Tilo Dedinski Billinghurst .36
Loading and operation
After pouring a measured charge of powder down the barrel, a ‘wad’ of corn semolina is added. The lead ball on top of a lubed cotton patch is then firmly inserted down the rifled barrel with the help an appropriated hammer and rod (spark free of course). The semolina and lubed patch create a solid gas seal and also act as a barrel-cleaning solution for every shot. Final step, cock the under-hammer and fit a percussion cap (manufacturer recommends RWS Percussion Caps No. 1075) on the shooting nipple (standard fitted with a tungsten carbide insert).
Tilo Dedisnki gothic lettering marked on the barrel
Fitted with historically correct sights (with a v-notch back profile), they are adjustable for elevation by adjusting a screw on the back sight (1 turn equals 2,39” on the target, ⅛ turn equals 0,30” on the target), and for windage by drifting the dovetail of the front sight ( 0,01” corresponds to 0,87” on the target).
The pistol takes about three months to be produced depending on the extensive range of options - 24 carat gold inlay (rings on the barrel extremes and owners monogram), detailed classic engravings (German, British and other traditional vignette patterns) across the top of the frame and sides of the trigger guard, ‘luxus’ grade walnut grip, etc.
All stages of production can be documented upon request, with photos of the ‘in progress’ work being e-mailed to the future owner.
With loading complete, grip the pistol in the right hand, assume the correct shooting stance, check the sight picture and squeeze the trigger – which is very light and
breaks crisply, like an icicle. The
trigger-pull can be easily adjusted via a screw on the outside of the action, allowing the trigger to be adjusted to the individual
shooter’s preference.
The under-hammer will then strike the percussion- cap, igniting the powder. Now check your spotting- scope and see if you have managed to propel that 36 caliber lead ball to somewhere near the 10-ring at 25 metres on the ISSF precision target.
Load recommendations Recommendations from both the manufacturer and the prestigious Rifle Bullet Caster website (also a German company, fronted by Adrian Pitfield) are for a .354 inch diameter 65gn lead ball with a 24 mm diameter and 0,24 mm (approx. 0,01”) thick cotton patch, and a 10-12 grains FFF black powder load.
Competition and precision results The Billinghurst pistol is a top-grade, world class, match grade performer. On the author’s first trial run, scores of 85-90 (out of 100) were coming consistently. The same happened across the three national competitions already contested with the pistol.
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