Pedersoli Kodiak Doubles

[Africa58double]

Appreciate the information/Story. Very informative. Those monster animals need serious horsepower! I’d imagine a big bear would be max for a 600 gr conical with 140gr Bp.
Rino and Cape buff…. Howitzer!

My 2nd Buff is really made me want more punch. He was the SCI #1 world record with a ML for several years. When he charged I shot at him in the chest and found out about 6 hours later that It had gone through him above his heart and missed his lungs and ended up in his intestines. He broke the charge and ran to his right. He was so unaffected that I thought that I had missed. After running through knee deep water, I was in the Okavango River Delta in Botswana, for about 75 yards I got another shot as he ran parallel to me in the left side of his neck [about 50 yards] He did not react at all. I was furious with myself thinking that I had missed 2 shots. I would react more to a mosquito bite than he did. It turned out to be a solid hit in the middle of his neck. A couple of days later my friend's 8 bore [83.5 cal.] really laid out a running Buff. Flipped him 180 degrees. So that is why I wanted more gun!

 

[Africa58double]

Just got a stock pouch made for mine- 2 reloads should fit. Well- a reload to each barrel

 

[copehill hermit]

From following the discussions elswehere, I am thinking about getting a Pedersoli double rifle (maybe in .58). However, I can't find one anywhere to handle and have a close look at, so apologies if this is a silly question.

I have been told that the problem with the double rifle is that it has a separate set of sights mounted on each barrel, not a single set on the centre rib - express style - as this would require the barrels to be regulated by the manufacturer to hit a single point of aim.

Frankly, I find the idea of two sets of sights a bit odd. Is the gun actually made this way? I was wondering if anyone could clear this up for me?

Cheers

Robbo

I had this one for a while. The newer versions come with a single peep sight

 

[Rifleman1776]

Never shot one but those I have handled seemed very heavy and awkward. IMHO, unless you are a muscular big guy you won't enjoy shooting this monster.

 

[Old Hawkeye]

Never shot one but those I have handled seemed very heavy and awkward. IMHO, unless you are a muscular big guy you won't enjoy shooting this monster.

A buddy has one of the newer ones (about two years old) with a single tang mounted peep sight, 24" barrels, & a recoil pad. It's about two pounds lighter than the older ones & carries & handles much better than the "monster" you refer to. Took some experimenting to get both barrels to same POI, but he finally got them to within a couple inches of each other at, if I remember right, 75 yards. For what they are intended for that is more than adequate. His is a 50 cal, but regardless of caliber they are designed to shoot HEAVY conicals at tough game @ close range. Very classic looking rifle, IMHO.

 

[Africa58double]

Never shot one but those I have handled seemed very heavy and awkward. IMHO, unless you are a muscular big guy you won't enjoy shooting this monster.

Mine is from 1996. Cabelas version… Yet still very nice wood and Metal finish. Metal is a purple type swirl and very attractive. I have the express 3 leaf I folded all leaves down. I then installed the single rear peep sight. It weighs about 10lbs. It’s not something to lug around easily- yet it’s not bad. Balances well and for 85 yard shots it’s Excellent to have a quick second shot. Mines got the 28 1/2” barrel length and I’m sure the 24” would be better for handling. Yet the longer barrel ensures full powder burn, Even the large charge…. And that’s good when Shooting Large Conical at Large game.

 

[david w]

From following the discussions elswehere, I am thinking about getting a Pedersoli double rifle (maybe in .58). However, I can't find one anywhere to handle and have a close look at, so apologies if this is a silly question.

I have been told that the problem with the double rifle is that it has a separate set of sights mounted on each barrel, not a single set on the centre rib - express style - as this would require the barrels to be regulated by the manufacturer to hit a single point of aim.

Frankly, I find the idea of two sets of sights a bit odd. Is the gun actually made this way? I was wondering if anyone could clear this up for me?

Cheers

Robbo

I have a Kodiak double in .58. To me, it's not much of a hassle to switch the sights. Once each sight is zeroed in, it's a fairly accurate gun. It's still a lot quicker second shot than a single barrel. The reason behind two sights is to overcome tuning in two barrels for one set of sights. That process can be quite expensive.
I just noticed this thread started in 2007!

 

[Crow-Feather]

From following the discussions elswehere, I am thinking about getting a Pedersoli double rifle (maybe in .58). However, I can't find one anywhere to handle and have a close look at, so apologies if this is a silly question.

I have been told that the problem with the double rifle is that it has a separate set of sights mounted on each barrel, not a single set on the centre rib - express style - as this would require the barrels to be regulated by the manufacturer to hit a single point of aim.

Frankly, I find the idea of two sets of sights a bit odd. Is the gun actually made this way? I was wondering if anyone could clear this up for me?

Cheers

Robbo

It is expensive to regulate barrels. Pedersoli keeps the cost down by using two rear sights, one for each barrel. My Pedersoli double did shoot about 1 1/2 inches apart at 50 yars with just one sight.

 

[Africa58double]

Mine shot both barrels, Prb 58cal 280gr and 75 grains FFg Goex to about 2” group at 50 yards. Both bulls eye shots.

 

[M. De Land]

From following the discussions elswehere, I am thinking about getting a Pedersoli double rifle (maybe in .58). However, I can't find one anywhere to handle and have a close look at, so apologies if this is a silly question.

I have been told that the problem with the double rifle is that it has a separate set of sights mounted on each barrel, not a single set on the centre rib - express style - as this would require the barrels to be regulated by the manufacturer to hit a single point of aim.

Frankly, I find the idea of two sets of sights a bit odd. Is the gun actually made this way? I was wondering if anyone could clear this up for me?

