First BP Handgun

[Marc Adamchek]

I'm about to get a flintlock .45. Anything I should know that I wouldn't have picked up shooting flintlock rifles and fowlers?

For example: The short ramrod, for some reason, has me a bit spooked. Although it seems like it would be way harder to break than a long rifle rod, I somehow feel like it would be easier. Technique: Is it wrong to "cap" the rod with your thumb while seating a ball?

 

[matt denison]

I make a range rod for all my pistols. The ones that fit in the pipes are too wimpy/short to be very effective. I make mine like a long short starter so I can start the ball and ram it home, or clean the bore with one tool. You can buy them ready made too from popular suppliers.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

A simple bench top loading stand comes in real handy. It doesn't have to be fancy. Just so it holds the pistol verticle and steady enough to take the rigor of loading and cleaning. There have been a few threads here and elsewhere on the web about them. Even some offerred for sale on the web. I built one 25 years ago from scrap pine, more like slapped together. It is still rough cut, ugly and unfinished but works just fine for revolvers and muzzleloader pistols. It permits both hands to be used for loading and cleaning, instead of one hand fumbling while holding the gun with the other.

Mine pretty much looks like the one in this picture: http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthread.htm?t=2290

 

[Marc Adamchek]

laffindog - Thanks for confirming my fears regarding the ramrod being too short and "wimpy" for continued trustworthy use. A range rod, especially a longer one, seems like a real good idea.

zimmerstutzen - The bench top loading/cleaning stand is something I NEVER would have thought of, but after thinking it through, along with seeing an example, it seems more like a necessity than an extravagance.

Thanks, guys, I really appreciate your help starting this new chapter in my BP story. I must admit, this one snuck up from behind, didn't even see it coming! Over 16 years of muzzleloading and not ONCE had I thought of adding a handgun to the "arsenal". Strange but true. Now, I'm looking forward to it like a kid at Christmas!

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

Good advice here! Loading stand a must for safety & target accuracy. Range Rod also GREAT idea. Ramrod under barrel for show, not go!

Good luck & enjoy!

Dave