Pistol info needed

[john s mosby]

I've been looking for a target pistol and found this one at a good price at a local gun show.
The markings on the barrel are:
P. BONDINI-PRAEZISIONSLAUF
On the side of the barrel there is a small box with the letters AN, also PN with a crown over it and M598. It's 45 cal. It has a set trigger. The stock looks to be walnut. I'm guessing it's made in Italy.
Anyone have one of these?

 

[TFoley]

P.Bondini = Paolo Bondini, registered as a gun-maker in the proof-house of Gardone Val Trompia, Brescia, Italy. The letters PN stand for 'pulvero nero' - black powder. Other letters refer to the date of proof, but I am on a train right now, and do not have my books with me. Looks to be a very nice piece with one of Bondini's match barrels - definitely NOT a bash-about-the-woods clunker.

I called up the directory and found this address -

Paolo Bondini 4/00
Via Sorrento 345
San Carlo Di Cesena Fo
I-47020, Italia

011-39-0547-663240

011-39-0547-663780 Fax

Give 'em a call to talk about it, why not?

This web-site has an article about the parlour-pistol version of this fine-looking piece -
[url] http://www.ctmuzzleloaders.com/ctml_experiments/parlor_pistol/parlor_pistol.html[/url]

Sorry I can't be of more help.

tac on the train

 

[john s mosby]

Tac

Thank you for all your help. I did buy it, couldn't resist the good price. I may call them and see if they have a booklet for it. It's got two small screws that adjust the trigger, I'm not sure which one does what.

Again, thank you.

So, just where is this train taking you?

 

[TFoley]

It took me from York to Peterborough, where my lady was awaiting my arrival.

FYI - the rear screw usually sets the back-lash, and the front screw the trigger weight. Please check the trigger weight by setting it as light as you want to and then raise the pistol to the vertical position - if it fires, you have gone too far.

tac, now home

 

[torn moc]

Mosby....a Bondini pistol just recently was sold on gunbroker. It had a 14" barrel. DID you see it?

 

[john s mosby]

Thanks for the information on the trigger adjustment. I haven't messed with it yet, didn't want to until I was sure what was what.

Nothing beats having a lady waiting when you arrive, lucky for you!!

 

[john s mosby]

Scalper

No, I didn't see the one on Gunbroker. How much did it sell for?

 

[torn moc]

it was at $225 the last time I looked..but I cant recall the selling price.

 

[john s mosby]

Not sure I'd want a 14 inch barrel. This one is 10 inches, that's long enough.

I gotta find a nipple wrench, none of mine fit it. The shoulder on the nipple is really long compaired to most nipples.

 

[kgs113]

I have a Bondini LePage and it is a nice shooter. Also have a parlor pistol and a Wm. Parker flintlock in pieces. Seem to be well made also. Unfortunately the LePage is a double set trigger therefore not legal for international competition.

 

[john s mosby]

I was deleting some old pictures from my Picturetrail site last night and deleted this picture by mistake so here it is again. I plan on getting to the range Friday. It's to be up to 32 degrees. That's better than 10 above with wind chills below zero.

 

[mykeal]

John S Mosby:

I have one of those guns. Very, very well made. I bought it in 1981 but never had a chance to shoot it. Just recently retired and pulled it out of storage. Still in great shape with just a little corrosion on the silver furniture.

The AN in a box is a date code that works out to 1985.

Edit: I just checked my gun - it's a 50 cal Hawken replica with an 8" barrel, so it's a different model from the same manufacturer. Very nice gun.

 

[john s mosby]

mykeal

Thanks for the information on the date code. Makes me wonder who owned it all these years and never shot it. I plan on shooting it tomorrow if it warms up some, 10 degrees is a bit too cold for me. It's to be up to a grand 32 degrees tomorrow, it'll feel like a heat wave.
I send a letter to the company in Italy asked for information, hope they respond.
Today I want to make a range rod for it.

 

[mykeal]

Would very much appreciate it if you would post a message if Bondini responds to your letter.

I have to admit I've never shot mine. I got into BP in the early 70's and built a few kits. Bought the Bondini at the local outfitters because it was the best looking gun in the place at the time. I've put thousands of rounds through my kit guns and some Uberti/Pietta wheel guns, but the Bondini was always just too pretty to subject to the abuse of actually using it. Had to put up the toys for about 25 years while I made my fortune and just recently pulled them all back out of storage after I retired. So maybe now, after all these years, the Bondini will get to do what it was made to do.

I'll post a picture when I get a chance. The Hawken has a very interesting metal ramrod on a swivel.

 

[john s mosby]

I'll be sure to let you know if Bondini responds to my letter.
You're right, they are beautiful guns. You can bet I'll be careful with it. I hope to shoot it today.

 

[mykeal]

My Bondini Hawken:

 

[john s mosby]

Nice pistol. The trigger guard, and the checkering look the same as mine. And you've never shot it? Is it 45 cal? I like the swivel ramrod.

 

[mykeal]

.50 cal. Nope, have not shot it yet. It was in storage until a couple of months ago because I was in a position where I could not indulge (overseas job assignment).