Black Powder Zero

[snakebit]

Somewhat interesting, for me anyway. I am pushing toward 63 years old. I started carrying firearms as a living in the Marine Corps at 18. After my discharge I did a 28 year LE career which centered primarily on SWAT, certified firearms instructor for over 25 years, you name it I’ve shot it (or something darn close to it), but have never fired anything black powder. I actually owned a Ruger Old Army for a while, but it sat in my safe for a year, so I let it go (which is killing me now). I’ve been a member of several firearms sites, but have left all of them because, to be honest, they bore the heck out of me, if not downright annoy me with all the banter about optics, front slide serrations, and how recent advances have made 9mm ammunition “almost” to .44 magnum (I’m being facetious). Anyway, here I am. Except for some Rumble videos and a few articles I am a black powder blank slate. I don’t currently own anything, and I am here to see whether I might. All this being said, at least there appears to be a shooting sport that seems somewhat intriguing.

"Intriguing" is a nice way to put it This rabbit hole is deep, with lots of off shoots. Not saying this to scare you off. I'm saying welcome home, you will enjoy it Ask tons of questions, ask for advice, and share your experiences. There's a troop ship worth of guys that will help you figure things out. There's also a small number of, well, you get what I'm saying. Enjoy the new to you journey

 

[FrDoc]

Welcome to the forum!

I can't speak for you, but I find Black Powder intensely interesting along with the history intimately connected. Also, there's something about shooting BP that's a lot more fun than other types of shooting. I can't say what it is or why, it just is.

Is there anything that interests you most? Pistols, Revolvers, Muskets, Percussion Rifles, Breech loaders...? Cannons?

Thanks for the response. Regarding my interests, in center fire world it has always been predominantly, in this order, shotguns, pistols, rifles. I have been entertaining a keen interest in muzzle loading pistols. BP revolvers seem very cool, but I’m leery of the seemingly repetitive things I read about the initial work that needs to be done on most of them to bring them up to speed. I don’ t mind tinkering, but some folks “tinkering” is next level mechanics for me. The few shotguns I’ve looked at are very cool. I definitely entertain the idea of a rifle, muzzle and/or breech loader( Flintlocks are so foreign to me that they have not appeared on my radar screen thus far.

How mechanical are you? There are tutorials on the tuning that can be done to the pistols. However, most guys shoot them just as received and they will perform well. I'm partial to the colts (open tops) and enjoy tuning them up. I'd suggest getting a 36 for a first one since they use less lead and powder, and they're as much fun as the 44. I haven't gotten into shot guns, but they do sound interesting. And I hear you on the flintlocks - it took a while for my interest to come up on them. It's easier starting out with percussion arms.

As far as “mechanical” goes, if it’s simple (replacing parts, following directions, etc.), I’m fine with that. You start talking about making parts, significant metal work, etc., that’s not where I am (currently). I think that’s what’s keeping me initially focused on the muzzle loader, you know the KISS principle. I do agree with the open top models, they just exude that “even older, old school” vibe.

 

[FrDoc]

I’m gonna bow out of this thread as I believe it’s time to get down to business for me. I truly appreciate all of the responses, especially those of you who took the time to provide some guidance. I hope to see your input as I muddle through this thing.

By the way, for all you Florida folks, I’m in Deltona.

 

[mtfishn]

Welcome from MT.