actually quite decent.  You may be able to swap out an L&R lock which would probably make for a much more enjoyable experience (and it will last a lot longer)... L&R does make some replacement locks that are nearly drop-in ready... but you'd have to compare your particular lock.  (I would call L&R and inquire).
If it was easy, everyone would do it.

gtwusmc

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Re: Any info on older Ardesa .58 cal percussion?
« Reply #6 on: April 27, 2019, 04:13:54 PM »
 This is all great info, I truly appreciate the input.