Flintlock pistol plans

I think the mention of criminals using antique weapons applies to early revolvers etc, I can't imagine anyone trying to rob a bank with the unreliability a flintlock pistol

The biggest problem of all is easy access to explosives in the form of fireworks, at one time they only appeared around November, now there are firework shops everywhere so anyone over 18 can go and buy some big display tubes full of gunpowder

The three pistols I made would not even fire a cap, the internal hammer spring is from a clothes peg, the barrel is screwed to the body and is only bored out 25mm. It all works but has no power from the trigger, they are just a working copy of a original pistol. I got the idea to make them as I had to make a spring for the original pistol which was broken, it looked quite a easy task to make a working copy.

Driving a car has more potential to harm, just seems strange that it seems acceptable by the general public seeing a driver on the mobile phone or on medication and not report this to the police. If I hold my hand made pistol out of my surroundings I could be shot on the spot

Bob

Edited By BOB BLACKSHAW on 18/06/2021 13:34:37

Some time ago I considered a storyline for a novel about disgruntled pensioners getting together to cause economic mayhem and terrorism and came up with a number of zero technical methods to do so, let alone the home manufacture of gunpowder and strong alkalis (and some more gruesome methods) - even as simple as scattering pyramidal nail twists from a motorway bridge. You can't stop everything but you can reduce the obvious.

pgk

They look really good Bob,

how did you make the hammers? I used a combination of forging, sawing and filing to make mine, all my threads are Whitworth which replicates the coarse threads they used.

here is my box of failed springs from my early days of lock making, mostly caused by following instructions in old books on how to temper springs

This was one big case (I'm sure other news outets have it too this was a random one)
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/21/antique-gun-dealer-jailed-supplying-gangsters-paul-edmunds

Also

https://theconversation.com/criminals-are-using-antique-weapons-due-to-a-loophole-in-uk-law-102666

Robert G8RPI.

Just as I thought Robert, it's all old cartridge guns being misused by criminals rather than muzzle loaders, I expect many a skilled machinist could make the ammunition as well.

I note one of your links leads to a page headed with a flintlock pistol so that's typical of  giving the wrong impression of what is actually happening

Edited By vic newey on 18/06/2021 14:34:15

When I was a kid I used a scaffold pipe with a flattened end and accidentally put a pendant light fitting through my dads coldframe. All powered by a bird scaring banger. Strangely my dad didn't seem to mind that much, I think he was quite amused by it all.

Just tried an interesting experiment: I went through this thread and used "Ignore Member" on all the armchair-lawyers, holier-than-thou, and just plain control-freaks.

I'm actually left with quite a decent, self-consistent and interesting thread in just over two pages.

(... and yes, please use "Ignore Member" on me if such is your wont. No need for a nyah-nyah.)

Buffer

That takes me back 50-60 years to the wilds of Wiltshire and bangers, bird scarers, on a rope. They certainly had a lot more thrutch than any legal firework you could get your hands on. Different times with different rules but we had a lot more fun it would seem and didn't harm anybody except maybe ourselves occasionally.

Thanks for the memory.

Martin

In answer to Vic's question about how I made the hammer. I made it in two parts and silver soldered them together. Done both parts like the photo and filed up. to shape.The original hammer shown.

Bob

That's probably true - I think rookies contain something more like flash powder, much faster-burning than black powder, and as a propellant I think they'd generate a fierce pressure spike at the very start of the projectile's progress down whatever it pleases the user to think of as a barrel ... rather than a progressive accelerating push. Hence the prospect of self-harm.

Edited By Mick B1 on 18/06/2021 17:48:01

Ropes of rook scarers are still available from any good agricultural merchants ! Then there's the rockets, THEIR REALLY GOOD ! Noel

Noel

Probably a blessing that I wasn't aware of the existence of rocket rook scarers when I was younger as my digit count might not be the same as it is now, a full set.

Martin W

My original question was flintlock plans and we've digressing to bird scarers and beyond 🤔 which I find interesting and amusing. A set of plans for a Wheelock has been posted here, I am sure I will have go at the pistol if no plans for a Flintlock are posted.

Thanks for the input all, Bob.

Ah. Well I was about to recount my childhood attempt to emulate in miniature the recoilless antitank guns of around 1960, using straight-ish bicycle handlebars, powder from 'Little Demon' bangers, a marble wrapped in Kleenex, Castrolease stolen from Daddy's garage and birdshot tipped out of a 12-bore cartridge.

But I think perhaps I'd better shurrup...

Edited By Mick B1 on 19/06/2021 10:06:15

OOPS

Sorry for my digression from topic Bob but the memory flashback reminded me of the fun we had as kids. That said I am glad you were entertained by the diversion.

Mick B1 that just raises a lot more memories, but nuff said for now.

Martin W

Carry on I find this amusing, things we got at to when we were kids,don't see today's generation out and about, if you do they are on the mobile.

Bob

They do exist but not cheap postage : Link

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154491716184?hash=item23f86c8258:g:JqEAAOxymiVQ9hIQ

Cheaper but more work needed : Link

https://www.ebay.com/itm/293310307217?hash=item444aa81b91:g:7nsAAOSw241YVTxI

In conjunction with the assorted pics online and some CAD talent, there's probably enough info to build one since most parts are going to need fettling to final fit?

pgk

Edited By pgk pgk on 19/06/2021 10:51:37