1st time out with a new Howdah Hunter

[Millermpls]

As we continue to have unbelievably nice weather in the northlands, I got yet another weekend to play with black powder. Had the Lymans Plains Pistol and a Remy 1858 repro out for their paces, 20 rounds on the former, and 24 on the latter (fouling usually stars to be an issue on the fourth cylinder). Even got the wife to try a few shots on the Lymans (she is deadeye with a 22 Neos, but very recoil sensitive). Gave a couple of guys their first BP shots, and the grins could not have been bigger.

The real fun for me was playing with a new 'Howdah Hunter' double barrel 20 gauge percussion pistol. It is a beast in weight, but that just served to soak up the recoil. Was shooting offhand to get a feel. I didn't have the proper size lead, so I used .58 cal (actually .57) with .015 inch patches. Pretty loose, but it shot. It was an absolute hoot. Only threw a dozen rounds downrange, but it was fun. Have to order some .615 ball from Track of the Wolf to give it a real work out.

Not good for much, but it was a blast!

 

[bpd303]

They are very good for when the tiger is climbing up the backside of your elephant. :grin:

 

[larryp]

When you get the proper size balls be sure and give us a full range report. I've been thinking of one as a companion for my smoothbore when in bear country.

 

[Zonie]

They are very good for when the tiger is climbing up the backside of your elephant. :grin:

With my luck, the elephant would notice the tiger, wrap its trunk around my body and proceed to beat the tiger to death using me as the club. :shocked2:

I think I'll avoid tigers and elephants and Howdah pistols and save myself a lot of grief.

Well..... The pistol might be fun but not clobbering a tiger with me. :hmm:

 

[Wes/Tex]

They are very good for when the tiger is climbing up the backside of your elephant. :grin:

You better be 'locked & loaded' too, it takes no more than a second or two! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4t0aeTX954

 

[rodwha]

Try Ballistol on the cylinder pin. I can keep shooting when it's sprayed (aerosol version) well every now and then along with a little wipe. No serious cleaning as I had to do beforehand which was about every third cylinder full.

 

[cynthialee]

Jealousy is my name...

I want one of those for the house. Living in the forest calls for firepower on hand on occasion. Mainly due to wild critters.
One of them howdah pistols would clear the deck fast.
You even have the caliber I want.
*sigh*

 

[Billnpatti]

I think a blunderbus would be a lot of fun and they are pretty.....at least to me. The down side is that you have only one shot rather than two with which to dissuade the scum bag. But, they cover a large area with whatever you choose to put in them. Still, I must admit

Howda pistols
are a lot of fun
You get two shots
not of just one.

The roar, the smoke
the flash and flame
Stopping the bad guy
that's the blunderbus' game.

They scatter shot
From ceiling to wall
and leave dead scum bags
out in the hall



Thank ya! Thank ya kindly! I'll be here all week. Don't forget to tip your waitress. :thumbsup: :haha:

 

[robinghewitt]

I love this one, they stuffed a whole elephant :shocked2:

 

[robinsroost]

One of those loaded with a couple of ounces of #4 copper plated buckshot ought to soften up a room pretty good, LOL.......Robin :stir:

 

[Rusty_Nail]

I love this one, they stuffed a whole elephant :shocked2:

Yeah, and the shooter is NOT holding a Howdah Pistol!

 

[rodwha]

Too cool!

:thumbsup:

 

I love this one, they stuffed a whole elephant :shocked2:

Squire, try to focus... Howdah Pistol. :wink:

 

[rodwha]

He did get the howdah part I suppose...

 

He did get the howdah part I suppose...

Yes, and if the topic were about a "seat on an elephant", he'd be right. :rotf:

 

[torn moc]

Ha hahahaha.....check out the tigers tail!
he musta dipped it in chlorox...
Now...back tom Howdah pistols.....

 

[Millermpls]

Well, all y'all beat me to any elephant jokes... I will stop back with a range report, but I am not certain I'll get back out before the weather turns. I did buy some #4 and 00 buck to screw around with some shot loads, and will certainly try some different ball/patch combos.

Thank you for the suggestion on the revolver, I will give it a try.

 

[Millermpls]

I should have noted using 30 grains FFFG loads. The Pedersoli manual notes 28gr-30gr maximum, which really seems weak to me. Recoil was very pleasant at 30gr. The barrel wall is not overly thick, about like a modern shotgun.

I am not a max load guy, partly due to arthritis, party due to being cheap, and a lot to do with using thin paper for targets. :wink: I am guessing one could put a fairly stout load in this thing, if you do have any tigers hunting in your neighborhood.

 

[torn moc]

Here is a good article on Howdah pistols: http://www.ctmuzzleloaders.com/antique_guns/purdey_howdah/howdah.html

 

[rodwha]

I've certainly been intrigued by the 20 ga version. Please report back what else you find!