Heavy Dragoon Cut Down

[BigDeutscher]

Just bought and recieved a Heavy Dragoon
British Flintlock from Middlesex Village
Used but not abused and a great deal found here on the classifieds
So here it is ......
It is a monster ! meant to be carried on horseback
So I thought to myself,Self ,you should cut this this down to a good useful size
the Barrel is 12 inches long ,and I am considering shortening to 7 and 3/4
Thining the stock and workin on the lock
Trigger pull must be around 30 Lbs!
What do you all think?
And what about a Front sight /Brass
Kinda like a model 1842 musket?
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[CaptainKirk]

Gotta have pix.... :hmm:

 

[LRB]

Here's mine. Much wood removed and carving lowered and refined. Trigger is maybe 2 1/2 lbs. A fun shooter, and is good for squirrels for 20yrds using #7 1/2 shot behind 50 gr fffg.

 

[BigDeutscher]

This is what I am starting with
I only hope it comes out as well as yours!
Was yours aready marked TOWER or did you do that?
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[BigDeutscher]

Wick
Is this wood as hard to work with as some people have posted?
My pistol looks like a blob compaired to what you have done
I guess I need to pull it apart and start carving and cuttin
I will post pics as I work on it
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[BigDeutscher]

Wick
Would you be so kind as to post a picture of the other side of your pistol
I would like to see what you have done
And ,on the lock ....where should I start to reduce trigger pull weight?
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[BigDeutscher]

pistol torn down
Where is my hacksaw?
Wish me luck
I am not as steady as I used to be
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[BigDeutscher]

I know what most people say about curry guns
But that was some hard steel
Had to put a new blade in the old hacksaw
Made the cut nice and flat then recrowned it
The scary part is over now to get rid of some of the extra wood
And give it some classic lines
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[LRB]

The wood is very prone to chipping. Go slow and use really sharp tools. Remove wood a little at a time and stay aware of grain directions. My lock had the Tower marking. I reduced the sear spring and polished the moving parts, then gave the tumbler and sear a good dose of Kasenit, and the tumble hole area on the lock plate also. I heat bent the cock downward a tad for a better flint angle. I used Fiebings Med brown sprit type stain, and finished with 2 or 3 coats of Permalyn Sealer which seems to give a pretty hard satin finish.

 

[BigDeutscher]

Very nice Wick
Jack of all trades does not do you Justice
Your experience and willingness to help others
Is A Blessing to us all.
I know other questions will come up for me
And if it has not already been talked about in length on this site .I know we can count on you to stear us in the right direction
Thanks
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I nod to Wick also. With guidence like that the cut down will go smooth.
nice

 

Big - We are a funny lot. I have struggled trying to find a long barrel and have not been able to do it.
Looks like you have good assistance with the rework enjoy.

 

[BigDeutscher]

You have a short one ?
I can glue it back together
I know I can :wink:
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[BillinOregon]

Deutsch, if you can get yours to look like Wick's you'll be doing everything right. Man, these are beautiful, BIG horsepistols.

 

[BigDeutscher]

Well, I came home from work today and finished her up
Alot more handy than the pistol I started with
I am happy with my work
I am not as skilled as Wick but it will work
All it needs now is a front sight
Thanks for all the help and incouragement
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[CaptainKirk]

Looks darn fine to me! :thumbsup:

 

[LRB]

That looks really good. I wasn't sure how it would look trimmed back, but I like it. Makes me want to get another and try it myself. :thumbsup:

 

[BigDeutscher]

Thanks Wick
When a true Craftsman says he likes it
You know you musta done something right!
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And thanks for the nod from the good Captian

 

[junkman_01]

Fine work sir! I like your modification a lot. :thumbsup:

 

[BigDeutscher]

You are too kind ,Sir
I keep it on the wall by by bed
So as I fall asleep I can gaze upon it's beauty
:thumbsup: No....Really
I have not shot it yet
tommorow morning that statement will no longer be true.
It does feel good in the hand, and seems to point well
We will see ,and I will report my findings
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