Replacement Trapper BP .50 cal pistol in hand.

[PT7]

My saga on getting involved in BP shooting picks up again.

Per my Forum post last month < http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=7127 >, I sent back the first pistol to BGS and requested a replacement. The first one was incorrectly assembled.

Yesterday I received the replacement. In the photos, I tried to mostly display the problem that existed on gun #1, the issue of the barrel fit to the stock. I believe that this gun looks better. Comments are welcome.

PT7

Replacement Traditions Trapper 50 Cal Percussion Pistol

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[ESquared]

My input is worthless, but it looks great to me!

Now let's hear from someone who knows what to look for!

Congrats!

[markiver54]

My input is worthless, but it looks great to me!

Now let's hear from someone who knows what to look for!

Congrats!

Ditto....

[mlrifleNY]

Looks good to go. Now all you need is powder, patches, and balls and go shooting.

Jim

[JEBar]

while I'm most certainly not an expert on such BP handguns, I do have a few .... from the pictures, your replacement appears to be much better made .... unless it has an issue that isn't shown in the pictures, I'd fire it

[Mistered]

The drum appears to be resting in the lock plate recess snugly with no gap as it should and hammer to nipple alignment is much better.
FWIW when you are ready to shoot you might want to consider using Hornady Great Plains bullets.
They are more expensive than round balls but are a lubed, hollow base style, do not require patching and will shoot much more accurately than round balls. This is not to say round balls cannot be as accurate but accuracy with round balls is typically commensurate with how tight the ball/patch is I.E. the tighter the fit the more accurate.
The hollow base bullets are initially 'forced' into the barrel with a starter rod and engage the rifling then typically slide down the rest of the barrel fairly smoothly and easily.
If you just want to shoot with reasonable accuracy and want to use round balls make sure to use patching material that creates a snug fit but allows for easy loading without having to 'pound' on the ramrod. This will typically require patching material approximately .010 or less depending on the size of the barrel bore and the diameter of the round balls used But recommended ball size will probably be shown in the user manual or on the box.
Typical patch thickness should be from .015 - .018 but this will result is a very tight fit and might be difficult to load.

[PT7]

Appreciate your look-see at the pistol, and comments that this replacement does look better. I was hoping it did.

On the ammo. At the LGS I'm working with on BP stuff, they have in stock and recommended the Hornady 50 CAL 177gr .490" lead round balls. Yes, I know I'll need to use patches. The Traditions manual listed the patches at .015 thickness.
So, are the Hornady Plains bullets a specific bullet round for hunting? Does the heavier weight have an impact on the POI?

I should "see" more answers after I start shooting. Hands on makes a good difference in my understanding of how the gun is shooting.

PT7

The drum appears to be resting in the lock plate recess snugly with no gap as it should and hammer to nipple alignment is much better.
FWIW when you are ready to shoot you might want to consider using Hornady Great Plains bullets.
They are more expensive than round balls but are a lubed, hollow base style, do not require patching and will shoot much more accurately than round ball. This is not to say round balls cannot be as accurate but accuracy with round balls is typically commensurate with how tight the ball/patch is I.E. the tighter the fit the more accurate.
The hollow base bullets are initially 'forced' into the barrel with a starter rod and engage the rifling then typically slide down the rest of the barrel fairly smoothly and easily.
If you just want to shoot with reasonable accuracy and want to use round balls make sure to use patching material that creates a snug fit but allows for easy loading without having to 'pound' on the ramrod. This will typically require patching material .010 or less depending on the size of the barrel bore and the diameter
Of the round balls used But recommended ball size will probably be shown in the user manual or on the box.

[Mistered]

So, are the Hornady Plains bullets a specific bullet round for hunting? Does the heavier weight have an impact on the POI?

Typically yes the Great Plains bullets are typically used for hunting but it would be interesting to see how your gun shoots with them
At the distances you will most likely be shooting probably not but POI is not so much of an issue since the gun has adjustable sights.

If you do go with round balls (and your gun will most likely shoot them well) I would start with patches no more than .010 - .012 and see how it loads and shoots. Nothing more aggravating than very tight ball/patch combos that require 'hammering' the ball down.

[PT7]

Jim and Jim,

Yes, looking forward to get to the range and start shooting.

Next week I'm to meet with my LGS guy, who is very experienced with BP firearms. He'll check out the Trapper, and has agreed to give me an intro training session on how to handle it.

Does all things BP in his shop. Sells them, does gunsmithing for pistols and rifles, and interestingly, he stocks every single item I'll need to work with my pistol. Definitely will be a one-stop-shop! Less internet searches (other than for info), no ordering or ship fees, etc. More than I expected.

I'll keep the saga going as best I can in the days ahead.
Thanks again for your interest.

PT7

Looks good to go. Now all you need is powder, patches, and balls and go shooting.
Jim

while I'm most certainly not an expert on such BP handguns, I do have a few .... from the pictures, your replacement appears to be much better made .... unless it has an issue that isn't shown in the pictures, I'd fire it

[markiver54]

Sound like a lot of fun coming in the near future for you PT. Nice to have a willing trainer also!