• Friends, our 2nd Amendment rights are always under attack and the NRA has been a constant for decades in helping fight that fight.

    We have partnered with the NRA to offer you a discount on membership and Muzzleloading Forum gets a small percentage too of each membership, so you are supporting both the NRA and us.

    Use this link to sign up please; https://membership.nra.org/recruiters/join/XR045103

Pedersoli Kuchenreuter pistol review w/ Match tuning

Muzzleloading Forum

Help Support Muzzleloading Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
you are absolutely correct on the grip . The grip in my opinion is one of the most important factors in a handgun much like the stock in a shotgun. I have skateboard tape on the grip of my IPSC pistol. Ugly but super functional. Not jokeing on the super glue. been using that stuff for decades on lots of things your not supposed to including skin repair. certainly not as professional as your method but it does still allow for adjustment and keeps stuff from moving unintentionally but I get your point.
 
Hi Charles, Good explanations.
I missed being at Nationals this year. I hope everything went well.
Barry
Hi Barry, Well enough to take all 3 Championships and have James, the 14 year old young man I have been coaching take the Unclassified Championship and the Junior Championship. Hope you make it in "25" Barry...nsp
 
looks really nice. . as always very impressive shooting. I have the .44 Le Page and not happy with how the lock is tuned. If I set the trigger with no creep its way too light and I get unintentional drops. If I set it so that it won't fire by tapping the side of the pistol with my hand it has considerable creep. The lock was completely non functioning when I bought the new pistol and I had to send it to Missouri for warrantee work. It came back with still too touchy of a trigger but at least the hammer would drop. . hammer drops with a shake of the pistol touchy. I increased the travel of the trigger so that I can rest my finger on the trigger while sighting without an AD but now I have that extra travel to deal with.. and I still occasionally have the set trigger snap but the hammer doesn't drop.. that was how it came out of the box. not very often but once or twice every thousand rnds. Just enough to remind me something is not proper in there.
Never have shot modern Repo that did not require a lot of the tuning as I described. Some I would consider next to useless without some extreme tuning. Expecting my set triggers to pass some sort of bump test would not allow me to adjust them to the 1.5 Oz. weight they are. Only setting your trigger while pointing down range. Every once in a while accidentally blowing a shot into the grass will happen with very light set triggers. Practice at home dry firing your set triggers helps...nsp
 
NSP I was following the instructions in the owners manual. I get that the owners manual may not apply to pros but I did not think it would be that far off.

D) Holding the gun pointing upwards, knock the butt sharply several times against a wood surface protecting the stock in a proper way. repeat this shock test while holding the gun in other positions.
E) The hammer must not be released. If the hammer is released you must increase the release pressure slightly until the hammer never releases when being tested in several different positions.

FWIW my trigger does not pass the test. I do like it to be stable enough that I can rest my finger on it while sighting without having an AD. I want it to go bang when the sights are in the right place.
 
NSP I was following the instructions in the owners manual. I get that the owners manual may not apply to pros but I did not think it would be that far off.

D) Holding the gun pointing upwards, knock the butt sharply several times against a wood surface protecting the stock in a proper way. repeat this shock test while holding the gun in other positions.
E) The hammer must not be released. If the hammer is released you must increase the release pressure slightly until the hammer never releases when being tested in several different positions.

FWIW my trigger does not pass the test. I do like it to be stable enough that I can rest my finger on it while sighting without having an AD. I want it to go bang when the sights are in the right place.
Not sure who wrote that. Like a warning label approved by liers/ lawyers. My tuning and loads have to do with what wins championships. I Have .found the factory manuals only chuckle and scoff worthy. Maybe I should thank them for steering many of my follow competitors so wrong. .Maybe I should follow the advice of many fellow champions who suggest nobody will listen or care so don't bother. They will listen to those magazine writers, you tube guys ,gun book writers and factory manual writers. Doesn't matter if the best placement they can manage at the Nats is observing and hoping for a participation award. But,I don't care... I have helped a few people win National championships and I will help a few more. The most recent is a result of reading my posts on this board. A father who brought his 14 year old son to me for coaching is now the 2024 NMLRA National pistol champion in his class and Juniors class. Did I have to field some various " I read this or watched that you tube expert" yes...Please invite them to the Nats. I'm easy to find on the pistol line. Please show me your skills. I'm always looking to learn from someone who out shoots me. A fun $$$ match would be nice....nsp
 
