Question on Potsdam

[threepdr]

I picked up a Potsdam this week and have a few questions. I got it for $350. The metal and bore are in great shape, but the wood is a little beat up. Dated 1820 and marked Niesse. I can't find a conversion date on it.

I noticed that the rear sight is dove tailed into the tang. Do folks drift the rear sight to correct for windage?

What ball size do most Potsdam shooters use?

And, who makes a good replacement rammer? This one is missing the ram rod.

Thanks!

[OLD CHIEF]

Mark

I am not an expert on the Potsdam, but do shoot one so this is my 2 cents worth.

No mater what the bore and two hundred year old metal look like, I would have it relined before I shot it. It will then be 69 cal and in mine I shoot a .678 ball. Many of the good shooters like less windage and shoot much tighter fitting balls.

My rear sight is dovetailed into the tang but is not adjustable. It looks liked it was hammer welded in. keep in mind the rules say you are not allowed to change anything on a smoothbors' rear sight.

hope this helps

Bill Hicks
Dahlonega Ga.

[whitneyrifle]

Mark,
Mine is dated 1829 and was converted in 1841. My bore measures .731 and I shoot a .690 out of the bore. I shoot 76 grains of 2f in it and it shoots like a champ. I don't know it that will help, but that is what I shoot.

Bryan Davis

[threepdr]

Thanks Bill, Bryan,

I'm not sure I'll invest in having the bore relined at this point. I have a mold that will cast .678 balls. I'll try a few of them. If there is promise, I'll invest in a .690 mold. My bore seems to be about .723.

Now I just need to find the correct rammer.

[williamslaybaugh]

Have you tried Lodgewood they should have a good brass Potsdam ramrod for shooting.

[Snowbart]

I bought mine from Richard Hill of the 14th MS.

[WAYNE BLATHERWICK]

I SHOOT A 72 CAL. POTSDAM SMOOTHBORE, SAME BORE SIZE AS YOUR'S. I SHOOT A .715" BALL.

[R Filbert]

Flea here- I shoot a 710 roughed up between two hoof rasps with 50-50 bees wax and lanolin- It is also a Neifse- has a big fat rammer- shoots good but is a dirty sucker! Didnt have the bore re-lined as it is in real good shape-just need a nipple for mine as it blows a lot of soot out around the breach area. Any one makin a nipple give us a shout!