Slowhand

This is a picture of a Mendi Replica Spanish Pistol. She has a 10 inch barrel and is .36 Cal. Mendi of course went out of business years ago.

I was told when I bought her recently that she took a #11 Cap and uses a .380 round lead ball. Recently I was told that she needs a .350 ball, with a lubed .010 or .015 patch.

Made in Spain Mendi



12119 Then [12 + M _ M]



Any information you can provide, such as links, ect. would be appreciated.

Bountyhunter

I think Gunrunner would know best with this.

Welcome to the site.

b.roberts

Welcome to the site. Very cool looking muzzle loader. Hope gunrunner can help you out with info on it.

44s Rock

Welcome! Interesting piece!

Slowhand

She is a clean weapon. No scratches, powder marks, just a little dust in the barrel. I doubt she has ever been fired. So far she is sitting on the mantle until I get some information on her. Thanks for the welcome.

JOHNNY WACKO

Welcome,,Thats a nice looker..I would think you have to patch it.Ive never had that caliber.Thats a specially nice one.

Machinist

Is the barrel rifled or smooth. You would need a patch to make use of the rifling.

As mentioned, Gunrunner is the expert on these. He has made his own and was a high level competitor and a hunter with muzzle loaders. He is usually very generous in sharing the fruits of his experience and the scope of his knowledge is incredible. I think you will find his advice valuable. I certainly have.

A bad shoulder makes it hard for him to type so if you are not sure what he is saying, ask him to clarify. He has the goods.

Slowhand

The barrel is rifled. Gunrunner sounds like someone I need to chat with.

Machinist

The patch is needed to catch the rifling and spin or stabilize the ball unless you use a hollow based bullet with a skirt that will expand into the rifling like a mini ball.

He is a good man with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

There are a number of fine men and ladies on this site. Between them there is a treasure house of knowledge on a wide range of topics. Hope you like it here.

tx gun runner

If a .380 bare ball when down tight you will need a .360 ball with a .020 or .015 and around 18 to 22 of real 3F black powder will put you into one hole size groups . For a lube , spit works real good , I use TC number 13 for target work and 103 lube for hunting . NEVER .... I SAID NEVER leave a air space between bullet and powder charge . The ball must be seated against powder . You have a rare maker and cal in a Ky pistol . That is a good looking gun . Enjoy , If you need more help let me know

Slowhand

I decided to take the barrel off and look for further proof marks. I took a punch and popped a brass pin out on the stock. Left side since the other side (Hammer side) was recessed. I put her on half cock and removed the Tang Screw. (I read a KY Pistol Owners Manual). The barrel then pulled right out. Certainly she's no virgin, from the marks inside.



On the bottom of the barrel I found and inverted 2 with a 5, then another inverted 2 with a 5. There were no other markings.

I called Old Huck, just for the heck of it. He said that .36 Cal .375 or .380 Round Ball or Bullet would work in her and that he made his own wads. He assured me she was a smooth bore.

I popped the nipple off, put a little light the subject and she's smooth.

Any way I going to continue to do some research and see what I can find out about this thing.

Thanks for all the information and responses.

Bountyhunter

Good luck with it, Slowhand and keep us updated.

Slowhand

I spent some time on the phone with the Tx Gun Runner. Trust me I took plenty of notes. Thanks guys.

Bountyhunter

Glad you got some info.

Slowhand

A .375 ball rols in and out of the barrel like a marble. I'm going to get some .380s and see how they fit. Also a caliper to do a little measuring with. Wads are going to be needed 0.15-0.20 I'll just do a little measuring and some trial and error.

Bountyhunter

Just don't blow yourself up!

Slowhand

You got it. Black Powder and ignorance don't mix.

Over the years I have come to understand that "The Trick to Getting Old is to Survive Not Only My Own Stupidity, But That of Those Around Me." I always pay particular attention to my own little efforts in avoiding becoming a Darwin Award Winner. Having survived a few close calls, been married twice, and lugging around a few scars and broken bones, I have little doubt that there is no bliss in ignorance. Especially my own.

Thanks for the heads up.

Bill

gunman42782

Great looking gun!

Slowhand

Thanks... She's a real piece of work. About 15-20 years old. In great shape, has been well cared for. I'm researching for information about her. Mendi went out of the business years ago so there is very little information available.

I have had loads of information given from this forum and about 4 others. I'm going to figure it all out, take her out to a range and see how it goes. Anyway she's a keeper, even if it's as a wall hanger or in a gun cabinet.

JOHNNY WACKO

I have 1 that had a misfire at the range and the shooter turned it to look at it and shot the guy next to him.Keep the muzzle down range if it don't fire.