dukewellington
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Is it safe to use antique pistols? Does the value decrease when used?
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Shooting antique flintlock pistols
- Thread starter dukewellington
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It really depends very much on the pistol and the condition. Many antique flintlocks are not in shootable condition, and the metallurgy of even the best barrels, springs, and locks was an art, rather than a science. I have heard of magnafluxing the barrel or x-raying it to check for any hidden cracks or flaws, but have not had it done myself. The standard advice of getting a qualified professional to examine the gun and determine its suitability for firing applies in spades here, as does test-firing the gun remotely first from a safe distance.
The breechplug threads may have rusted to powder over the roughly 2 centuries since it was made - remember, even a gun made in 1809 is 200 years old - and the stock wood may have been weakened
by whatever well-intentioned cleaning fluids or oil were put on it. Screws and springs can snap, and although new ones can be made, that's not necessarily cheap, and you've forever lost a piece of history. Aside from the dangers, if a barrel bursts, stock cracks, or a part breaks, then yes, you have seriously diminished the value to collectors.
All that taken into acount, there are people who shoot original flintlocks, and they can tell you of the joys and frustrations of that.
Squire Robin posts some interesting news of his Baker rifle and other pieces. It can be done, but you do risk diminishing the collector value, and worse yet, killing someone if you're not careful.
The breechplug threads may have rusted to powder over the roughly 2 centuries since it was made - remember, even a gun made in 1809 is 200 years old - and the stock wood may have been weakened
by whatever well-intentioned cleaning fluids or oil were put on it. Screws and springs can snap, and although new ones can be made, that's not necessarily cheap, and you've forever lost a piece of history. Aside from the dangers, if a barrel bursts, stock cracks, or a part breaks, then yes, you have seriously diminished the value to collectors.
All that taken into acount, there are people who shoot original flintlocks, and they can tell you of the joys and frustrations of that.
Squire Robin posts some interesting news of his Baker rifle and other pieces. It can be done, but you do risk diminishing the collector value, and worse yet, killing someone if you're not careful.
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