1860s Bacon .31 cal

[IAsoldier]

Bought this Bacon.31 cal the other day # 536. Only story behind it is, was found in a attic. Everything works but the wedge is home made. So what will fit in it.

 

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[releventchair]

Nice find!. Please read Dixie Gun works article, similar thoughts here.Nothing fits till a qualified gunsmith gives it a clean bill of health. In particular area around nipples.Then a squib load of 3fff below max capacity of each cylinder, an over powder wad going to probably work better than sealing each chamber above ball with grease to prevent chain firing, and Dixie Gun Works muzzleloading, blackpowder and rare antique gun supplies..

If round ball ordering not desired a mold can be bought or made. Honestly I would not shoot it, not just for safety's sake but to clean it properly as must be done after,the patina would suffer.No restoration effort either! A replica arm ,studied before using alot of fun to shoot. The old ones valued in their as is condition outside of protecting from decay. This I say despite the preservation of blackpowder shooting owed to original rifles being resurrected years back.

 

[cazisme]

how much was it?

 

[IAsoldier]

Not intended to shoot it. I've got a few replicas for that. Plus I owe a a 1857 Colt 36 cal. That's my wall hanger so is this one now. Just wanna get lined up correctly so it can rotate. PS bought it for $100.

 

[releventchair]

So my thinking your asking what will fit was not ball but wedge related? Wedge worn from being pulled and replaced so much could cause home replacement, sometimes flipping a wedge over can change its position,some being slightly bent. Indexing should be a different issue. You have an original 57 colt huh? You dog.

 

[IAsoldier]

Just barrel wedge is home made. So it doesn't rotate well. Will a 1849 Colt pocket wedge work ?.



That's my 1857 Colt 36 cal

 

[vpnavy]

 

[Citiboy289]

Great find !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why not try the wedge from the colt , at least it will give you an idea if you need thicker or longer ------- When you get that idea call ---- VTI gunparts in CT they have lots of repo pieces and have been very helpful when I was unsure of a part or a cross over between manufactures My best guess is a 1849 Colt Pocket repo You can always file it down a bit if needed

 

[IAsoldier]

Nice Colt, love to have it in my collection. I'll give it a try and see hopefully it works