I just got back from a monthly blackpowder shooting event sponsored by Lafayette's Long Rifles. The gentleman you see pictured is Mr. Jim Bailey, one of the men who make these events possible. He is also an outstanding gunsmith, as I discovered today. This is my first flintlock from Jim. It is a 10 gauge ( 78 cal.) blunderbuss. The stock is a beautiful curly maple. The sideplate is a brass serpent from Caywood Guns. The steel barrel is half octagon to round, and is browned. Each 78 cal. ball weighs over an ounce a piece. I fired it today, and wow! Fired both birdshot and ball from it at 25 yards with amazing groupings . Plan to do a review next weekend, just wanted to share some outstanding craftsmanship. Oh by the way, can you please point me to the nearest Portsmouth Tavern? I want to be on the next privateer leaving the harbor! :D HUZZAH!


Ron

---

 Attachment: 46.56 KB



 Attachment: 38.19 KB

Hi Ron!

This is my first posting here in this great forum and I picked the right thread to post on.

I must say that is a wonder piece. Do you plan on shooting anything heavier than birdshot?

What does a Blunderbuss feel like when you fire it off (I've never fired one)?

I will always remember not to sneak into your house! Ouch that would hurt.

Well done and as always,

yours,

dave

Hi Dave,
Welcome aboard! It will fire pretty much anything as long as it fits down the barrel. This was my first time firing a blunderbuss, and I must say it was quite an experience! It is just a different " awareness" from firing a nice long- barreled rifle. Takes some getting used to. When I was sighting with it a kept having visions of those movies where you see the naval cannons being rolled out to fire a broadside. You know that view from over the top of the barrel? That's what it felt like, except your the carriage platform. It was really a terrific experience. I hope to get shots next month of it actually being fired.

Best regards,
Ron

Congratulations Ron ....... wish I 'd been standing there (behind you :-) watching it go off !
Must have been a thrill ( or should I say kick ;-)

Is that your actual piece that Mr. Bailey is holding ? And , what is the ballpark price on one of those babies ?

Again, congrats , Mac

Very cool, Ron.

I have a couple of more questions to bug you with:

Is this modeled after a particular historical example?

What is the weight of the piece?

Do you know where Mr. Bailey obtained the barrel?

Hi Mac,
Yes, that is my blunderbuss Jim is holding. Notice it is fitted with a left handed Queen Anne L&R lock. I fired it about 30 times without a single misfire. When I fired, it it took a couple of seconds for the smoke to clear so I could see the target. My groupings at 25 yards firing a single 78 cal. ball were a bit low and right, but all were within a area roughly the size of a mans chest area, and two were almost dead center of target. Any one of them alone would have been lethal. With that kind of accuracy it's okay if there are a few seconds where you can't see the target, he's not doing anything anyway! It is a very humbling yet awe inspiring weapon indeed. Jim did that gun for me at $850 because of the Caywood side plate, brass fittings etc. WELL WORTH THE MONEY! If you have any other questions, please let me know.


Best regards,
Ron

Hi Ron

Thanks ..... I had a feeling it was yours , but I must admit I overlooked the lefty lock ( which was a dead giveawy to our south pawed Ron ;-) .

The price was a bargain ....... when I get a few things settled with the house, $$-wise, I will be in touch .......
Methinks my collection could use a little handheld cannon *g*

" Shoot 'em in the back, Gomez " - Uncle Fester

Looks and sounds like a neat collectible.

A couple of interesting blunderbuss(s) at this site http://www.ambroseantiques.com/flongarms.htm
, as well as alot of other neat stuff ! Anyone delt with this dealer before ?

Mac