Pedersoli ID

[burch]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about my pistol. I have a Pedersoli Kentucky Pistol and I believe it to be 44 or 45 cal. The serial # 1364.  I know showing a serail # is a no-no with the internet but I don`t think this is worth any kind of fortune. I`d really love to shoot this but i`m not sure what cal. it is or a safe load max. I`ve contacted Pedersoli but with a high volume of mail i`m sure they get it may take a month to find out anything.

      Burch
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t127/dpcburch/Pedersoli007.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t127/dpcburch/Pedersoli005.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t127/dpcburch/Pedersoli003.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t127/dpcburch/Pedersoli004.jpg

[Dave B]

Burch,
I did some checking on other web sites and the pistol should be .45 cal. I had a CVA pistol in 45 and I like to shoot it with a .445 round ball and a .015 patch with 35 grains of 3F Goex. It was a blast to shoot and it shot pretty well. I also noted that pedersoli also has larger caliber pistols in .50 and .54 you may want to take it to a smith to check or just take a half inch drill out of the index and see if the base of the drill will enter the bore. That will confirm at least if its smaller than or other wise.

[burch]

I know it`s not a 50 or 54cal.  To my amazement Pedersoli has already returned my email. They confirmed it was sold March 1968. They said the caliber is marked on the barrel but it`s not. I`m gonna take some detail pics of all the markings on the barrel. I`ll post `em here and send Pedersoli a copy. Their is a roman numeral of XXIV on the barrel where you normally would find the caiber but that don`t make any since.

          Burch

[burch]

Barrel Markings : The number 10 is a part marking which all match. The PN with the star over top of it is: 1st blackpowder proof - Gardone & Brescia - circa since 1951.  The scale with the star over it is: provisional proof for all guns - Gardone proof house - circa since 1951.  I can`t make out the proof mark below the Pedersoli brand and have no idea what the Roman numerals are.


http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t127/dpcburch/Pedersoli011.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t127/dpcburch/Pedersoli010.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t127/dpcburch/Pedersoli009.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t127/dpcburch/Pedersoli008.jpg

[jerrywh]

 If you have a pair of calipers , just measure the bore accross the lands. It will be clear what caliber it is.
   

[burch]

I`ll try the dial calipers. After sending Pedersoli the pics they still can`t tell me what caliber it is, Go figure.  You would think if they know what year the dang thing was made they would know what caiber it was, especially with the serial #.  They have no idea what the Roman Numeral XXIV is for and it doesn`t look like anything someone put on it after the fact.

[Daryl]

Since it isn't a .50 or .54- it's got to be a .45, doesn't it? I don't think they made that pistol in .36 - or did they?  Anyway, big difference between .45 and .36. If the 1/2 bit shank won't go in, but a 7/16" will, it's got a .440 to .450" bore. I'd ask Pedersoli what cailbres they made in that design.  Afterall, it's stamped by them.  Perhaps the calibre is stamped on the bottom flat?  Your calipers should give an exact measurement of the land to land, and groove to groove dimensions to without a thou or so - good enough.  In .45 cal pistols, sometimes it's easier and more accurate to use a .440" ball and .018" to .020" patch.  My .45 pistol, a flintlock, will cut a tiny hole for 5 shots at 25 yards off bags with a mere 20 or 25gr. of 3f, a .440" ball and .020" denim patch. It's rifling twist is 18".

[northwoodsdave]

I believe the Pedersoli Kentucky was actually a .44

David L

[burch]

Pedersoli manual says to use a .445 ball and a .010 patch. I had on hand  .440 and .433 balls and .015 patch and you couldn`t  pound either one in with a hammer.