Target Flintlock Pistol

[Barry Strickland]

I agree with the Yazel pistols. I have had three, a 32 percussion, a 45 flint and a 36 Percussion. They were all excellent pistols. There is a person starting to produce the Yazel style again. I am sorry to say that I cannot remember his name. There was an add up for them in the pistol shack at Nationals in September.
Someone out there will know how to contact him. Here is a picture of two of the Yazel's.

 

[Barry Strickland]

Another one to look for is an Ingraham Underhammer. I picked one up a few years ago at Nationals and made a new grip for it. The one that was on it was horrible. 32 caliber and very accurate. Two pictures, one before and the after I made a stock out of cherry to fit my hand.

View attachment 16022 View attachment 16022 View attachment 16022

 

[PJ.H.]

So is the Yazel the going thing at Friendship? Seems pretty modern looking. Not good or bad just modern.
What other type of flintlock is being shot at Friendship?

 

[Many Klatch]

The Yazel pistols seem to be shot on the Mainline, most of what I have seen shot on the Primitive side are traditional style

 

[Grenadier1758]

Really the Yazel pistols, in my estimation fall into the modern classification with regards to the time periods associated with the forum. The only aspect that fits is the lock. They are fine firearms.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Really the Yazel pistols, in my estimation fall into the modern classification with regards to the time periods associated with the forum. The only aspect that fits is the lock. They are fine firearms.

Clearly, the mods have no issue with discussing the Yazels. They are some of the finest pistols ever made.

 

[Zonie]

Actually, I don't like to see some of the Yazels shown on the forum.
Things that look like a flintlock or percussion lock installed on a M1911 pistol in my opinion have no business being shown on a forum that is dedicated to the guns and stuff that existed prior to 1865.

In fact, I just removed Mr. Stricklands photo of something that looks like a cross between a flintlock and my High Standard Trophy target pistol from the post he made a few posts up from here.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

From what I understand about the Yazels, almost every one is already spoken for when the current user dies. In other words, these are guns with multiple generations ready to take them over when the time comes.

As a result, if you aren’t kin or very good friends with someone with a Yazel, you’ll never own one. They are the pinnacle of quality and the ultimate evolution in muzzle loading pistols.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

I really like my Yazel's with 9 inch barrels in .36 cal. I have one each in flint and percussion and both needed some working over before I was satisfied but they are very fine guns if you can find them. Most owners tend to hold on to them though.
https://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd277/mdeland_photos/P1020045_zps840d6bc0.jpg

Gorgeous Yazel. I wish I could find one, I’d pay top dollar for it.

 

[M. De Land]

Gorgeous Yazel. I wish I could find one, I’d pay top dollar for it.

I remember about ten years ago a friend of mine who had a couple Yazels insisted I try his out. I kept telling him I didn't want to because I was afraid I'd fall in love with them if I tried his. Sure enough, tried his one time and they were so accurate I just had to have at least a percussion model. A year later I ordered a flinter as well, both with 9 inch barrels instead of the standard 8 inch.
Harold Yazel just wanted to make a pistol of the finest quality at a price the average Joe could afford. He could have easily gotten over twice what he was charging and now that they are not being made by him any more they will just keep going up.
They are actually modeled after the Smith & Wesson Model 41, the grips are interchangeable. Harold didn't give a spit about tradition, he was all about making the most accurate pistol he could ,using both percussion and flint ignition and he succeeded as can be attested by many of the records shot at Friendship.

 

[Dave Shooter]

Matt McGraw of Indiana is currently producing Yazel pattern pistols. He is a long time BP shooter himself and has the family's blessing.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Matt McGraw of Indiana is currently producing Yazel pattern pistols. He is a long time BP shooter himself and has the family's blessing.

Do you have any contact info? I’d like one in flint.

 

[Dave Shooter]

I am looking for a target flintlock pistol to purchase. Any advice would greatly be appreciated.
Thank You!

PJ, what is your intended use?
The single best place I know of to peruse and purchase target grade flintlock pistols (both traditional style and the modernish sawhandle styles) is in the Pistol Shack at Friendship, Indiana during the first weekend of one of the NMLRA National shoots. There are numerous folks who used to shoot pistol and hang them for sale.

Another avenue is to build your own like the one I posted above. BTW, that was my first build, and you learn a lot doing it.

I know several folks who have "extra" flintlock pistols. I can put you in touch; do you have an idea of what you'd like?

 

[PJ.H.]

Dave,
I intend to shoot targets at my local club but do shoot some area matches. I enjoy shooting black powder and like accurate firearms. I have percussion ones now but would like to try my hand at flintlock.
Looking for something traditional not inline or Yazel. I like the looks of the "old fashion" style but can surely see the accuracy of the modern ones.
I have been looking at Pedersoli Contenintal Target and the gunworks models.
Thank You,Paul

 

[PJ.H.]

Good Day!
I have bought a Pedersoli Continental Target flintlock Pistol to satisfy my needs. I did call the fella putting out the Yazel Pistol now but have not heard back.
Thank You one and all for your responses!

 

[trent/OH]

From what I understand about the Yazels, almost every one is already spoken for when the current user dies. In other words, these are guns with multiple generations ready to take them over when the time comes.

As a result, if you aren’t kin or very good friends with someone with a Yazel, you’ll never own one. They are the pinnacle of quality and the ultimate evolution in muzzle loading pistols.

No problem. You find the Yazel pistol of your dreams, then you marry into the family that owns it. See? No problem.

That said, I own 2 Pedersoli Kentucky pistols, 1 each in percussion and flint. If I also owned a Yazel, I'd have to give up operating the Woodswalk at Friendship to free up time to spend at the Pistol line.