Thought I would treat you guys with some pictures of a double rifle built by Adam Kuchenreuter I restored from a rusty basket case last year. This is a .50 caliber black powder cartridge rifle that I am trying to get to regulate with custom bullets. It has shot apart starting with 400 grn. Pistol bullets . I have reduced the length / weight and am at 270 grain hollow base to get it to come together. Adam was know for his percussion Target pistols and also gallery air pistols that shot darts. They are the longest producing gunmakers in Germany with Victor still making high end guns today in Germany.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2349.jpeg
    IMG_2349.jpeg
    3.1 MB
  • IMG_2351.jpeg
    IMG_2351.jpeg
    1.5 MB
  • IMG_2305.jpeg
    IMG_2305.jpeg
    2.9 MB
  • IMG_2298.png
    IMG_2298.png
    15.9 MB
  • IMG_2373.jpeg
    IMG_2373.jpeg
    3.3 MB
  • IMG_2346.jpeg
    IMG_2346.jpeg
    2.6 MB
"A father who brought his 14 year old son to me for coaching is now the 2024 NMLRA National pistol champion in his class and Juniors class."

He was the only youth shooter, hard to lose when there is no one else shooting, is there?
 
Never have shot modern Repo that did not require a lot of the tuning as I described. Some I would consider next to useless without some extreme tuning. Expecting my set triggers to pass some sort of bump test would not allow me to adjust them to the 1.5 Oz. weight they are. Only setting your trigger while pointing down range. Every once in a while accidentally blowing a shot into the grass will happen with very light set triggers. Practice at home dry firing your set triggers helps...nsp
Thanks for your in-depth review of this arm, particularly the exploded views of the lock and your opinions on it as a competitive shooter.
 
"A father who brought his 14 year old son to me for coaching is now the 2024 NMLRA National pistol champion in his class and Juniors class."

He was the only youth shooter, hard to lose when there is no one else shooting, is there?
First...their was another youth shooter who did not bother to turn his targets in after seeing James scores...Second...Competitors are not responsible for others not having the "bleep" to enter... Third; Extra credit to those with the "bleep" to enter,.. Forth; Those without the "bleep " not so much, just excuses...nsp
 
I am not questioning your knowledge. Just explaining what happened to me when I bought a really expensive pistol and read the owners manual. When I shot IPSC I had a very good gunsmith locally who ended up sponsoring me keeping my pistol running correctly. I can do some basic stuff but your method of completely retuning the lock is probably beyond my skill set with metal work.
 
I am not questioning your knowledge. Just explaining what happened to me when I bought a really expensive pistol and read the owners manual. When I shot IPSC I had a very good gunsmith locally who ended up sponsoring me keeping my pistol running correctly. I can do some basic stuff but your method of completely retuning the lock is probably beyond my skill set with metal work.

I am not questioning your knowledge. Just explaining what happened to me when I bought a really expensive pistol and read the owners manual. When I shot IPSC I had a very good gunsmith locally who ended up sponsoring me keeping my pistol running correctly. I can do some basic stuff but your method of completely retuning the lock is probably beyond my skill set with metal work.
Understandable that anyone would would think factory manuals or even gun magazines and books would be a good place to start. Unfortunately they are fair to poorly passable if winning match accuracy is needed...nsp...updated... Some exceptions are any articles written by Bill Carver ( Pistol Shots) In NMLRA magazines years ago and by Mike Luma (Pistol Shots 2) . 2 of our greatest ML Pistol champions. If you are a NMLRA member you can search our Muzzle Blasts magazines archives to read the best tips from real National Championships dominating shooters...nsp
 
Last edited:
More adjustment; Bottom trigger is set. Top trigger is not set. What is new? The trigger has been bent slightly back to both flatten the curve and shorten the length of pull. The trigger guard screws into the trigger plate. Notice it seems like it might screw in another full turn. It does. It fits my trigger finger and second finger better with this adjustment...nsp
20241017_012447.jpg
20241017_012435.jpg
 
The extra sheen that strikes me as a warm glow is hand rubbed pure beeswax. If your hand gets dry breeth on it before setting your grip. Beeswax works best with a little moisture. Why; this part of my tuning is for a better grip surface. Less effort and slippage in your grip helps with consistency...nsp View attachment 355527
Thank you for providing this information.
 
Early European Makers Set World Standard for Quality & Accuracy.

