Black powder pistols

[OvadekP]

I received the 2009 shooters catalog from Cabellas today, flipping thru it I noticed a couple pages of black powder pistols. My question is are these pistols something I can order online, or do I need to go to the store and have all the same checks and forms filled out just like a modern firearm?
BTW I'm interested in the repo. 1858 Buffalo brass frame .44 Cal.

[brian]

they are not guns....so no paper work.
same goes for b'p long guns.
those .44 cal pistols are a blast to play with....seriously, they'res smoke and fire everywhere. a good time indeed.

[knight0334]

As mentioned above, they are not guns or firearms under legal definition of both state and federal laws. Muzzleloading/blackpowder guns can be mail ordered and delivered straight to your door just like any other item. You may have to provide proof you're 18 though for some venders. Other states considered them guns and regulate them just the same as any other handgun.

They are however considered guns or firearms in regards to those that are prohibited from possessing a gun.

If you get one, be sure to grease the chambers in front of the bullet.. ...chain fires are NOT fun.

[Emptymag]

Go for it!

I got one for Christmas when I was around 16 years old.
Big fun.

[OvadekP]

Thanks for all the replys, I surely will be making my purchase soon.

[TJB63]

Hey OvadekP,

As mentioned, Each Cylinder needs to be Greased in order to Prevent a Chain fire, Most just use Crisco you get at your local Supermarket. Others use Bore Butter or Homemade recipies.

One Note, If you plan to shoot heavy loads as in loading enough powder so as the ball just fits in the cylinder, then stay away from the Brass frame guns, Heavy loads will make the Cylinder shoot loose from the frame in very short order. The Steel frame guns will last a lifetime as will the Brass Frame guns as long as you watch what kind of loads you shoot.

BP guns are a lot of fun and extremely cheap to shoot as regular ammo keeps skyrocketing so as to be unaffordable. Here's a few links to check out if you care to learn more.

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/

http://www.voy.com/60048/

http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/index.php

Good Luck and Stay Safe

~TJB~

[jmanzini]

They are loads of fun to shoot, with the addtional benefit of the smell of rotten eggs.

[JoeWilliams]

I got my first muzzleloading rifle last year, and discovered it was all the fun I'd hoped it would be. My boy has been bugging me for a blackpowder revolver for a while, and I think he's right about this.

I'm wondering, though, how much kick the .44s have? I've been thinking about a .36 instead.

[knight0334]

I got my first muzzleloading rifle last year, and discovered it was all the fun I'd hoped it would be. My boy has been bugging me for a blackpowder revolver for a while, and I think he's right about this.

I'm wondering, though, how much kick the .44s have? I've been thinking about a .36 instead.

Little recoil, virtually none. You're shooting about a 90-150gr round ball at like 700-1000fps for the 44cal. For the 36cal its a 60-80gr round ball at similar speeds. If you're shooting from a brass frame gun, you'll be on the lower half of the velocity range that I posted above due to the necessity of having to short charge them.

Recoil is generally less than a 38spec.

[knight0334]

Remember everyone, blackpowder and it's substitutes are measured by VOLUME, not by weight.

Powder scales are the wrong way to measure blackpowder loads, you use a scoop, measured flask tube/spout, etc.