Two quick ones

[BenningBoy]

Does black powder go bad? And do they still make those pistol kits I remember as a kid, like the"ducksfoot" and "the pepper box" black powder pistols?

[padowser]

Does black powder go bad? And do they still make those pistol kits I remember as a kid, like the"ducksfoot" and "the pepper box" black powder pistols?

Hello:

If kept dry black powder has a long shelf life. There are cases of firearms discharging that where loaded 100 years ago. I am told that the black powder substitutes tend to degrade with age.

Check out Dixie Gun Works for some kits.

very cordially, Dowser

[gf45acp]

The kits also show up on Gunbroker.com and Auctionarms.com often.

[BenningBoy]

Thanks guys.

[PA Rifleman]

Does black powder go bad? And do they still make those pistol kits I remember as a kid, like the"ducksfoot" and "the pepper box" black powder pistols?

Sometimes, and yes.

If the black powder hasn't been exposed to moisture, humidity or contaminants (ex: oil) it will retain it's performance over a very long time. Recently a civil war collector was killed when a cannonball in his collection exploded (link to story).

The two pistols you mention were made by a company called Classic Arms (not to be confused with the modern arms surplus firm in NC) in the 1980s. Since then, they've changed hands several times. They aren't known for their quality, the rotating barrel "pepperbox" in particular.

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Read the reviews and expect a little difficulty if you make the plunge. I will tell you that if you succeed in building one to the point of functionality, it's a thrill.

I've built two or three, all are working and one's a fairly good shooter.

[BenningBoy]

Thanks, Pa Rifleman. Might be an interesting project.