Desperado 11" double barrel 12 GA pistol

[CTI1USNRET]

My newest toy just arrived (several weeks ahead of schedule): an American Gun Craft 11", black powder, muzzleloader, double barrel 12 GA pistol. It uses 209 shotgun primers.

I'm thinking about getting or making a shoulder stock because this thing is hefty - really HEFTY (4.6 lb). The cylinder barrels are simply parallel holes drilled in a bar of steel. It has a single trigger and there's a lever on the hammer to choose the barrel. The grip and foregrip are rubber. It came with a ramrod. The primer pockets are in the breech plugs which are removed with a 3/8 inch socket wrench for cleaning.

[pietro]

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IMO, that's pretty neat - a nice Howda ya do.....

[lar45]

I wish they'd make one in 50-70..

[Ithaca Gunner]

I'm just waiting for a range report.

[lar45]

Wes Farms from 7X Leather makes a nice holster for them. www.7xleather.com
He made one for my 70 cal Howdah that turned out great.

[toot]

so is it a HOWDAH pistol, or just a DBL. pistol?

[Half Dog]

That is awesome. I too look forward to seeing your range report.

[marlin39a]

I’m following this thread. I’ve always liked the Diablo, but the Desperado really lights me up. I’m ordering mine this week. Keep us informed on yours.

[waksupi]

It is not a good idea to remove nipples on cap locks. It will cause thread wear, and they will not seat properly after much use.

[CTI1USNRET]

I wish they'd make one in 50-70..

It's a muzzleloader.

[CTI1USNRET]

It is not a good idea to remove nipples on cap locks. It will cause thread wear, and they will not seat properly after much use.

That's not true. The best way to clean a cap lock long gun is to remove the nipple, put the breech into a bucket of hot, soapy water and pump water in and out of the gun through the drum.

The Desperado is an inline muzzleloader. The 209 shotshell primer pockets are built into the breech plugs.

[marlin39a]

How long after ordering to get delivery? How is the fit and finish? I see 8” and 11” as options, but I will get the 11”.

[CTI1USNRET]

How long after ordering to get delivery? How is the fit and finish? I see 8” and 11” as options, but I will get the 11”.

I ordered on 5/15 and received it 6/2, which was WAY before I expected it.

It's a quality gun. Solid. Looks good.

I contacted AGC to tell them how pleased I am and to suggest making a shoulder stock for it.

[shooter bob]

Cti1usnret have you had a chance to fire this thing yet?I am thinking hard about one of these critters. I would like to know how well it shoots for you .Thanks Bob

[CTI1USNRET]

Today I went out to the club to chrono my Desperado with patched balls. BUT damn it ! I forgot to put the primers in my bag ! The trip wasn't a total loss, I keep it loaded for house and car defense and I fired those two 00 buck loads at 7 paces from a rest. Group sizes for both barrels were about 3 inches and at POA. I was very pleased. Even with the weight of the gun the recoil was moderate.

My load:
75 gr FFFg
1/8" 12 gauge nitro card
1/2" 12 gauge cushion wad lubed with Crisco
9 pellets of 00 buck (485 gr total) wrapped in copy paper folded over at both ends, or a patched round ball. I use a mandrel and a glue stick to form the wrap.
10 gauge overshot card

Cards and wads from Track of the Wolf.

I've only got twenty-four 209 primers left. But I have hundreds of primed 12 GA hulls from which I can scavenge primers.

Maybe I'll go out again tomorrow. The range is 30 mins away.

[lar45]

It's a muzzleloader.

Yes I am aware, but wouldn't it be great to have a centerfire in 50-70?

[Dak47]

Nice and Congrats! Looked them, at that price point I may just go down that rabbit hole, looks like a fun, handy rig…

[Buzzard II]

That's not true. The best way to clean a cap lock long gun is to remove the nipple, put the breech into a bucket of hot, soapy water and pump water in and out of the gun through the drum.

The Desperado is an inline muzzleloader. The 209 shotshell primer pockets are built into the breech plugs.

I would only use tepid (tap) water to clean the barrels. I would also use never seize on the breech plugs. Hot soapy water causes flash rust and without never seize on the threads you may never get the breech plugs out. Don't over tighten them either. To clean the fouling while shooting I use Ballistol mixed with water. This method on T/C muzzle loaders and Remington 1858 Zouave. Good shooting.

[waksupi]

That's not true. The best way to clean a cap lock long gun is to remove the nipple, put the breech into a bucket of hot, soapy water and pump water in and out of the gun through the drum.

The Desperado is an inline muzzleloader. The 209 shotshell primer pockets are built into the breech plugs.

Okay, I've only been shooting them for 47 years, and building them for 40 years. Nipples should only be removed once a year for inspection and lubing.

[Edward]

Okay, I've only been shooting them for 47 years, and building them for 40 years. Nipples should only be removed once a year for inspection and lubing.

You haven"t built inlines then , as mine (ALL) get removed and like the OP showed match's what the manufactures say (not suggest) for long rifles you are certainly correct/Ed