Need info on 1795 Springfield Pedersoli

[smoothshooter]

Has anyone out there had any experience with the Pedersoli 1795 Musket as sold by Dixie and others? Dixie is running a special on them for $900. That still seems like an awful lot for something as basic as a musket. Does the workmanship on a typical one justify the price? I did look at a NIB Charleville repro that they had a year ago. Maybe it was not a representative example, but there was a sixteenth-of-an-inch gap between the pan cover and right side of the barrel, and the wood had a grayish-stained motel-furniture-finish that looked like manure. I am not one of those cheapskates that is unwilling to pay more for better quality, but I am unwilling to pay top dollar for a gun that still needs &200+ of work to make it right. Any info would be greatly appreciated.-Smoothshooter-

 

[bnail]

I don't own one, but my buddy picked up one from DGW, seems he paid less than 900.00 though. The fit and finish was fine for a military arm, and it shoots great. we've had it out in the field on several occassions, and it's always performed admirably. can speak to the accuracy, as all we shot was paper cartriges. it also fired buck and ball effectively. overall, a nice piece, and I wouldn't mind having one.IMO.
here's it in action:

 

[jchochole]

Hi, I have had a M1795 from Dixie and also have shot the old M1763 Japanese Miroku's for years. In my opinion the cost of the Italian '95 is too much out of the box and sadly, the heft and "feel" of this weapon is way way off from originals. The Pedersoli people manufacture the weapon to be sturdy and bulky- not historically accurate in feel. The Japanese Charlevilles have much more of a real historical feel and heft, plus ignition is as good, if not better than the 1795's. I cannot justify paying near $1000 for a Pedersoli (even considering that the internal springs are not the best and tend to break more readily) so if you can get one for say $600 then it is a good deal. Otherwise, if you on a budget or want a more accurate 200 year old "feel" of a Springfield- search for a Miroku or Navy Arms made 1763 Charleville. Happy hunting!

Jim Chochole

 

[kb466]

I agree with what Jim C. says. I have been looking for a Miroku or Japanese Charleville or M1795 recently, but have been unable to turn one up. I had a Pedersoli M1777 Charleville a few years ago but got rid of it. It was generally well made but the breech area was oversized and it just did not look right. From the one Pedersoli M1763 that I have seen, the Pedersoli M1763's and M1795's are the same with the oversized breech area. This is a shame as the original M1763's and the M1795's were known for their very trim lines. I understand that Pedersoli does this so some half-wit won't blow his up with smokeless powder or some such thing.

Thus, I am looking for an old Miroku M1763 or M1795 or may build my own. For the same reason, I am planning on building my own M1816 rather than buy the Pedersoli M1816. If anyone has a junker M1816 for parts or a Miroku M1763 or M1795 for sale, I would love to hear from them.

 

[kb466]

One other thing--If you want a French (or US, as we copied the French) type musket, on the Military Heritage website, they offer a M1777 Charleville for about $500. It is one of the India-made guns. I haven't seen one in hand, but the pictures look pretty good and most importantly, unlike the Pedersoli, it looks trim and right. I would try to get some feedback on them before buying one to make sure they are not junk.