Cheers

Robbo

i wonder how a ghost ring, tang mount peep would work in leu of the two rear barrel sights. I've read that barrels can be regulated by cutting an angle on a crown face plane but have not tried it. If it works it would be a pretty neat and fast set up for a double rifle convergence and one sight line for both barrels.

 

[Africa58double]

As stated I have installed the Rear tang peep sight Pedersoli offers. Easy to install and I simply lined it up with the single express triple leaf rear sight. I’d imagine a double set of sights would be a challenge. I’d prefer simplicity.

I still have the Rear express sites on my rifle and they are folded down. Yet at further distances… I can pop them up.
The Ghost ring really is nice

 

[unclelouie]

I had this one for a while. The newer versions come with a single peep sight

I have a 45cal. double barrel hunting rifle made in around 1850 by Joseph Jacobs. Wendell Hatch built the triggers, and the name of Elden is in the gun too. the sites are down the center of the barrels. the gun has no halfcock on it but the triggers are double set but no halfcock . both barrels can be fired together or separately. at around 100 yards they hit in the same area. at 25 yards, there 6 inches apart. they built all kinds in those days just like today. It's a 1 in 47 twist.

 

[Africa58double]

Anyone Ever Double ball load? I’ve read about this… as a intentional thing done. Each barrel gets 2 x PRB…. Charge of powder under ….

With both barrels at same time…… that’s 1120 grains of lead! Outta my 58

Dosnt sound safe tho. Yet certainly “Loaded for Bear”

 

[Archer 756]

Here in good old tax state New York cannot hunt with double rifle even though its black powder Thats NY

 

[Griz44Mag]

Anyone Ever Double ball load? I’ve read about this… as a intentional thing done. Each barrel gets 2 x PRB…. Charge of powder under ….

With both barrels at same time…… that’s 1120 grains of lead! Outta my 58

Dosnt sound safe tho. Yet certainly “Loaded for Bear”

Just for grins, yup - I did that. 2 round balls are the same weight as one big conical - so there is no danger there.
At 50 yards the two balls hit about 3" apart, and also as expected, a bit lower because of the lower velocity.
The gun can certainly handle it, as it was designed for huge loads with big bullets.
My older make Kodiak is a Safari model, has the longer barrels and was fitted by Trail Guns Armory with a mercury recoil absorber in the stock.
That does help absorb some of the recoil of heavy loads.
I've never tried shooting both barrels at the same time, and likely never will..... (never say never)

 

[Africa58double]

Would you care do Share the charge loads you used? Was it Patched round balls? Both balls patched???
That’s a serious defense if ya had both barrels with two balls each. I’d think that substantial against tough game. Even big tough wild boar would have Difficulty soaking that much lead up. I read somewhere that a double impact has a quadruple affect on game animals. Something like that, and it made sense.

 

[Africa58double]

^^^

Just for grins, yup - I did that. 2 round balls are the same weight as one big conical - so there is no danger there.
At 50 yards the two balls hit about 3" apart, and also as expected, a bit lower because of the lower velocity.
The gun can certainly handle it, as it was designed for huge loads with big bullets.
My older make Kodiak is a Safari model, has the longer barrels and was fitted by Trail Guns Armory with a mercury recoil absorber in the stock.
That does help absorb some of the recoil of heavy loads.
I've never tried shooting both barrels at the same time, and likely never will..... (never say never)

 

[Africa58double]

Here in good old tax state New York cannot hunt with double rifle even though its black powder Thats NY

Ya good old NY- I grew up there. Goofy laws.
Maybe if you kept one Percussion cap off- it would be legal. Since one barrel would be “Unloaded”

You would need to Ask a Wildlife Rep

 

[Griz44Mag]

Would you care do Share the charge loads you used? Was it Patched round balls? Both balls patched???
That’s a serious defense if ya had both barrels with two balls each. I’d think that substantial against tough game. Even big tough wild boar would have Difficulty soaking that much lead up. I read somewhere that a double impact has a quadruple affect on game animals. Something like that, and it made sense.

Don't mind at all.
90 gr 3F OE - .575 (285gr) pure lead round balls - .010 patches (both balls) lubed with mink tallow (TOTW) - #11 CCI caps.
And the disclaimer - THIS IS WHAT I SHOT IN MY GUN - YOUR RESULTS WITH YOUR GUN ARE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
This is some load information I received from David Pedersoli company when I requested the manufacturing information on the gun.
-------------------
We have various loads that gave all good results:
75 grs. of black powder (Swiss # 2) .575" round ball and .010" patch.
85 grs. of Swiss # 2 - .570" round ball and .010" patch.
85 grs. of Swiss # 2 minié bullet 505 grs.
90 grs. of Swiss # 2 minié bullet 515 grs.
Our USA importer got good hunting results with:
100 grs. of FFg round ball .570" patch .010"
90 grs. of FFg conical bullet either 525 grs or 560 grs.
I looked for shooting performances reported from customers using our Kodiak .58 caliber:
90 grs of FFg Goex, .577" Lyman minié bullet 510 grs., muzzle velocity Fps1161, velocity 100 yds Fps 990, energy 100 yds 1111 Ft/lbs.
Using the same bullet with 110 grs, of FFg Goex, energy at 100 yds 1264 Ft/lbs.

While at the following link you can download the general instructions manual, including the section for the Kodiak Express rifle: Support | Davide Pedersoli

 

[Howie1968]

ive got the Pedersoli double .72 recoil even with the 800 and 1,000 grain conicals i can handle the problem i struggle with is the weight of the rifle 12 lbs not including sling loaded however these days i carry my pedersoli double 12 gauge sxs loaded with .690 rb 100 gr pyrodex rs and it does well for me at the ranges i shoot hogs 25 yards or less