Pedersoli

[43.6N]

I need some help from the long time muzzleloader guys on here.

I’ve been curious about getting to these guns to hunt my home state of Idaho for a long time. But always ended up reverting back to archery when it comes time to put money down for tags.

A good family friend who owns a pawn shop recently came across an estate of guns, and he notified me about a Pedersoli double barreled 50 cal. He’s given me a generous price on it if I’m interested. Reportedly it’s in excellent condition, but I haven’t actually seen it myself.

So my question, what should I be looking for when I go to examine the gun? Any known issues with Pedersoli guns to be aware of? I’ve been buying used guns for years, but freely acknowledge my limits when evaluating black powder guns.

Thanks guys.

 

[ElDiablito]

Sounds cool!

Biggest thing is the bore on a used rifle. Many used muzzleloaders have been left uncleaned and have corrosion/pitting in the bore especially if the owner used black powder or one of the corrosive subs. Some corrosion won’t necessarily negatively affect the shootability, but extensive pitting will make the rifle much harder to clean. I’d inspect the bore(s) and check the hammers for function and spring strength. Use a bore scope if you or your buddy has one.

 

[EdP]

Double barreled rifle or shotgun? I would stay away from a dbl barrel rifle. The locks (flintlocks) on Pedersoli guns are not particularly good. I don't know about their cap locks.

One of the best deals in traditional MLs now are Jim Kibler kits. Assembly is simplified considerably by CNC machined metal and wood. Kibler can also hook you up with a skilled builder that will assemble the kit for an additional cost if you don't want to take that on. Kibler recently released a new model, a Hawken rifle, that might interest you. His rifles are considerably less expensive than custom builds, but still not cheap compared with many common modern hunting rifles from commercial mfgs.

 

[Chris in TN]

Sounds cool!

Biggest thing is the bore on a used rifle. Many used muzzleloaders have been left uncleaned and have corrosion/pitting in the bore especially if the owner used black powder or one of the corrosive subs. Some corrosion won’t necessarily negatively affect the shootability, but extensive pitting will make the rifle much harder to clean. I’d inspect the bore(s) and check the hammers for function and spring strength. Use a bore scope if you or your buddy has one.

^^What he said, and tagged for pictures if you get it.

 

[43.6N]

Double barreled rifle or shotgun? I would stay away from a dbl barrel rifle. The locks (flintlocks) on Pedersoli guns are not particularly good. I don't know about their cap locks.

One of the best deals in traditional MLs now are Jim Kibler kits. Assembly is simplified considerably by CNC machined metal and wood. Kibler can also hook you up with a skilled builder that will assemble the kit for an additional cost if you don't want to take that on. Kibler recently released a new model, a Hawken rifle, that might interest you. His rifles are considerably less expensive than custom builds, but still not cheap compared with many common modern hunting rifles from

My understanding is that it is a Pedersoli double barreled muzzle loaded rifle. 50 cal. 24” barrel with a 1/24” twist.

Beyond that I don’t have a lot to go off of until my friend actually takes possession of it into his inventory.

I started googling around, and have a suspicion that it’s some type of Kodiak express model. But again, this is all sight unseen at the moment.

Can you elaborate a little more on why you would stay away from a double barreled rifle?

 

[43.6N]

^^What he said, and tagged for pictures if you get it.

Thanks for tagging in. I’ll try and get pictures as soon as able.

 

[RockAndSage]

That's a cool gun. Another thing to look at is the nipples, where the caps go. An uncleaned gun, or one that has sat for a long time without cleaning then got cleaned later, will often show that same corrosion and/or pitting the @ElDiablito mentioned to look for in the bore.

 

[43.6N]

That's a cool gun. Another thing to look at is the nipples, where the caps go. An uncleaned gun, or one that has sat for a long time without cleaning then got cleaned later, will often show that same corrosion and/or pitting the @ElDiablito mentioned to look for in the bore.

Thanks man.
How should I go assess the nipples?
Probe with a small gauge wire?

-he said trying to keep a straight face-

 

[RockAndSage]

Thanks man.
How should I go assess the nipples?
Probe with a small gauge wire?

Mostly visually for corrosion, as an indicator of bore condition. They're pretty easy to take off with a nipple wrench as well, if there isn't a lot of corrosion underneath, and are easy to replace. But mostly, look at them as a proxy for bore condition.

 

[ElDiablito]

Pedersoli makes the Kodiak. Maybe that’s what it is. I’d like to have one for Africa. Let me know if you buy it and it doesn’t suit you 43.

Pedersoli™ Kodiak Express Mark III Rifle - .50 Cal

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