| Author |
Message |
Ron Luciano
|
 Posted: Sun 24 Aug, 2003 2:23 pm Post subject: A Blunderbuss By Jim Bailey |
 |
|
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!  HUZZAH!
Ron
 Attachment: 46.56 KB
Attachment: 38.19 KB
I have not tarried in long journeys over the surface of the sea, nor have I feared the threats of enemies or wild beasts, O strong leader, Maurice, go well good friend; I discern through such sweetness, the beauties of the country life, a safe return and nobility. Lift high the wine vessel. Such things are worthy of remembrance.
HMS ADVICE 1705
Last edited by Ron Luciano on Sun 24 Aug, 2003 2:54 pm; edited 1 time in total
|
|
  |
 |
David White
|
| Posted: Sun 24 Aug, 2003 2:52 pm Post subject: |
|
|
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
|
|
 |
|
Ron Luciano
|
| Posted: Sun 24 Aug, 2003 3:02 pm Post subject: Blunderbuss |
|
|
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
I have not tarried in long journeys over the surface of the sea, nor have I feared the threats of enemies or wild beasts, O strong leader, Maurice, go well good friend; I discern through such sweetness, the beauties of the country life, a safe return and nobility. Lift high the wine vessel. Such things are worthy of remembrance.
HMS ADVICE 1705
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas McDonald
myArmoury Alumni
|
| Posted: Mon 25 Aug, 2003 4:54 am Post subject: |
|
|
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
'Gott Bewahr Die Oprechte Schotten'
XX ANDRIA XX FARARA XX
Mac's PictureTrail
|
|
 |
|
|
Scott Bubar
Location: New England Joined: 21 Aug 2003
Posts: 120
|
| Posted: Mon 25 Aug, 2003 5:09 am Post subject: |
|
|
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?
|
|
|
|
|
Ron Luciano
|
| Posted: Mon 25 Aug, 2003 4:17 pm Post subject: The Blunderbuss |
|
|
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
I have not tarried in long journeys over the surface of the sea, nor have I feared the threats of enemies or wild beasts, O strong leader, Maurice, go well good friend; I discern through such sweetness, the beauties of the country life, a safe return and nobility. Lift high the wine vessel. Such things are worthy of remembrance.
HMS ADVICE 1705
Last edited by Ron Luciano on Mon 25 Aug, 2003 5:47 pm; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
Ron Luciano
|
| Posted: Mon 25 Aug, 2003 4:37 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Scott Bubar wrote: | 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 Scott,
First of all, you are NEVER bugging me. Remember, I am a teacher, I expect questions!  I will get a detailed flyer from Jim on the blunderbuss. I believe the fellow ( a maker of barrels about 40 years) is in Arkansas. Jim has purchased from him for years, and the stock of curly maple came from him as well. I plan to do a review , so I have not weighed it as of yet. This style is appropriate almost all the way through the 18th century. Early style Queen Anne lock, which was used as late as the American Revolution. Very appropriate for anything from The Golden Age of Piracy through the Rev War. I have handled several originals, and most have similiar features such a the serpent lockplate, octagon to round barrel, open bell mouth etc. I think pictures of it firing would be nice to see as well. Hope to do that next month. If I could get some of guys down to the Old North State, I'd let you see it fire live, as long as your holding it!
Best regards,
Ron
I have not tarried in long journeys over the surface of the sea, nor have I feared the threats of enemies or wild beasts, O strong leader, Maurice, go well good friend; I discern through such sweetness, the beauties of the country life, a safe return and nobility. Lift high the wine vessel. Such things are worthy of remembrance.
HMS ADVICE 1705
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scott Bubar
Location: New England Joined: 21 Aug 2003
Posts: 120
|
| Posted: Mon 25 Aug, 2003 5:02 pm Post subject: Re: The Blunderbuss |
|
|
| Ron Luciano wrote: | 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 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 |
This is very interesting, Ron.
I've been wondering how a blunderbuss would do with ball. I've never had the chance to examine an original, but they are almost always described in the literature as a purely very close range weapon used with shot. However, many of them seem to be a straight tube until they flare at the end, and it seemed to me they could be used with ball as well.
