Bacon&Co Underhammer Boot Pistol

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J

Johannes Collard

32 Cal
Joined
Aug 7, 2019
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Hello!
I have just aquired a .34 cal Bacon Boot Pistol with the serial number 39.The gun is very well maintained and is good for shooting. It has been shot once or twice by the previous owner. Got a pound of Pyrodex P and some .34 cal lead balls so I thought I might go to the range and give it a try.
Is there anyone here who has experience shooting with it?
How many grains should I start with? 10 or 15 like recommended for other small bootleggers?

All tips and advice is welcome!

Got a few images of it too.

Cheers!

Johannes

20190807_193453.jpg


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20190807_214428.jpg


20190807_214451.jpg
 
Last edited:
IMO, 10-15 grains of powder would be just about right for that little .34.
These boot pistols were intended for close up shooting and a 15 grain powder load could be considered as a pretty stiff load back in the day.
 
That's right, if it's a screw barrel, the powder charge will be pre-determined. Yep, back in the day, getting shot with anything was very problematic. The psychological effect of knowing you'd be lucky to find a doctor, perhaps not for days, who might not be able to do much more that what would be considered basic first aid today, and infections that would kill you, or having your leg or arm amputated if that's where the ball went, or a slow, agonizing death with a gut or lung shot, would be enough to "put you down"....yeah, didn't take much powder to get the job done.
 
Barry Strickland said:
Wow! You have a rare and very collectible underhammer there. Thomas K Bacon started his company in 1852 and was in business until 1888. He manufactured underhammer pistols including pepperboxes and rifles in Norwich, CT. It appears to be in very good condition, which is unusual. Treat it with TLC!
Click to expand...
Thank you! That I will! Yes, there are abput 500 of these small bootpistols and about 200 pepperboxes if I am remember correctly.
 
Zonie said:
IMO, 10-15 grains of powder would be just about right for that little .34.
These boot pistols were intended for close up shooting and a 15 grain powder load could be considered as a pretty stiff load back in the day.
Click to expand...
Thanks! I'll go with ten first and then might try 15 as well.
 

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