Sparrow Pistol- a challenge awaits

[Bob Gerard]

I had a great eight-hour day at the workbench and got the ramrod pipes in. The stock also got some shaping, with much more to come. I have a thumb piece that I hoped to put on this pistol but it's too large and won't fit. Hope I can find a nice pistol-size one.

[Steeltrap]

Nice work!

[Pukka Bundook]

As an aside Bob,
Many original pistols of this period had a" thumb tack'  in the end of the rammer, or a plain wood ramrod with a tow worm on the other end.

Tidy work you are doing!

R.

[Bob Gerard]

Thank you Steeltrap and yes Pukka, I saw runastav'v restoration amazing work on the 1705 Dragoon and the ramrod. He made that type of tip for it also. This one came with the kit so I am using it for now. I may make another more like what you're referring to.
Thanks!

[iloco]

Does that pistol have a rear sight.  Hard to see in the pictures,  Nice work on the pistol. 

[Bob Gerard]

It is a .50 smoothbore with front sight only

[Pukka Bundook]

If you Do go with a different rammer at som epoint Bob, this style was V common;

all the best,
Richard.

[Bob Gerard]

Well first of all that is one awesome looking pistol 😍
As to the rammer, looks good- does that worm unscrew from the brass end tip?

[Pukka Bundook]

No Bob, the worm stays put.
the same idea but often a double worm, used to be fitted to t'other end of sporting gun rods.

[Bob Gerard]

Yesterday I worked on the trigger guard and then shaped the fore-stock, adding some molding at the front of the lockplate. Today I got back for a few hours and worked on the barrel a but and also started some carving around the tang. It still needs to be cleaned-up a bit. After getting the carving started I was able to start thinning out the wrist as well, and it is taking on a more slim and graceful shape.
Next I can start working on the rest of the lock and sideplate moldings.

[iloco]

That is going to be a fine looking pistol when finished.  I am curious how it will shoot with a round ball. 

[Bob Gerard]

Iloco- I will let you know in a little while about the round ball shooting. I am looking forward to that as wel!

[Bob Gerard]

Well, the end is near- I think I am about ready to start the finish on the Sparrow pistol. I had a couple slivers to glue in so I'll let it set overnight and look it over to see if I need to do more. (My temptation is usually to do too much and over-work a project so I'll keep that in mind.)
For the finish I am planning to finish it like I did the French Dragoon, which was a few hand-rubbed BLO applications and after thoroughly drying, applying a satin wiping varnish. I am excited with how it's coming along

[Bob Gerard]

I decided not to use any stain on this stock but allow the natural colors to show. The Black Walnut got an application of Boiled Linseed Oil two days ago and I have been rubbing the it a lot with a white 3M pad, making it really smooth. After I can smell no trace of the oil (meaning it's gassed-off) I will start with some wipe-on varnish. I would like a somewhat glossy finish on the piece.

[Justin Urbantas]

Looks really nice. I had thought about building one of the Sparrow pistols and sending off the brass furniture when I was done to get them silver plated, because I couldn't find the parts in silver.

[Rolf]

Great looking pistol. If you silver plate, ask for restaurant tableware grade. It's thicker and stronger than jewelery grade, which will wear out quickly in a black powder environment with  a lot of sulfur exposure.

Best regards
Rolf

[Bob Gerard]

Or, you can buy them already cast in German Silver