Trapper Pistol .50 cal Percussion

[PT7]

I got my Traditions black powder pistol yesterday only four days after I ordered it from BGS...very quick service.

To be honest, this pistol is much more than I expected. And I mean that literally. When viewing the photos on the Traditions web site, "seeing" the actual size is not easy. The OAL is 15.56" with a 9.75" octagon barrel. Its weight is 2.85 lbs empty.

Here are some photos of this replica, a percussion pistol that could be historically placed in the 1780’s to the late 1800’s. This brings it very close to the year America was born. Keeping the commentary short, but long on pictures. Enjoy...I did.

PT7

Perspective. The freedom banner is 14" wide. Liberty is 13" tall.

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Appearance and Pistol Components. Hammer is one of those ornate "works of art." Wood is darker as I hoped...love it. Abundant brass used for trigger guard and trigger spur. It is surrounding the double set triggers, and beautifully blended into the wood stock. The spur partners with the trigger spur on my Russian 1874 top break...great tool.

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Sights. Perfect configuration for me. Rear is adjustable for windage/elevation. Front is adjustable for windage.

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Brass and more brass. The Trapper carries much gold highlighted against the dark wood furniture. Quite a sharp-looking pistol, if I may say.

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[JEBar]

very nice .... I really like the shape of the grip, should give it a much firmer hold .... do you plan to fire round balls or cast bullets ..

[PT7]

very nice .... I really like the shape of the grip, should give it a much firmer hold .... do you plan to fire round balls or cast bullets ..

Thanks. Yes, the grip does provide a firm hold, in tandem with that trigger spur.
Round balls is the plan.

[CT_Shooter]

Congratulations, PT7. That is one beautiful firearm and your photos of it are excellent. Thanks for sharing them with us. A new adventure begins. How cool!

[JEBar]

Yes, the grip does provide a firm hold, in tandem with that trigger spur.

I guess that it would be safe to believe that the trigger spur isn't designed to make it easier to hold the pistol upside down so as to more efficiently eject empty shell cases ...

[PT7]

Ha-ha-ha! Just started reading the instruction manual, and haven't reached the loading or unloading section yet. Will keep you informed if there is instruction on how the trigger spur may be used to clear the barrel after firing...

For me, trigger spurs are quite versatile.
One never knows. Just imagine. Might even be handy having one on a Henry lever!

[ESquared]

Beautiful pistol, PT and great photo styling, too! Can't wait to see this in person on a range trip, and I'm sure it will have admirers during the gathering here in KC in August.

Congrats again!

[markiver54]

VERY nice PT!!! Congratulations.

[Mags]

.
Gorgeous!

...

[RanchRoper]

Beautiful. Work of art.

[Mistered]

Very nice and should shoot well.

One thing however in pic # 4, the closeup picture of the lock, the nipple 'drum' not appear to be nesting flush in the recess on the lock (above the 06 in the date) or it is an optical illusion ? There appears to be a large gap between the rear and bottom of the recess and the drum.

[PT7]

Very nice and should shoot well.

One thing however in pic # 4, the closeup picture of the lock, the nipple 'drum' not appear to be nesting flush in the recess on the lock (above the 06 in the date) or it is an optical illusion ? There appears to be a large gap between the rear and bottom of the recess and the drum.

Based on your description of the position/location of the gap, I don't understand exactly where to look.

I've already contacted a nearby LGS, and they do a lot of work with folk who shoot muzzleloaders. Plan to get together with the owner; it's a smaller shop, but they've been in everything Civil War for years. Basically, he'll provide me with some hands-on basic BP pistol training. I'll have to note to him you said there is a gap at this area so he can check it out.

[Mistered]

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[CT_Shooter]

PT7,
Consult with a local, knowledgeable resource for an opinion about the pistol's construction and operation, as you've already planned to do.

Nonetheless, it's always good to have reasonable questions for an informed evaluation of concerns as has been presented here. Keep us posted.

...there appears to be a large gap between the rear and bottom of the recess and the drum.

[PT7]

Got the arrows, which helped. When I do meet with the LGS owner, will know the point to point to on the gun.

I'm about 1/3 through the instruction manual now. Probably will call the LGS next week to set up a meeting time.
Onward at a slow pace, no race.

Thanks, Everyone, for looking over my new pistol.

PT7

[mlrifleNY]

The drum needs to set down in the notch of the lock. It should be just touching the lock plate. The reason for it is that the plate helps take some of the shock of the hammer hitting the nipple during firing. I have seen the drum break off the firearm from just this kind of misalignment. That doesn't look like an easy fix. The barrel needs to move back and down a bit. Then the drum needs to be aligned so the hammer hits square on the nipple.

[PT7]

The drum needs to set down in the notch of the lock. It should be just touching the lock plate. The reason for it is that the plate helps take some of the shock of the hammer hitting the nipple during firing. I have seen the drum break off the firearm from just this kind of misalignment. That doesn't look like an easy fix. The barrel needs to move back and down a bit. Then the drum needs to be aligned so the hammer hits square on the nipple.

Jim,

Along with Mistered's picture/arrows, I plan to print that and your post info to take to the LGS. Looking to the possibility that he might suggest the pistol go back to Traditions for repair.

I came to the lever action rifle late in life. I have been an avid black powder shooter for over 50 years. I used to shoot with the New York State flintlock team. All I use in all my rifles and 1 lone pistol is 3f. Be carful loading and have lots of fun for many years.

Jim

I wasn't involved at all with firearms or shooting sports prior to 2012. So yes, I understand the "late in life" scenario since I had just retired that year. Found I cannot shoot any type of long gun due to eye issues, but do pretty well with my revolvers. I've been interested in BP, and I especially liked this Traditions Trapper.

So here I go off on a new adventure! Thanks for the loading "caution," but mostly for the wishes to have "lots of fun for many years." Appreciate that because that's the best way to go.

Bob aka PT7

[Mistered]

The barrel needs to move back and down a bit.

This is correct.
I am surprised it left the mfg. with the barrel not properly fitted.
Fortunately it's forward so the stock can be trimmed back to fit the barrel.

You should call Traditions yourself and inform them of this and send them the picture.

Also that was my picture with the arrows so blame me for opening this can of worms!

[PT7]

The barrel needs to move back and down a bit.

This is correct.
I am surprised it left the mfg. with the barrel not properly fitted.
Fortunately it's forward so the stock can be trimmed back to fit the barrel.

You should call Traditions yourself and inform them of this and send them the picture.

Also that was my picture with the arrows so blame me for opening this can of worms!

Ah, yes. Corrected my original post to give you the credit. Good job taking Mags off-the-hook.
Still would rather have a can of worms than a fire-breathing dragon messing with the gun.

I think I'll wait to see the LGS here in person rather than chatting now with Traditions over-the-phone, or via email. I'm not yet knowledgeable enough about BP firearms and may not be able to answer further questions they throw back my way.

[Mistered]

While looking at this closer I don't think it will be as simple as trimming the stock back to fit the barrel as this will alter the position of the barrel hook that the wedge aligns with on the front of the stock. (This is the part that secures the barrel to the stock)
Also when the barrel is moved back the drum will have to be rotated clockwise slightly so the nipple will align with the hammer properly.
I am thinking this needs to be returned and a new stock will be needed for a proper re-fit of the barrel.