first blackpowder gun advice?

Question

I've evaluated my current situation,and I believe buying a blackpowder gun would be my best option.Can someone recommend a starter kit or something to get me started?I know you need a lot of different gear like nipples,powder,ect.Also I was wondering if there would be much difference between a pistol and rifle in terms of a learning curve,because I just like using pistols more.

Answer 1

take time to research which gun is right for you.also i personally won't use anything but flintlock because i have found them to be more reliable.but then again i had the luxury of use custom made rifles.thomson/center makes rifles that will get the job done but will lack the pleasure of use that say a Narragansett arms or G.L. Jones rifle will produce.another factor to look at is that if you plan to hunt in more than one state you will have to review the laws of all of those states.for instance in Pennsylvania you are only allowed to use flintlock rifles while in Ohio you can use even the modern inline guns.i would stay away from the inline guns as i have heard of a lot of problems with them detonating the caps themselves.also the flintlocks used on the Thomson/Center,Traditions and CVA are very small and the frizzens on them are overly hardened so they produce very little spark and as a result have problems with ignition.this is only my opinion but you would be better served to save your pennys and pony up for a good G.L.Jones,CenterMark,Narragansett Arms or Track of the Wolf gun.yes it will seem a bit cost prohibitive but years down the road both you and quite possibly your children will thank me.what it comes down to is quality of craftsmanship and better design.
as far as a kit don't bother they are focused on the hunter that is only useing blackpowder guns to extend his hunting season.stay away from the pyrodex crap it is sold as being less or non-corrosive but is a flat lie.Goex brand black powder will produce very consistent results due to very high production standards.round balls will as rule of thumb produce excellent accuracy with proper loading.the mini-ball will work but go to a blackpowder shoot and see how many are used for precision shooting.you get the idea.be careful to develop your load carefully as many people tend to overload trying to increase muzzle velocity but only end up spiting a 3 foot flame out their barrel.also get in touch with the national muzzle loading rifle association so that you can take thier safety course and meet up with people who will coach you in the sport.good luck and good shootin'

http://www.nmlra.org/index.asp
http://www.muzzleloader-guns-glj.com/
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(lbxtwh45tlwrhijayvna3emu))/index.aspx
http://www.colonialgunworks.com/
http://www.logcabinshop.com/index-2.html

Answer 2

I agree with Mike.

Blackpowder is adictive.

I suggest you purchase a cap-and-ball revolver, my preference is for the Colt M-1851 Navy Model. Get one in .36 caliber, not one of the .44's. Colt never made a .44 cal. M-1851.

When you purchase your revolver, you can get a starter kit that has everything you need except powder and caps. I believe Gander Mountain, Bass Pro Shop, and Cabela all offer (or have offered) such Starter kits.

Once upon a time, I wrote a short article to help a friend learn to use a cap-and-ball revolver. If I can find it, I will send you a copy.

There are a couple of reasons I recommended the Colt over a Remington copy.
1. - The grip fits me better and is probably one of the best pointers ever made.

2. - It is easier to disassemble for cleaning, and it can be fired more often before it binds from powder fouling.

I also suggest you get started using the real deal, Blackpowder. After you learn to use it, you can use the blackpowder substitutes if you wish. But if you are like me, you'll go back to the blackstuff because it just doesn't smell right.

Good Luck and Good shooting,
Doc

Answer 3

First, as with any other field of firearms' marksmanship, buy yourself a good instruction manual and read up on the basics. I have a Lyman manual that is falling apart from use over the years. It has rifle & pistol loads in all calibers, including many by weapon make & model, as well.
It would usually be easier to learn the basics with a single-shot rifle or pistol, but revolvers aren't much more complicated.

Just keep in mind, Rule no.#1 is. . . . .Safety First!

One of the BEST sources I have found for ALL black powder books & shooting supplies:

http://www.dixiegunworks.com

Answer 4

Looks like you hit a nerve...

BP shooting is great fun- I have a Remington 1858 reproduction that I enjoy a lot . Look at Cabela's website
for a good choice of both pistols and rifles, as well as all
of the necessary accessories.
I disagree with Doc- I think the Remington is the real deal...
and I run a black powder substitute called Pyrodox.
[ Makes for GREAT arguments ].
Shoot with a knowledgeable friend and have fun.

Answer 5

I shoot a 1858 remington,and I enjoy doing so very much. Shooting a cap and ball pistol is one of my very favourite things to do. Colt vs Remington? Makes for a great debate,but it is a matter of personal prefrence. I like them both my self.
Cabela's has starter kits for the pistols and rifles they sell.

Answer 6

in spite of the fact that if it fairly is new, study the instruction manual. If no longer, touch the producer for a instruction manual. this might desire to provide you the counseled lots, and all mandatory coaching. OR take it to a gun save that handles BP components and characteristic them help you. In .fifty 8, use FFg black powder, eighty-a hundred gr. FFFg is often a pistol powder, in spite of the fact that it fairly is used in some SMALL high quality rifles. It burns too quickly to apply in this massive a high quality. The somewhat sluggish twist on the Armi game barrel of a million-sixty six is designed for around ball with a patch. i might use a .570 or .575 counting on which is going ultimate with the patch you're utilising. it would be a cushty yet no longer tight in high-quality condition. (you will possibly desire to be waiting to start the ball by using wrapping hand around barrel and utilising thumb to push ball w/patch into barrel.) Minnie balls, if used, may well be .fifty 8 high quality and don't use patches. (i take advantage of Crisco, myself, as a lube on patches, minnie, and maxi-balls AND on revolvers) i've got not got this weapon so do no longer understand which cap it makes use of. prevalent percussion caps, for many caplocks, are #10, in spite of the fact that "musket" caps are #11; and that's a musket. Why below a hundred yards? purely to get used to it. BP rifles may well be used for searching at ranges as much as 3 hundred yards easily on deer or better, with prepare. desire this helps. be at liberty to touch me right this moment.

Answer 7

I wish you nothing but luck.

I hunt with black powder rifles and have for years.

A black powder revolver is a good way to learn about them. I recommend you read the instructions and have someone with some experience show you how to safely load, shoot, and clean it.

Good luck

Miketyson26

Answer 8

Doc, if you find that article would you send me a copy as well. I would really appreciate it. Been dying to try my hand at a navy .36.

Cheers.

Answer 9

I love the Colt "Walker"

rifle
T/C .50 cal Hawken