Show your black powder rifles and revolvers

[NDEBT]

This is my very first black powder revolver. I know it sounds weird but I used to have a pretty big trapline at a very young age. A fur buyer would come to the store at the end of the season. I was a sucker really as he would have a few guns and things laid on the trading table and I was only about 13.

He bought my pelts and traded me this pistol for my best grey fox pelt about $40.00 at the time in about 1980. Now it would be about $10.00 if you are lucky.

It is a cheap .44 Italian reproduction and the last time I fired it about 20 years ago it chain fired on the first shot. I still cannot believe how all the balls got out without blowing the gun apart. It is just a wall hanger now.

[El Hombre]

I've been thinking of getting a BP gun, choice is between flintlock or percussion. From reading some of the BP forums, it appears you can buy a cheap percussion rifle, but you really need to spend $800 or more for a functioning flinty. They seemed down on the Pedersoli rifles, preferred US made stuff. I think one of the rifles on the first page of this thread was one that was mentioned as a keeper.

What's it like to shoot a flinty, with the spark and pan flash and the glacial lock time? Flinch city?

[NDEBT]

For a first bp rifle I would say percussion. Espesially if you are going to hunt with it. Flints are cool and I will say my most memorable hunt was with a flint double 10 ga. The flinch thing depense on the peron. I guess you could compare it to golf as in follow through.

[pilot]

Originally Posted by El Hombre

What's it like to shoot a flinty, with the spark and pan flash and the glacial lock time? Flinch city?

It was for me so I gave it to my hunting buddy. He still has it. I can't shoot it without flinching really bad. I've killed a couple deer with it, but I like my T/C Pennsylvania Hunter much more. It has a slow twist barrel perfect for shooting ball. Traditional style, too.

[EvilGenius]

Anyone have any experience with the Navy style revolvers sold at Cabelas and Bass Pro?

I've been eyeing them for years because theyre so cheap, but I figure there's a reason why.

[jeep44]

Originally Posted by El Hombre

I've been thinking of getting a BP gun, choice is between flintlock or percussion. From reading some of the BP forums, it appears you can buy a cheap percussion rifle, but you really need to spend $800 or more for a functioning flinty. They seemed down on the Pedersoli rifles, preferred US made stuff. I think one of the rifles on the first page of this thread was one that was mentioned as a keeper.

What's it like to shoot a flinty, with the spark and pan flash and the glacial lock time? Flinch city?

With a flintlock, it's all about the lock. A cheap lock will sour you forever on shooting flintlocks. A good one is fast, and the frizzen is properly hardened and set up to throw a shower of sparks into the pan. I bought one of those Hawken-type rifles from Cabelas, and ended up replacing the poor Italian lock with a replacement US-made L&R lock.
The flash can be distracting. For me, I have to wear wrap-around shooting glasses,and concentrate on the sight picture. Really, the pan ignition is just a puff of white smoke off to your side,with an almost instantaneous firing of the rifle.

[NDEBT]

Originally Posted by EvilGenius

Anyone have any experience with the Navy style revolvers sold at Cabelas and Bass Pro?

I've been eyeing them for years because theyre so cheap, but I figure there's a reason why.

Honestly, They are probably built better than the original. But originals took at least 10 times the work to build.

[EvilGenius]

Originally Posted by NDEBT

Honestly, They are probably built better than the original. But originals took at least 10 times the work to build.

I'd really like to get my hands on one because I think they're beautiful and I like the methodology of measuring out the powder, pressing in the wad, setting the ball, etc.

But I also understand that the residue of spent shots is highly corrosive so you have to clean them thoroughly after each outing. I'm paranoid I'd miss an area and screw something up.

Also, I don't know how most ranges view the use of BP firearms.

[jeep44]

Originally Posted by EvilGenius

I'd really like to get my hands on one because I think they're beautiful and I like the methodology of measuring out the powder, pressing in the wad, setting the ball, etc.

But I also understand that the residue of spent shots is highly corrosive so you have to clean them thoroughly after each outing. I'm paranoid I'd miss an area and screw something up.

Also, I don't know how most ranges view the use of BP firearms.

The cylinders are easy to remove-then you unscrew the 6 cap nipples, and wash them and the cylinder in hot soapy water, and dry it. Then you run hot water down the barrel (on a colt, it's a separate piece), a patch or two down the barrel on a cleaning rod, and then lightly oil everything up, and reassemble. After a little practice, it goes very quick.
Most indoor ranges will not allow BP pistols-too smoky.

[EvilGenius]

Originally Posted by jeep44

The cylinders are easy to remove-then you unscrew the 6 cap nipples, and wash them and the cylinder in hot soapy water, and dry it. Then you run hot water down the barrel (on a colt, it's a separate piece), a patch or two down the barrel on a cleaning rod, and then lightly oil everything up, and reassemble. After a little practice, it goes very quick.
Most indoor ranges will not allow BP pistols-too smoky.

Cool.

I figured as much with the indoor ranges.

I figured most ranges would restrict them because of that and also obstructing the view of shooters next you. The range I shoot the most at is outdoor though.

[Stromdog]

Originally Posted by EvilGenius

Anyone have any experience with the Navy style revolvers sold at Cabelas and Bass Pro?

I've been eyeing them for years because theyre so cheap, but I figure there's a reason why.

I bought my 1858 Remington .44 cal. revolver from Cabelas. I was, quite frankly, surprised at the fit and finish. It was made by Pietta of Italy. It is quite accurate at 25 yds. using Pyrodex P (FFFG equivalent). The trigger on mine is nice and crisp and the action is smooth and sure. It's not a Colt Python or slicked up, K frame Smith, but it ain't a bad piece of iron, all things considered. I like mine a lot.

I don't know whether or not these pics are any better than what you can get from their (Cabela's), website, but here are pics of mine.

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[mfp4073]

I think this is my .50 cal hawkins flint.

have several flint and several caps.

also percussion pistols. My favorite is a .44 colt army pocket model. It has a really nice balance.




Also have several peacemaker replicas. Been meaning to start reloading them with blackpowder just for the show!

[nessy357]

All of my family are shooters.

[Honda Scoot]

'49er farkled with an extra cylinder in 32 S&W has been a recent passion.



Not practical. Just Crazy Cool!

[Will LC8]

Originally Posted by nessy357

All of my family are shooters.

I see atleast two left handers in that picture. What are they?
I have a TC Renegade Lefty that I bought as a kit. It was the only lefthanded kit I've ever found.

TC Renegade


TC Encore


I like the Rengade more. The Encore will be turned into a .308 rifle.