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Old 9th August 2012, 03:44 PM   #9
rickystl
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: St. Louis, MO area.
Posts: 1,630
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The breech plug on your Japanese matchlock is identical to mine. Taking the barrel off a Japanese matchlock can be somewhat of a challenge. The whole gun is held together with pins. Not a single screw. Actually, very clever.

Now I'm convinced that the Toridor pistol was made that way. It's definately not a cut-down. In fact, it is very small. I was at the Antique Arms Show this past weekend in Hartford CT. There were some original Japenese matchlock pistols that were actually tiny, derringer size. I still believe these matchlock pistols - including the Toridor - were made primarily as status symbols. There would be no practical use for one. That said, this is still the first and only Indian variation I have ever seen. Very cool pistol.

Yes, I plan to take the barrel off my Toridor before the end of the year. It has brass barrel bands so should not be too difficult. Just have to be careful since the stocks of these guns were made in two or three pieces depending on length. I'll take photos as I dis-assemble. Should be interesting. Rick.
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