Anyone have any luck with New Orleans Ace derringer?

skeetman02 · August 22, 2019, 09:58 PM

I have for quite some time wanted one of those New Orleans Ace pistol kits but never wanted it enough for me to spend money on one however I'm starting to look at them again. I have read many reviews that are all over the place and cant seem to get a consistent view on one. Are they cheap pieces of crap or does it all depend on how good my skills are at fit and finish. I would be willing to spend more to get a nicer pistol but for some reason I like this one more than others. Here's the kit I'm referring to: https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index/...Ace+Pistol+Kit
Here's an example of one:

Hawg · August 22, 2019, 11:12 PM

Thy used to sell them as finished guns. I bought one of the Twister Derringers back in the late 70's or early 80's. Its a smooth bore and takes a .350 patched ball. Power and accuracy are seriously lacking. I wouldn't expect any better from the Ace.

noelf2 · August 23, 2019, 07:13 AM

I have one that I bought back in the 70's when they were still sporting rifled barrels. The one in the pic you posted has a broken grip, btw. You will not get accuracy from one past 5 yards or so, even with a rifled barrel. There are no sights. That said, if you can get one cheap, they are fun. I use mine for shooting blank bp loads on 4 july and such, and also to test homemade bp. I took off the stupid rammer rings so it's not as awkward.

Old No7 · August 23, 2019, 01:47 PM

I built one from a kit a long time ago, and it was fun to do. I did it more for the building aspect, than as a "shooter". Oh sure, I did put a few shots down range (more like "down the next 20 feet..."); and like others, I've burned more powder when using it as a noisemaker.

Interesting comment on the grip; with the broken "ear" behind the trigger, as that happened on a Duck Foot verison that I got as a semi-built kit awhile ago. I've smoothed up the wood some, but it's tough to replace that piece and I haven't bothered to look for any replacement stocks.

Just know what it is -- and what it isn't -- before you get it. If you can get one for a good price, get it. Especially if you want it!

As sometimes "want" overcomes a lot of other considerations...

Old No7

Pahoo · August 23, 2019, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Just know what it is -- and what it isn't -- before you get it. If you can get one for a good price, get it. Especially if you want it!

Yes, I would have to agree with this statement. Been there and done that and won't go back. They are prone to stock breakage, like at the anchor bolt. I'd rather invest this money, in a single-shot pistol like a repo-Kentuckian or single-shot percussion. I built two and use one as a classroom training aid. I replace the barrel with a clear plastic tube and demo the steps in loading. ….

Be Safe !!!

noelf2 · August 26, 2019, 09:29 AM

Mine was a kit too. I left some wood on the grip above the grip screw hole at the recommendation of my father. He also thought it would break too easily if made flush.

I also left some wood at the sides near the trigger in hopes the sides wouldn't crack and break (like the one in the OPs image has). It ain't pretty, but it ain't broke either.

And lastly, the very poor attempt at rifling. They gave up on doing that after the first year or two. Why rifle a sightless belly gun??

August 22, 2019, 09:58 PM	#1
skeetman02 Junior Member Join Date: August 22, 2016 Location: midland, MI Posts: 6	Anyone have any luck with New Orleans Ace derringer? I have for quite some time wanted one of those New Orleans Ace pistol kits but never wanted it enough for me to spend money on one however I'm starting to look at them again. I have read many reviews that are all over the place and cant seem to get a consistent view on one. Are they cheap pieces of crap or does it all depend on how good my skills are at fit and finish. I would be willing to spend more to get a nicer pistol but for some reason I like this one more than others. Here's the kit I'm referring to: https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index/...Ace+Pistol+Kit Here's an example of one:

August 23, 2019, 07:13 AM	#3
noelf2 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: Stuart, VA Posts: 2,473	I have one that I bought back in the 70's when they were still sporting rifled barrels. The one in the pic you posted has a broken grip, btw. You will not get accuracy from one past 5 yards or so, even with a rifled barrel. There are no sights. That said, if you can get one cheap, they are fun. I use mine for shooting blank bp loads on 4 july and such, and also to test homemade bp. I took off the stupid rammer rings so it's not as awkward. __________________ Liberty and freedom often offends those who understand neither.

August 23, 2019, 01:47 PM	#4
Old No7 Member Join Date: October 21, 2007 Posts: 59	I built one from a kit a long time ago, and it was fun to do. I did it more for the building aspect, than as a "shooter". Oh sure, I did put a few shots down range (more like "down the next 20 feet..."); and like others, I've burned more powder when using it as a noisemaker. Interesting comment on the grip; with the broken "ear" behind the trigger, as that happened on a Duck Foot verison that I got as a semi-built kit awhile ago. I've smoothed up the wood some, but it's tough to replace that piece and I haven't bothered to look for any replacement stocks. Just know what it is -- and what it isn't -- before you get it. If you can get one for a good price, get it. Especially if you want it! As sometimes "want" overcomes a lot of other considerations... Old No7 __________________ "Freedom and the Second Amendment... One cannot exist without the other." © 2000 DTH

August 22, 2019, 11:12 PM	#2
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	Thy used to sell them as finished guns. I bought one of the Twister Derringers back in the late 70's or early 80's. Its a smooth bore and takes a .350 patched ball. Power and accuracy are seriously lacking. I wouldn't expect any better from the Ace.