Chassepot 1866 - Firing Pin/Needle Length

[Enigma]

Hello,

Please could I ask if a knowledgeable member might know of the exact length of the firing pin/needle of the Chassepot 1866?

I purchased a Chassepot Rifle which had a broken firing pin/needle. Finding a replacement has been much harder than I thought, and so a very helpful gunsmith has offered to make one for me but they need the full length dimensions. I could make a guess based on what should appear from the end of the bolt and through a card base and the length of a percussion cap, however I would much rather be more precise.

If any of you might be able to let me know this I would be very grateful indeed.

Many thanks for any help.

E.

[dromia]

Hello and welcome!

Are you a member of the HBSA?

[dromia]

Why not introduce yourself on the New Members forum?

[Enigma]

Hello Dromia,

I regret that I am not a member of the HSBA..yet! I really should join, especially as I had a great chat with one of the HSBA's very informative and friendly members in Fultons the other week. I am member of the MLAGB which is keeping me busy during this summer. My Chassepot is a slight divergence of interest into loading from the other end!

Regards,

E

[dromia]

OK, I'll ask on their members forum for you.

[froggy]

Salut,

Congratulations on your Chassepot purchase !!

Cartry is probably the best man for spares of any French military weapons. He does have an amazing stock. Have a look but they do have an original Chassepot firing pin for € 40 ( AIGUILLE de chassepot plus porte-aiguille Réf. 3 ). http://www.cartry-arme.com/pdf/gras.pdf

I checked for you on this French auction site . You will have to registre to bid .
There is an original one for sale for € 45 . I know it is more expensive but it will make your life easier as they take Pay-pal . http://www.naturabuy.fr/Porte-aiguille- ... 95595.html

or a repro http://www.naturabuy.fr/Aiguille-Chasse ... 50179.html but you'll have to do a bank transfer costing £ 10

[Enigma]

Froggy, Thank you so much for your very helpful information. I have (hopefully!) just purchased one from the auction site using the Pay Pal method. Much use of 'Google Translate' and jiggling between screens and I think I have made a purchase! With an original I can now get reproduction copies made as spares and get this fabulous historic rifle making smoke again.

Dromia - thank you very much too for your help! I am very grateful to you both.

sign92

Regards,

E

[froggy]

you welkom , I am glad you found what you needed to get that chassepot talking again, enjoy

[davidh195]

The best thing to use seems to be plastic moulding ejector pins they work well are easy enough to modify & significantly cheaper!!!
the picture below shows from top to bottom unmodified ejector pin 100x1.5mm with 3x1.5mm head, ejector pin shortened to 76mm & sharpened, blunt pin that was originally in my chassepot.

I purchased some pins from a dealer in Switzerland the quality is not very good but copied them for length I canot find my reference but think the original length is shorter 73.5mm.



Enigma do you shoot at Wedgnock?

Regards

David

[davidh195]

Sorry correction to post above.
I purchased some pins from a dealer in Sweden the quality is not very good ........

David