Help identify this pistol please?

[zimmerstutzen]

Bondini sold some superb single set trigger target muzzle loader pistols. pretty high end stuff, similar to the Lepage etc. Heck, even CVA sold the Siber pistol.

That lock looks like a sloppy tumbler fit to the bridle, but the parts and finish is certainly better than many of the guns made in spain and belgium. I have one of those Belgian monkey guns sold by Dixie in the 1960 and 1970's. rough forged parts, etc.

I found pictures of some really nice target models from Bondini. Actually had the chance to examine one in person. Far better than any factory US made muzzle loader.

I have never owned a Bondini, a few members here have Bondini's (They posted pictures of them on other forums)

 

[cynthialee]

I forgot to mention:
The barrel is clearly marked as a .45 however, I can use a bare .433 ball and have to smack it hard to set it in the barrel. Seating the ball without a patch even takes a little pushing, it doesn't just slide down. So obviously this barrel is not a .45 regardless of its markings.

 

[mjulihn]

I forgot to mention:
The barrel is clearly marked as a .45 however, I can use a bare .433 ball and have to smack it hard to set it in the barrel. Seating the ball without a patch even takes a little pushing, it doesn't just slide down. So obviously this barrel is not a .45 regardless of its markings.

That makes it tough, Any idea the "true" bore size? I have never heard of a .43 caliber! :haha:

 

[cynthialee]

bassed on how it felt when I set the ball, I would guess it is around .431-.434 (Store bought balls so I doubt they are uniformly perfect .433)
I couldn't set the balls with out a short starter and sending it home was about the resistance you would get with a moderatly tight PRB.
My first shot I used a .10 patch and getting it set required some ummph. After that shot I laid a ball on top of the muzzle to see how much windage it had and it just sat there and didn't drop in. So thats when I decided to try it out bare ball.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

Many early Italian made guns are actually metric, labeled with a close English measure Equivalent.

Probably is an 11mm, but called a 45. I have the exact same problem with a Palmetto target pistol. a .433 ball is palm bruising tight with a thin muslin patch. Most very early Italian muzzle loaders were 44 caliber. I have an old Pedersoli with a brass barrel that is also very tight with the same 433 ball and thin patch.

 

[Many Klatch]

My Pedersoli LePage is a "45" as well. It shoots a .430 or .435 ball depending on patch thickness. A .430 ball will roll down inside the barrel.

Many Klatch

 

[MiddleJohn]

I have a hard time believing the maker of some of the best Italian muzzle loading pistols ever made the bridle that's in Cynthia's lock. :hmm:

I have a W. Parker made by Bondini and the guts of my lock looks nothing like what's shown in the lock above.
So I would vote no on a Bondini.
Quality just isn't there. Just look at that crude trigger guard!!

 

[Zonie]

Thanks for your observation but if you are talking to cynthialee, I doubt if she will see the comment.
The last time cynthialee was here was in 2018.

 

[MiddleJohn]

Thanks for your observation but if you are talking to cynthialee, I doubt if she will see the comment.
The last time cynthialee was here was in 2018.

OOPS!

I was using google to track down what the "LR" on top of my Bondini W. Parker stands for and I came across this thread.

Should have noticed how old it was. My bad.