Trying out black powder pistols for the first time

[Gold Rush]

With 20 yrs in the military, I was around weapons everyday, I own my own weapons, but I have never had the chance to fire, load or use a black powder pistol..so I decided why not..I bought one of these Pietta 1851 44 cal Confederate Navy models today..figure it will be fun to shoot at the range, we are use to the convenience of todays weapons and rounds, but what if that convenience wasn't available..so I thought it would be good to learn the the old ways of firearms..since I'am new to it, thought I would see if anyone else owns one, if anyone has any tricks of the trade, thoughts, recommendations or advise on them ..that sort of thing..Thanks..

[917601]

Casting your own bullets fun,percussion caps a pain but better than flint,cleaning a pain,and clean very well,black powder corrosive.Shooting fun,but that second lag time from trigger pull to fire hard to get used to.The smoke pretty annoying after the first couple of shots.Recoil much different also,almost like a "push" instead of the instant crack.You will also find those .44 and .50 cal slow moving bullets do much damage to wood,not like modern ammo,nice clean hole but these tend to "smash" and splinter wood.Keep your powder dry, and do not overload your charges.Have fun.

[Gold Rush]

Casting your own bullets fun,percussion caps a pain but better than flint,cleaning a pain,and clean very well,black powder corrosive.Shooting fun,but that second lag time from trigger pull to fire hard to get used to.The smoke pretty annoying after the first couple of shots.Recoil much different also,almost like a "push" instead of the instant crack.You will also find those .44 and .50 cal slow moving bullets do much damage to wood,not like modern ammo,nice clean hole but these tend to "smash" and splinter wood.Keep your powder dry, and do not overload your charges.Have fun.

I watched alot of the youtube videos on loading them before I bought this one..some mentioned Crisco or pistol lube and one mentioned wax plugs to prevent firing off the other chambers..that's what worries me the most..Which is best to use?..This one came with a starter kit that has the blackpowder pistol lube with it

[Unca Walt]

I watched alot of the youtube videos on loading them before I bought this one..some mentioned Crisco or pistol lube and one mentioned wax plugs to prevent firing off the other chambers..that's what worries me the most..Which is best to use?..This one came with a starter kit that has the blackpowder pistol lube with it

Flashover is not gonna be a problem if you use the right size ball. When you squoosh down the loading handle, the seal is just fine.

But NEVER use a slightly undersized ball. Simple rule. You can save a lot of work (and worry!!) if you just use Hornady .451 pistol balls in your .44 as recommended by the mfr. I know that SOUNDS like you are using the wrong ammo... but ya ain't. That is really the size ball your beastie wants.

I have shot thousands of rounds from my BP pistols with never a flashover.

Sumpin you can do to make your shooting more fun: Build a simple, small wooden L-shaped holder to plunk your pistol into/onto to hold it in an upright position while loading. Otherwise, you really kinda need three hands... Even more convenient if you put a hinge on the L.

Here's a video showing an example of the loading holder. Yeah, I know I ain't a revolver, but the idea is the same.



I strongly recommend you use Pyrodex rather than straight-up BP. I have found that when using BP, after about a dozen shots (a measly two loads), your pistol will start throwing the balls all over the target. Pyrodex minimizes this a LOT.

When you clean your boomy, use lotsa hot soapy water. Hot water will warm the metal (as well as cleaning the corrosive crud off), and the gun will dry better. I also recommend that you use Bore Butter as lube and rust preventive. Bore butter comes in a yellow squeeze tube. Smells like wintergreen.

When you are shooting, be dang sure to have a towel. You will NOT be able to scratch your nose otherwise.

One mo' thang: If you feel like it, you CAN load the pistol -- after cleaning it THOROUGHLY -- because the Pyrodex is not corrosive until it is fired.

[GOLDZILLA]

They seem pretty cool, but just too much hassle for me. Maybe someday after I retire.

[Unca Walt]

They seem pretty cool, but just too much hassle for me. Maybe someday after I retire.

The hassle is part of the fun.

[Unca Walt]

Just thought of sumpin fun:

Don't do it much, because you will develop a bad case of "flinch"... but try a few rounds at night.