Charleville musket?

[pepperbelly]

OK, what I had thought was a Brown Bess isn't. It looks like it might be a Charleville musket.
Before I go back to start negotiating a price- it's used in a pawn shop and is priced at $499.00, down from their original price of $799.00.
I need tips on what to look for to determine the make and model of this thing.
I know to check the name on the lock, but what else should I check for? Is there anything I should look for to avoid?

Tell me about these muskets as far as shooting, etc.

Jim

 

[pepperbelly]

I should have been a little clearer, but what do I look for to determine what year model it might be?

Jim

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

Jim- You can go to Pedersoli's site and check out their pictures. That isn't a bad price for one of their guns.
They shoot about like any other smoothbore. Once you've worked up some good ball and shot loads you're in business. I have a friend who hunted with one for years and always got his limit. They are lighter than a Bess and to my mind are nicer to carry.

 

[Jumpshot]

If it's a Pedersoli... is the forward band (nearest the muzzle) a gold or grayish color? If gray, the 1766 lock should be marked "Charleville". The 1777 (which I believe also had a gray band, but don't quote me on that) is marked "St. Etienne".

Here are two others (I believe these are newer ones), the easiest way to tell the difference between these two is the barrel bands in the middle of the barrel...
[url] http://davidepedersoli.com/ArmiCategoria.aspx?CategoriaId=227&lang=en[/url]
[url] http://davidepedersoli.com/ArmiCategoria.aspx?CategoriaId=225&lang=en[/url]

 

[Many Klatch]

Pepperbelly, take a flint and a screwdriver with you this time. If the gun store will let you, try the trigger pull and see if it sparks. If the flint is already too dull, ask if they will let you put a new flint in and try it. The trigger pull should be something that you can live with. While you are at it, you could take the lock off and look inside to see if it is rusted or not.

The gun should fit to your shoulder much like a US M-1 Garand.

Many Klatch

 

[Va.Manuf.06]

If it is a used Italian made reproduction, the price is good. If it is an Indian made piece, price is too high for a used gun.

 

[torn moc]

Pepperbelly, a 1777 by Pedersoli will have finger grooves in the rear of the trigger guard for your fingers. It sould also me stamped MLE1777
on the tang., and have one spring assisted barrel band and two barrel band without springs.
It may be stamped on the reare left side of the barrel as to the year it was produced by Pedersoli. Mine was produced in 1989 and it has the "Sweetest Trigger" I have ever seen.
TOTALLY in Love with it.

 

[Trot]

Before sparking a flint in it, make sure it is unloaded! One spark is all it might take even without prime in the pan.

 

[torn moc]

assuming The Charleville you are looking at is in fact a Pedersoli,,,$499 is a Super Price!...but I caution also...replace parts aint too cheap...
althought you may never need to replace anything.
Last time I looked Pedersoli Charlevilles were price at $1100 or so...............
also...dont forget to looke down the bore!
TROT....You Have good point! First make sure it is UNLOADED :haha: