Diablo User Manual V2screen

Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol
Primary 2-color PMS 110 Gold + Black logo

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USER MANUAL
Primary 2-color logo art to be used in all reproduction scenarios when possible.
Secondary logo options may be used only when reproduction
scenario requires less artwork detail.
A m e r i c a n G u n C r a f t | 8 5 5 V i l l a g e C e n t e r D r i v e S u i t e 3 42 | S t . P a u l M N 5 51 27- 3 0 0 2 | a m e r i c a n g u n c r a f t . c o m

Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol
USER MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY PROCEDURES................................................................ 1
LOADING PROCEDURES.............................................................. 8
FIRING PROCEDURE.................................................................. 11
MISSFIRE OR DUD LOADINGS.................................................. 12
BLACK POWDER AND STORAGE RECOMMENDATION............ 12
HAMMER POSITIONS................................................................. 14
Before loading and shooting take a NRA muzzle loading class (now
covers pistol, rifle, and shotgun) to be safe and properly trained and
to remain uninjured.
SAFETY PROCEDURES
Respect the gun, respect others, and respect yourself and you will
enjoy a lifetime of safe shooting.
PROPER TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL, IF THE USER DOES NOT HAVE

KNOWLEDGE OF THE SAFE HANDLING AND SAFE LOADING OF THE
FIREARM, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LOAD OR SHOOT IT.
Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
amer icanguncraf t.com 1 Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol USER MANUAL

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Do not allow unauthorized people, especially children access to
this firearm.
Do not allow individuals who are not trained in the safe operation
of this firearm to handle it or attempt to shoot it. Keep all specta-
tors well behind the shooting line, be sure that they have ear and
eye protection too.
Do not attempt to use this firearm in ways it is not intended to be

used. It was designed to use Black Powder, NEVER use Smoke-
less Powder.
Always wear ear and eye protection while shooting and insist that
everyone nearby does also. Keep all bystanders to the rear and
at a safe distance.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you have identified your
target and determined it is safe to shoot. Be aware of your target
and what is beyond your target; you are responsible for where
your projectiles go.
Careless or improper handling can result in an unsafe discharge

causing injury, death, or property damage. Safety rules must be
followed at all times. Accidents are the result of negligent ac-
tions; they are a danger to the user and others.

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IT IS NECESSARY TO BE ABLE TO BOTH SAFELY COCK AND
SAFELY LOWER THE HAMMER. BE SURE THAT ANYONE WHO
HANDLES THIS FIREARM IS ABLE TO DO THIS SAFELY. PRAC-
TICE WHILE THE GUN IS UNLOADED AND POINTED IN A SAFE
DIRECTION UNTIL YOU ARE SURE THAT BOTH FUNCTIONS CAN
BE DONE SAFELY.
Never attempt to load the barrels of this firearm without first

checking to be sure there are no primers in the breach plugs,
and the hammer is lowered to it’s half cock position. Keep your
head, face, and hands clear of the barrels. Always keep the bar-
rels pointed in a safe direction .
Do not place a primer in the breach plug until you are ready to
shoot, be sure the hammer is not in the rear position while you
are installing the primers. Once the powder charge and projec-
tiles are placed in the bore, and primers are placed in the breach
plug, all that is required to shoot the firearm is to pull the ham-
mer fully to the rear and pull the trigger.
This is a precision-made firearm designed to function reliably

with knowledgeable use and proper care. It has a half cock lock
position, but mechanical safeties alone are no substitute for fol-
lowing safety rules. Every firearm needs to be kept in good work-
ing order; it is the user’s responsibility to maintain their firearm
in good working condition.
The first and best way to make the gun safe is to be sure the
hammer is lowered to half cock position and to depress the side
latch and break the action open.

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DO NOT PULL THE HAMMER BACK TO THE COCKED POSITION
UNTIL THE MOMENT YOU ARE READY TO SHOOT.
The maximum recommended payload is 1 oz. of shot, and 60

grains of ffg black powder using standard #209 shotgun prim-
ers.
WITH EVERY SHOT YOU LOAD, YOU BECOME YOUR OWN AMMU-
NITION MANUFACTURER. BE SURE YOU DON’T OVER CHARGE,
DOUBLE CHARGE, OR OVER LOAD YOUR SHOT VOLUME. ALL
‘QUALITY CONTROL’ DEPENDS ON YOU.
Do not modify the fire control components of your pistol.
Never look into the bore unless the breach plug has been re-
moved.
This firearm is a replica of an antique weapon that is capable of

causing injury or death, it is the user’s responsibility to under-
stand the limitations of the mechanism, and to obey safety rules
at all times.

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Be sure that any accessory or accouterment you choose for your
firearm does not interfere with the safe or normal operation of
the firearm.
Do not use this firearm for purposes other than those for which it
was designed or is capable of.
Never leave a loaded gun unattended. Children and unauthorized

individuals could cause harm to themselves or others.
Keep your firearm unloaded when transporting it in a vehicle.
Overcharging any double barrel muzzleloaded shotgun may

cause the shot cup or wad in the unfired barrel to shift forward.
This may create an unsafe burning configuration by creating an
empty space around the powder in the second barrel as it burns.
Be sure as you load each barrel that the shot cup or wad has
enough friction with the bore to hold it in place as you fire the
first shot. See shooting procedures section for guide to making
a safe determination if your second barrel’s shot is shifting from
the recoil of the first shot.
This firearm has been thoroughly inspected and has left Ameri-
can Gun Craft in good working condition. As the user becomes
the manufacturer of each shot fired and solely responsible for
proper maintenance of the firearm, American Gun Craft shall not
be responsible for product malfunction, damage from this gun’s
intentional or accidental discharge, physical injury, death, im-
proper or careless handling, criminal or negligent use, property
damage, alterations or modifications, or from uses for which it
was not designed or intended. American Gun Craft will not honor
claims made by a second or subsequent owner.

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Always wear ear and eye protection when shooting, or near
someone else shooting this firearm.
Do not smoke while handling black powder or while loading or

shooting black powder firearms or allow others in close vicinity to
do so.
Do not use alcoholic beverages or other drugs before or during

shooting.
Always seat the ball or shot tight against the powder charge. Air
space in the combustion area can cause pressure spikes.
Don’t leave the range with a loaded firearm.
Run a swab or patch into the bore full depth anytime you are go-
ing to immediately reload to be sure there is no remaining ember
that could ignite the new powder charge.

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Do not shoot at surfaces likely to produce ricochet.
Be aware that heavy loads could dislodge the charge in the un-
fired barrel. Until you are sure that your loads will stay in position,
load both barrels, but only place one primer in position. After
firing that one shot, remove the spent primer and check the seat-
ing depth of the charge and projectile in the second barrel.
Do not pour powder directly from the flask, bottle, or bulk con-
tainer, measure what you intend to use and pour the powder into
the barrel from the measuring devise only.
Before you start loading your firearm, always be sure that the
barrels are not already loaded or partially loaded. Use a ramrod
with some sort of measuring indication that tells you that the
barrels are completely empty before adding any powder to the
firearm. You can also tell by the sound and feel of the ramrod
bouncing off the breach plug that the barrel is completely empty.
Mark your ramrod with a line at the insertion depth after you
have placed powder in the firearm, and again after the first wad.
Insert shot, slug, or ball into the barrel and mark the ramrod
again. After the final wad is pushed into place in front of the
projectile, mark the ramrod a 4th time. Now you should be able
to determine the state of readiness of the barrel by the insertion
depth and the lines on your ramrod.
If you are new to muzzle loading, find a friend of someone who

is willing to help you learn how to safely enjoy muzzle loaded
firearms. Take an NRA muzzle loading class (now covers pistol,
rifle, and shotgun) to be safe and properly trained and to remain
uninjured.

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LOADING PROCEDURES
Never use modern smokeless powder in a muzzleloader. The use
of any amount of smokeless powder in a muzzleloader will create
danger-ously high pressures upon ignition and may result in severe
injury or death to the shooter and/or bystanders.
Do not attempt to load or shoot this firearm, without reading this

manual completely, and becoming familiar with safe black powder
muzzleloading procedures. If you are new to black powder firearms,
as everyone is at one time, find a good book or a knowledgeable
person to get you started shooting safely.
Before you go to the range, clean any oil or grease from the inside
of the barrel. You should mark a line on your ramrod that indicates
full insertion to the breach plug. Never insert powder or projectile
without positively determining that the bore is completely empty by
inserting the ramrod to this line. If you do this every time you load
your gun, you will never double charge the barrels and have no need
to ever look into the bore for any reason.
Always keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction during loading.

Avoid placing your face and hands directly in front of the muzzles
while loading them.
Before shooting this firearm, read this manual completely and be-
come familiar with the loading and firing procedure.
The first step is to become familiar with the sliding latches on the
side of the receiver that allow you to open the action which will
isolate the firing mechanism from the rear of the barrels, and al-
low access to the rear of the breach plugs. Open Action by placing
thumb and forefinger on both latch pads and pulling back towards
grip simultaneously.
Before you start loading your firearm, always be sure that the barrels
are not already loaded or partially loaded. Use a ramrod with some
sort of measuring indication that tells you that the barrels are com-
pletely empty before adding any powder to the firearm. You can also
tell by the sound and feel of the ramrod bouncing off the breach plug
that the barrel is completely empty.

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Never allow the hammer of a muzzleloader to rest against the firing
pin. Any impact to the hammer could cause accidental discharge.
Mark your ramrod with a line at the insertion depth after you have
placed powder in the firearm, and again after the first wad. Insert
shot, slug, or ball into the barrel and mark the ramrod again. After
the final wad is pushed into place in front of the projectile, mark the
ramrod a 4th time. Now you should be able to determine the state of
readiness of the barrel by the insertion depth and the lines on your
ramrod.
At the beginning of a shooting session, you can drive away possible

condensation or residual moisture contamination from flash hole
and the interior of the breach area by pointing the firearm in a safe
direction, installing 2 primers, and firing the primers into the empty
barrels. Repeat two or three times if high humidity us a problem in
your area.
Never reload one or both barrels without checking to be sure there

are no primers in the breach plugs.
Always start the loading procedure by placing the hammer in the

half cock position. In this position the firing pins are not long enough
to reach the primers. The safest way to load the barrels is with the
action broken open and the firearm’s barrels sitting vertically in a
stable stand. Do not load primers in breech plugs.
Do not pour powder directly from the flask, bottle, or bulk container
into the barrel. Measure only what you intend to use and pour the
powder into the barrel from the measuring devise for both safety and
accuracy.
Measure the powder and place a charge in each barrel you intend to
shoot.
Insert a wad on top of the powder. Seat your shot cup or wadding
fully to the bottom of the barrel with your ramrod. The powder will not
burn properly if the projectile is not compressing it slightly. Know the
correct depth that your ramrod needs to push the shot cup or wad-
ding and projectile into the barrel.

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Insert up to 1 oz. shot or projectile. Push projectile and first wad tight
against powder charge.
Insert the final wad.
When you are ready, and it is safe to do so, place a primer in the
breach plug of each barrel you intend to shoot.
Firmly close the action and be sure that the latch is secure.
Do not fully cock the hammer until you are ready to shoot.
Place the hammer in the half cock position to select the position of
the firing pin selector on the front face of the hammer to the right or
left side in order to choose which barrel to shoot.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you have identified a target and
have determined it is safe to shoot.
Do not immediately reload a fired barrel without swabbing it to re-

move any burning ember or spark that could ignite the new powder
charge. Carefully measure the powder and pore it into the barrel. A
funnel and measuring scoop is very helpful.
Seat your shot cup or wadding fully to the bottom of the barrel with
your ramrod. The powder will not burn properly if the projectile is
not compressing it slightly. Know the correct depth that your ramrod
needs to push the shot cup or wadding and projectile into the barrel.
If you have a misfire, or a hang fire, hold the firearm pointing in a

safe direction for at least one minute. When you are sure it is safe,
try another primer. If that doesn’t ignite the charge, remove the
spent primer and unscrew the breach plug with a 3/8” socket. The
powder can now be dumped out the rear of the barrel.
Be sure the flash hole in the breach plug is not obstructed, or the
breach contaminated. Clean the area and reinstall the breach plug.
Resume normal loading procedure.

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FIRING PROCEDURE
Move the hammer to the half cock position and rotate the firing pin
selector to the side that will strike the corresponding firing pin and
barrel you wish to shoot.
Keep in mind that although the hammer has a strong half cock
notch, as with all 19th century designs, extra care must be taken
to control the hammer when lowering manually to the half cock
position if you have cocked it and then decide to not shoot. It is a
good idea to practice lowering the hammer while the gun is unload-
ed enough times that you are confident that you can do it safely if
the gun was loaded. Don’t try to lower the hammer while wearing
gloves.
If you are in doubt about your ability to lower the hammer safely,
with the barrel pointed in a safe direction, open the action by moving
the side latches and allow the action to hinge open. The firing pins
cannot reach the primers with the action broken open. You can now
safely lower the hammer to half cock. Keep your finger away from the
trigger as you do this.
After you are sure the hammer is in the half cock position, place a
209 primer behind each barrel you intend to fire. Now you can close
the action, be sure it is securely latched.
Keeping your fingers well away from the trigger, pull the hammer
back to full cock just the moment before you are ready to shoot.
Avoid all distractions once the hammer is in the full cocked position
until you have fired the gun.
On the event of a misfire, keep the firearm pointed safely down range
for one minute, it is a good investment in time to wait for a possible
slow burn. When you are sure it is safe, try another primer. If that
doesn’t fire the charge, both shot and powder needs to be safely
removed. First remove all primers from the breach plugs.

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MISSFIRE OR DUD LOADINGS
Regular maintenance and cleaning will keep the breach plugs from
freezing in place due to powder residue or corrosion. The best way
to clear a dud loading is to remove the breach plug and push the
shot and powder out. Clean the flash hole with a stiff wire from your
“Possibles Bag”.
If you are unable to remove the breach plug, you need to neutralize
the powder by injecting water through the flash hole, wait 30 min-
utes for the water to inactivate the powder completely. Use a ramrod
with a screw end to remove the payload and then remove propellant.
Clear the flash hole with a wire. Clean and dry the gun thoroughly
before attempting to reload the firearm.
209 PRIMERS-CHOOSING THE CORRECT BRAND

If you are not achieving reliable ignition or not achieving ignition at
all, rotate the breech plugs back 1/8 turn counterclockwise in incre-
ments from the seated position and test fire the PRIMER ONLY until
you achieve reliable ignition. NOTE: 209 primer manufactures vary in
size and shape, the breech plugs can be rotated to allow for proper
head space with most common 209 primer manufactures.
BLACK POWDER AND STORAGE RECOMMENDATION

Always use black powder or it’s equal such as Goex or Pyrodex
muzzle loading black powder substitute, NEVER USE SMOKELESS
POWDER.
Follow all powder manufacturers’ label directions for safe storage

and handling of black powder or black powder substitute. Only use
types specifically labeled for use in muzzleloaded firearms (fg).
Store primers and black powder in separate locations in their orig-

inal containers. Use standard #209 shotgun primers. Primers and
powder are sensitive to percussion, heat, flame, and static electricity.
Do not store the weapon loaded with powder and projectile. Black
powder is corrosive and there is always a danger that someone else
will not realize that the gun is loaded. There are many stories of this
leading to accidents and double charges.

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HAMMER POSITIONS
NOTE: After firing immediately move hammer to half cock position
AMMUNITION AND LOADING COMPONENTS FOR THE

DIABLO .729 BORE
The maximum recommended payload is 1 oz. of shot, and 60 grains
of ffg black powder using standard #209 shotgun primers.
There are plenty of sources for black powder and loading compo-
nents sources, 12 Gauge loading cards, wads, powder and shot for
muzzle loading shotguns can be found at these sites as well as your
local gun store, Bass Pro Shop, Fleet Farm, etc.
www.ballisticproducts.com/Muzzleloading/departments/366/
www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/170/1

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Suggested Cards/Wads and measuring devices from Track of the
Wolf- see below:
Gauge Size Description Part Number

Ideal for .729" bore, .125"
12 gauge .740" over powder card, 1000, #WAD-12A
by Circle Fly Wads

ideal for .729" bore, .025"
12 gauge .740" over shot card, 1000, #WAD-12B
by Circle Fly Wads

“Optional” ideal for .729" bore, .500"
.740" thick fibre wad, 500, #WAD-12C
12 gauge by Circle Fly Wads

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Description Part Number
This brass measure is adjustable from 0 to
120 grains, clearly marked in 5 and 10 grain
#MA-120
increments on the square shank.
Brass knurled screws.
For exterior cleaning of you Pistol we recommend
REMINGTON ACCESSORIES
REM OIL POP UP WIPES GUN
CLEANING WIPES 7"x8"

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Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol

Primary 2-color PMS 110 Gold + Black logo

Primary 2-color PMS 110 Gold + Black logo

MISSFIRE OR DUD LOADINGS.................................................. 12

BLACK POWDER AND STORAGE RECOMMENDATION............ 12

PROPER TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL, IF THE USER DOES NOT HAVE

Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.

Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

amer icanguncraf t.com 1 Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol USER MANUAL

Primary 2-color PMS 110 Gold + Black logo

Do not attempt to use this firearm in ways it is not intended to be

Careless or improper handling can result in an unsafe discharge

amer icanguncraf t.com 2 Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol USER MANUAL

Primary 2-color PMS 110 Gold + Black logo

Never attempt to load the barrels of this firearm without first

This is a precision-made firearm designed to function reliably

amer icanguncraf t.com 3 Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol USER MANUAL

Primary 2-color PMS 110 Gold + Black logo

The maximum recommended payload is 1 oz. of shot, and 60

Do not modify the fire control components of your pistol.

This firearm is a replica of an antique weapon that is capable of

amer icanguncraf t.com 4 Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol USER MANUAL

Primary 2-color PMS 110 Gold + Black logo

Never leave a loaded gun unattended. Children and unauthorized

Keep your firearm unloaded when transporting it in a vehicle.

Overcharging any double barrel muzzleloaded shotgun may

amer icanguncraf t.com 5 Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol USER MANUAL

Primary 2-color PMS 110 Gold + Black logo

Do not smoke while handling black powder or while loading or

Do not use alcoholic beverages or other drugs before or during

Don’t leave the range with a loaded firearm.

amer icanguncraf t.com 6 Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol USER MANUAL

Primary 2-color PMS 110 Gold + Black logo

If you are new to muzzle loading, find a friend of someone who

amer icanguncraf t.com 7 Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol USER MANUAL

Primary 2-color PMS 110 Gold + Black logo

Do not attempt to load or shoot this firearm, without reading this

Always keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction during loading.

amer icanguncraf t.com 8 Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol USER MANUAL

Primary 2-color PMS 110 Gold + Black logo

At the beginning of a shooting session, you can drive away possible

Never reload one or both barrels without checking to be sure there

Always start the loading procedure by placing the hammer in the

amer icanguncraf t.com 9 Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol USER MANUAL

Primary 2-color PMS 110 Gold + Black logo

Insert the final wad.

Do not immediately reload a fired barrel without swabbing it to re-

If you have a misfire, or a hang fire, hold the firearm pointing in a

amer icanguncraf t.com 10 Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol USER MANUAL

Primary 2-color PMS 110 Gold + Black logo

amer icanguncraf t.com 11 Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol USER MANUAL

Primary 2-color PMS 110 Gold + Black logo

209 PRIMERS-CHOOSING THE CORRECT BRAND

BLACK POWDER AND STORAGE RECOMMENDATION

Follow all powder manufacturers’ label directions for safe storage

Store primers and black powder in separate locations in their orig-

amer icanguncraf t.com 12 Diablo 12 Gauge Pistol USER MANUAL

Primary 2-color PMS 110 Gold + Black logo