I want to build a percussion pistol from scratch

[Jamesbeat]

Hi guys, I'm new here.
I found this forum while researching a build I want to do, and I feel like I struck gold!


The pistol I'd like to build is something along the lines of a small Derringer.
I shortened the barrel on my Remington 1858, so I have a nice piece left over.
I'm going to install a breech plug and drum on it and make a percussion lock and stock for it.


I'm trying to find plans/ blueprints for a percussion lock, but I've turned up nothing so far.

If I can't get anything then I guess I'll try to go by photos etc, but obviously it would be considerably easier for me if I could find some drawings.

Can anyone help me out?
I promise to post a running commentary on my build :grin:

 

[Zonie]

Deringer pocket pistols all had a back action lock and most, but not all of his imitators also used a back action lock.
The pocket pistols made by T. Bailey, John H. Krider and Schemann & Wirsing used conventional side locks.

I don't know of any detailed plans for a small back action lock or a Derringer pistol but you might consider using a newly made "Becky's Lock" for your project.
BECKY'S LOCK - PERCUSSION

The lockplate is about 7/8" high and 4 1/4 long.
The lock is made by Davis.

 

[Bruce Bogart]

Pryor Mt Bill Newton published a few booklets on locks and triggers a while back. In one of them was a plan for Derringer lock. Look in all the usual places (TOW Dixie,etc). Good luck!

 

[44-henry]

Why not something like an underhammer? Lots of small pocket pistols were built around this action.

 

[JV Puleo]

Around the end of September or the beginning of October a book is coming out on the first American made percussion arms - the Ruggles patent underhammers. They were very simple - so much so that I'm tempted to make one from scratch, barrel included, myself. They worked so well that the term "pocket rifle" was coined to describe them.