That does seem to be a great price for a custom gun.
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas McDonald
myArmoury Alumni
|
| Posted: Mon 25 Aug, 2003 5:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
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, $$-wise, I will be in touch .......
Methinks my collection could use a little handheld cannon *g*
" Shoot 'em in the back, Gomez " - Uncle Fester
'Gott Bewahr Die Oprechte Schotten'
XX ANDRIA XX FARARA XX
Mac's PictureTrail
|
|
|
|
|
Ron Luciano
|
| Posted: Mon 25 Aug, 2003 5:58 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Thomas McDonald wrote: | Hi Ron
Thanks ..... I had a feeling it was yours , but I must admit I overlooked the lefty lock ( which was a dead giveawy to our south pawed Ron ;-) .
The price was a bargain ....... when I get a few things settled with the house, $$-wise, I will be in touch .......
Methinks my collection could use a little handheld cannon *g*
" Shoot 'em in the back, Gomez " - Uncle Fester |
Mac,
Great! Just let me know. This type of gun has Thomas McDonald written all over it! Did you see the Culloden clansman pictured in Stuart Reid's "Like Hungry Wolves"? That fellow is carrying a blunderbuss.
Ron
I have not tarried in long journeys over the surface of the sea, nor have I feared the threats of enemies or wild beasts, O strong leader, Maurice, go well good friend; I discern through such sweetness, the beauties of the country life, a safe return and nobility. Lift high the wine vessel. Such things are worthy of remembrance.
HMS ADVICE 1705
|
|
|
|
|
David White
|
| Posted: Tue 26 Aug, 2003 10:38 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Ron Luciano wrote: |
Mac,
Great! Just let me know. This type of gun has Thomas McDonald written all over it! Did you see the Culloden clansman pictured in Stuart Reid's "Like Hungry Wolves"? That fellow is carrying a blunderbuss.
Ron |
Hi Ron-
The color plate description states "and at least one of them, Captain James Johnstone, mentions carrying a blunderbuss
as well at Culloden"
dave
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scott Bubar
Location: New England Joined: 21 Aug 2003
Posts: 120
|
| Posted: Sun 26 Oct, 2003 12:44 pm Post subject: Re: A Blunderbuss By Jim Bailey |
|
|
| Ron Luciano wrote: | ... Plan to do a review next weekend ...
Ron |
Ahem.
I know teachers get busy once August ends, but how about a couple more pics to tide us over Ron?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joe Fults
|
| Posted: Mon 27 Oct, 2003 1:06 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Looks and sounds like a neat collectible.
"The goal shouldn’t be to avoid being evil; it should be to actively do good." - Danah Boyd
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas McDonald
myArmoury Alumni
|
| Posted: Mon 27 Oct, 2003 2:26 pm Post subject: Re: A Blunderbuss By Jim Bailey |
|
|
| Scott Bubar wrote: | | Ron Luciano wrote: | ... Plan to do a review next weekend ...
Ron |
Ahem.
I know teachers get busy once August ends, but how about a couple more pics to tide us over Ron?
|
The first rule of being around 'certain' blunderbuss owners ...... Don't turn your back on them !
;-) Mac
'Gott Bewahr Die Oprechte Schotten'
XX ANDRIA XX FARARA XX
Mac's PictureTrail
|
|
|
|
|
|
Howard Waddell
Industry Professional
Location: Wisconsin, USA Joined: 18 Aug 2003
Posts: 717
|
| Posted: Wed 05 Nov, 2003 4:13 am Post subject: Re: A Blunderbuss By Jim Bailey |
|
|
| Ron Luciano wrote: | 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! HUZZAH!
Ron |
Sweet! I have to admit that I have always been "blunderbuss curious" as well.
I love black powder, but never get a chance to shoot any more, The only flintlock I have these days is a TVA (now TVM I hear) Early Virginia with beautiful curly maple stock.
Best,
Howy
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas McDonald
myArmoury Alumni
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum
|
All contents © Copyright 2003-2024 myArmoury.com — All rights reserved
Discussion forums powered by phpBB © The phpBB Group
Switch to the Basic Low-bandwidth Version of the forum
|
This is a standard topic