Mike Lea flintlock pistol

[bones92]

Another item I picked up along with the Brooks pistol, from the same person who is liquidating many years of BP collecting and shooting.

Very nice pistol by Mike Lea.   10.75" barrel, about 15/16" across the flats.  Weighs about 2 lbs 15 oz.   Looks to have sat a while, so I need to give her a gentle cleaning.

Like the Brooks pistol, I doubt this one has been seen by too many folk.  I don't know if Mike Lea visits ALR often, but I do know he is well-known among gun builders, for his custom-made components and exquisite engraving skills.

[bones92]

Seems to have a "Locks & Stuff" lock made by Herman Stone.  And of course, Mike Lea's own custom made belt clip.

[Seth Isaacson]

The lock on my pistol has the same marking, and I was told it was from Locks & Stuff by Barbie Chambers when I sent it to them for some work. Beautiful pistol. Let us know how it shoots, but don't rub it in too hard, I had that one on my "watchlist" too.

[bones92]

Seth, from what I've seen on archived posts, the Locks & Stuff locks have a pretty good reputation.  It turns out that Herman Stone lived not so far away in Henderson, NC, though I think he passed some years ago.

Yes, I admit that it was pure luck that I won this.  But as for seeing how she shoots... well, our muzzleloading club was just recently kicked off the property where it has been since it's inception some 35+ years ago.   So unfortunately, I don't have a place to shoot muzzleloaders for the time being.  It's been a huge blow to all of the club members. 

[Seth Isaacson]

Part of your good luck was my string of bad luck as of late stopping me from actually submitting my bids, but you may still have won since you got them for much less than I would think they were worth. I'm glad an ALR member got them and will enjoy them and not someone who would just try to flip them right away. That really stinks that your club has been evicted. I hope you are able to find a new property to shoot at soon. I'm fortunate to live in the countryside surrounded by land owned by family. I'm not at the whims of a landlord, just my in-laws. I think they like me well enough. 

[gwill]

Hello bones92 - I'm not sure where you're located in NC but if the drive's not a problem you are welcome to shoot with us.  Yadkin Valley Long Rifles.  If you're interested PM me for details.

[Hungry Horse]

 I guess I should thank my lucky stars that the club to which I belong shoots at our range just five miles away. And it in California to boot. But, I never win at raffles, and Publishers Clearing House hasn’t called either.

 Hungry Horse

[Gundrx]

Bones92,
    By the signature and stamp on the belt hook, I’d say I made that pistol about 1989-1990.  (I engraved a totally different style script signature prior to 1989.)
   It’s looks a little worse for the wear, but should clean up nicely.  It has a Green Mountain barrel on it as I recall. (Check bottom flat of Brel.). That being said, it should be an accurate shooter.  I only used Green Mountain pistol barrels by 1989-90.
   I am encouraged the niter-blued screws have not faded and still look decent after 30+years.   I’d say that’s a pretty durable finish.  Same with the stain and finish.  (BWC Walnut stain and Wahkon Bay Tru-Coat.)
  Thanks to Gustavo Hoefs for the heads-up about this pistol.  Good to see one of my kids again and know they are still around.  : )

Mike Lea

[Gundrx]

P.S. Yes, that is a Herman Stone, “Locks & Stuff” small Siler lock.  Herman, Doris, my wife and I we’re good friends.  I did not know he’d passed.  Guess that explains, “I wonder why he don’t write Dear?”  Doris never contacted me.  : (

[Bob Gerard]

I love that pistol and the aged look it has.
Looking at the trigger plate it appears to be secured by a wood screw rather than the barrel tang screw passing through and threading into it. If so, was the barrel tang also secured with a wood screw?

[bones92]

Bob, the tang is held by a wood screw.

[Bob Gerard]

Thanks Bones92.

[bones92]

Bones92,
    By the signature and stamp on the belt hook, I’d say I made that pistol about 1989-1990.  (I engraved a totally different style script signature prior to 1989.)
   It’s looks a little worse for the wear, but should clean up nicely.  It has a Green Mountain barrel on it as I recall. (Check bottom flat of Brel.). That being said, it should be an accurate shooter.  I only used Green Mountain pistol barrels by 1989-90.
   I am encouraged the niter-blued screws have not faded and still look decent after 30+years.   I’d say that’s a pretty durable finish.  Same with the stain and finish.  (BWC Walnut stain and Wahkon Bay Tru-Coat.)
  Thanks to Gustavo Hoefs for the heads-up about this pistol.  Good to see one of my kids again and know they are still around.  : )

Mike Lea

Mike, I'm very glad that you were able to comment on this pistol.  It seems to have sat untouched a good long time, but I can tell that a bit of Ballistol and stainless steel wool will clean it up.  Mostly dried oil and dust.   I love the belt hook.