I wholly agree with with No second place & other members that a pistol's grip configuration combined with fine quality locks, set trigger & barrels play a major role in how well we score 'if' shooter has a very steady hand :)


When much younger I did fairly well in competition by shooting original European rifles & pistols, there were no manufactures of repro target pistols until later years.
Now @ 82 my competition days are in the past.

Below are types of single shot pistols I enjoyed shooting.
-the first is a .38 cal. Danish Target pistol w/ rifled bore.
-Upper pistol is a French in .53 cal. w/ rifled bore.
*The lower pistol with fluted grips is a .70 Cal French officers pistol,
It's larger bore with micro groove rifling made spotting hits @ 25yds. on paper easier :)
 

Attachments

  • Danish Target Pistol, lockside view photo 1.jpg
    Danish Target Pistol, lockside view photo 1.jpg
    97.2 KB
  • French, two perc. pistols.jpg
    French, two perc. pistols.jpg
    3.2 MB
After shooting and competing with most target type Caplock repos and many originals I only recently acquired a Pedersoli Kuchenreuter. Always wanting to test one for match shooting use. This one is .40 caliber. Will the Kutch replace my Pedersoli Cap Lapage as my primary capper? But first, just like any other new to me match pistol...Tuning...Some have asked for details on my tuning and my answer is always "depends on what each gun needs". I will provide some details here. Not a "How To" guide. Just What and Why. Barrel tuning; Crown shape and polish. Why. To prevent patch damage and ease starting. Bore Taper-Lapping and Polishing. Why. Ease of loading, less fouling build up and ease of cleaning. Front sight. Reshape to straight side with a taper from front to rear. Why. Better sight picture in various light conditions without distracting reflections changing your point of aim. Wedge and tenon under barrel and breech wedge fit and tension. Why. Preventing point of aim drift... Hook breach with rear sight and tension screw; Proper screw tension needed to prevent point of aim shift. Replaced V notch rear sight with a U notch for better sight picture. Fixed internal adjustments for rear sight.Why. Did not work, now works and will not randomly change adjustment...Lock; Polish , Stone and adjust Fly, Sear, Tumbler and screw tension. Why; Faster, smoother and more consistent operation... Trigger; Polishing, Stoning and adjusting. Why; For a fine match trigger... I also removed the factory "Plastic looking" finish. The new finish is a oil blend type like you will see on original guns... Were all these improvements, adjustments or tuning needed? Yes. Is this much needed tuning typical? Yes. Would you not shoot a new gun first to "find out" it`s tuning needs? No, not any more. Point or aim shifting, poor trigger and poor sights is not worth a range day...Pictures and 2 days of range testing to follow...nsp
Hey where can anyone buy the ku
After shooting and competing with most target type Caplock repos and many originals I only recently acquired a Pedersoli Kuchenreuter. Always wanting to test one for match shooting use. This one is .40 caliber. Will the Kutch replace my Pedersoli Cap Lapage as my primary capper? But first, just like any other new to me match pistol...Tuning...Some have asked for details on my tuning and my answer is always "depends on what each gun needs". I will provide some details here. Not a "How To" guide. Just What and Why. Barrel tuning; Crown shape and polish. Why. To prevent patch damage and ease starting. Bore Taper-Lapping and Polishing. Why. Ease of loading, less fouling build up and ease of cleaning. Front sight. Reshape to straight side with a taper from front to rear. Why. Better sight picture in various light conditions without distracting reflections changing your point of aim. Wedge and tenon under barrel and breech wedge fit and tension. Why. Preventing point of aim drift... Hook breach with rear sight and tension screw; Proper screw tension needed to prevent point of aim shift. Replaced V notch rear sight with a U notch for better sight picture. Fixed internal adjustments for rear sight.Why. Did not work, now works and will not randomly change adjustment...Lock; Polish , Stone and adjust Fly, Sear, Tumbler and screw tension. Why; Faster, smoother and more consistent operation... Trigger; Polishing, Stoning and adjusting. Why; For a fine match trigger... I also removed the factory "Plastic looking" finish. The new finish is a oil blend type like you will see on original guns... Were all these improvements, adjustments or tuning needed? Yes. Is this much needed tuning typical? Yes. Would you not shoot a new gun first to "find out" it`s tuning needs? No, not any more. Point or aim shifting, poor trigger and poor sights is not worth a range day...Pictures and 2 days of range testing to follow...nsp
Hey where can anyone buy the Kuchenreuter model? Thanks
 
Back
Top