New flintlock pistol build (issues fixed)

[davebozell]

Since I have seen a couple recent pistol builds posted lately, I thought I would share one that I recently completed.  It is based loosely on on the pistol shown here:
 http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2015/06/antique-kentucky-pistol.html?_sm_au_=iVV7KKZvb6D6HFKR   

I based the dimensions as closely as I could from scaled pictures from this post.  I was also limited by the blank that I had, which is totally different wood than the original.  Here are the specs:  8 1/2", 45 caliber repurposed barrel, hand-swamped with modified tang, original sights and trigger guard from my parts bin, unknown NOS lock modified to be similar to the original.  The blank that I had was gifted to me from a FB member who was retiring from gunmaking.  He also sent he many small parts, including the sights used on this gun. Finish was tannic acid, followed by iron nitrate, and then Chamber's Gun Oil.  I used gray scotchbrite to apply the first coats of the oil, and I think that really improved the final finish.
















While my inletting skills still need a great deal of work, I am slowly improving.  This is my fourth build, second pistol, and third from a blank.   Suggestions and critiques welcome.

[alacran]

I like building pistols.  I think you did a good job interpreting the original. I think you understand your shortcomings on this build.
I looked over the pictures in the Contemporary Makers site. Me thinks the front sight is on backwards.

[KC]

Great looking pistol. I really like the finish on the stock. I always like builds from spare parts.

[davebozell]

alacran, you are absolutely correct.  Luckily it's an easy fix.  Thank you.

[P.W.Berkuta]

Nicely done -- one question - do you think the front sight is backwards ?

[davebozell]

P.W. - Absolutely. I already corrected it.  I guess I should review my pictures more closely as I finish a build.  I also noticed from the pictures that the rear of the trigger guard needs to be inletted further.  I fix that next.

[Daryl]

A certainly usable pistol. Congrats.
The crown looks pretty good for a pistol. I would smooth it up,
quite a bit. 320 wet/dry & the end of your thumb is all that is needed.

[davebozell]

Thanks Daryl.  Are you referring to the muzzle?  If so, I understand what you mean.  Also an easy fix that I will add to my "fix-it" list.

[Daryl]

Yes. Absolutely. Nice thing about pistols with fast twists, is it takes little powder to shoot well.
Too- they do not need the tight loads that heavier rifles require due to the pressures used,
thus shoot very well with looser, easier loading loads. That is good, as it is harder to load a
tight combination in a pistol - harder to hold and control while loading.

[davebozell]

Thanks to alacran, P.W., and Daryl for pointing out some issues.  Here are pictures after the issues were resolved:

1.  Front sight reversed



2.  Rear trigger guard not inlet deep enough:



3.  Too much crown on muzzle:  (Daryl - Does it look like I took enough off?)



Thanks to everyone for the input.