Howdah Pistol - Double-Barrel Pin-Fire

[dttuner]

Can I slug the barrel myself?
I'm not a firearm expert, but I consider myself quite handy.

We gotta get to the bottom of this! :P

[browningautorifle]

Slugging requires a lead "Slug" that can be pushed tightly through the barrel from one end to the other. Note how ambiguously I say it so I don't get someone yelling how wrong that way is? It needs to be formed by the push into the barrel and will show you what you need to know. Black lead only...like fishing weights...roofing flashing...can start as a round ball... The chamber casting is a bit harder, ferrosafe is what's used there I think. Other stuff seems to shrink too much for accuracy, these guys may have a better answer for a chamber cast... That would be handy too.

[UNPROFOR1994]

[vintage hunter]

We gotta get to the bottom of this!

Yes, most definitely. The suspense is killing me!

Can I slug the barrel myself?

Sure. Nothing to it really. The traditional method is select a round pure lead ball a bit larger than the bore and gently tap it through with a small hammer and wood dowel. Your measurement indicate a .440'' groove diameter so a .445'' should be about right. Grease the ball and drop in the chamber then tap through. However, I would go a different route to prevent the possibility of the breaking the solder joints holding the barrels to the center rib. If possibly concoct a 50/50mix of beeswax and Crisco. As a substitute paraffin wax can be used. Ingredients will need to be heated for mixing and pouring. This is actually an old type of BP bullet lube but works well for chamber casting/bore measuring too. Push a tissue paper wad done from the muzzle a couple inches and fill the remaining space with the 50/50 mix and let solidify. Once solid place the barrels in the freezer for a couple hours and the plug will come right out with a cleaning rod. The same method can be used to cast the chamber but insert the paper wad from the breech end down a little past where the rifling starts.

[browningautorifle]

If possibly concoct a 50/50mix of beeswax and Crisco. As a substitute paraffin wax can be used.

Excellent point.

[emmagee1917]

Interesting read . Can't wait to find out what it shoots . Let's hope it something for which brass is made or can be formed from easily .
Learned something about how these pistols got thier name . I always thought ( no kidding ) that it was from the Indian or British word for " Howdy " . As in the tiger jumps in and says " Howdy " and you say " Howdy " back and shoot him off .
Chris

[dttuner]

... If possibly concoct a 50/50mix of beeswax and Crisco. As a substitute paraffin wax can be used. Ingredients will need to be heated for mixing and pouring. This is actually an old type of BP bullet lube but works well for chamber casting/bore measuring too. Push a tissue paper wad done from the muzzle a couple inches and fill the remaining space with the 50/50 mix and let solidify. Once solid place the barrels in the freezer for a couple hours and the plug will come right out with a cleaning rod. The same method can be used to cast the chamber but insert the paper wad from the breech end down a little past where the rifling starts.

Golden! This I can do tonight with what I have at home.

[Johnny Peppers]

Looks more like one of the Pakistan/Afgan border guns. Doesn't show the quality of a European made firearm. The Howdah pistol a hunter would have been carrying would have been of the same quality as their rifles.

A Black Powder Percussion Howdah Pistol by James Purdey

[browningautorifle]

Doesn't show the quality of a European made firearm.

Very true that. I had no doubt it was from India or some such.

[dttuner]

Looks more like one of the Pakistan/Afgan border guns. Doesn't show the quality of a European made firearm. The Howdah pistol a hunter would have been carrying would have been of the same quality as their rifles.

A Black Powder Percussion Howdah Pistol by James Purdey

100% agree with you. Always knew it was of poor quality. The finish is beyond rough, and the parts fit together loosely.

Do you have any good links/information on Howdah's from Pakistan/India?



FYi - Slugging the barrel tonight. Getting ready now actually.

Once I freeze, and pop-up the plug, do you want a picture of the calipers measuring the plug?
If so, where/what dimensions?
ty
.