ultimate flintlock for ?

[ebiggs1]

I was watching the TV program “Ultimate Weapons” the other day. A statement was made that went something like this, “If I was dropped onto an unknown planet and asked which gun to take along, it would be an AK47.”
That started me thinking; if you were asked to go into an unknown place which flintlock gun would you choose? Let’s say you are limited to 1830 or before for your selection. Remember you don’t know if there is a colony of church mice there or a herd of T-rex.

 

[rabjr]

Seems like we have these type of threads every 3 months or so. Can I scroll down to the last time and use my answer for that one here? :haha:

 

[jsn]

whats the use of any firearm without ammunition?

Take a bow an make arrows!

:surrender:

 

[Rusty Spur 82]

That's easy.I would pick a Jaeger in 58 cal.With that one I could shoot T-Rex and then I could beat the mice to death with the butt.

 

[DanChamberlain]

I would take whatever I needed to take, to acquire a specimen of a local weapon. Then I would discard the one I brought with me.

Dan

 

[Danbo]

A statement was made that went something like this, “If I was dropped onto an unknown planet and asked which gun to take along, it would be an AK47.

The premise of your question is based on the pandering of an idiot. First piece of equipment to take along is one's brain, the rest will come without too much difficulty.

 

[David W.]

Are those saber toothed mice?

 

[larry wv]

Not worried to much about the T-rex.Just hope their are no BLACK squirrels. :shocked2: Larry

 

Seems like we have these type of threads every 3 months or so. Can I scroll down to the last time and use my answer for that one here? :haha:

You have to wonder why people keep posting the "what if" fantasy questions. Another recuring theme is "muzzleloader for home protection". Maybe they need a "Fantasy Island Muzzleloading Forum"? :rotf:

 

[Noel]

:thumbsup: That is probably the most practical choice

 

[buford87]

+1 :hatsoff: :hatsoff: good answer Danbo

 

[ebiggs1]

I think some have missed the point of the thought experiment. The advise of the person taking an AK47 into an unknown situation was a testament to it's reputation as reliable and versatile. It isn't the first item or the “only” item. It is simply a gun you would rely on in an unknown environment. The ancillary items taken for support of your choice is a given as it was with the reporter's choice of the AK47.

I think it a challenge to come up with a gun when it's use isn't defined and you can not take an unlimited amount of equipment. I have not decided on a choice as of this post.

Those not interested in thought problems, need not respond if it bothers you.

 

[BrownBear]

If I was limited to a small amount of supplies no matter the scenario or fantasy, I'd go with a small caliber and plan on being selective with my shots. A 32 caliber translates into 300 shots or so for 2 pounds of lead and one pound of powder, compared to around 70 shots from my beloved 58 cals with 3 pounds of lead and a pound of powder. Heck, I'm working on a 30 cal flinter right now, and that might be a better choice pushing close to 400 shots from my 2 pounds of lead and a pound of shot. Maybe a 25 caliber would get me up to 500 shots for 3 pounds total in my pack.

You're not going to start or finish a war with a flintlock, any more than you'll consistently settle the hash of big critters with big muzzleloaders. I know, I know, bigger is more likely but when your hiney is on the line it only takes one failure. Better to turn tail and run, or better yet climb a tree and live to fight again another day. And with a flinter on human targets you're going to be sniping whether you like it or not, and a small bore will work just as well.

Okay, fantasy follies are over. :rotf:

 

[David W.]

Not worried to much about the T-rex.Just hope their are no BLACK squirrels. :shocked2: Larry

Are these saber toothed black squirrels?

 

[hoochiepapa]

Good choice, Rusty! I have an Edward Marshall .58 waiting in the wings, and because Swampy says I have to build my fowler, I can't work on it right now, but that's what I would take. :yakyak:

 

[rabjr]

You can paint this with whatever colorful words you want but it still amounts to the same old tired "If you could only have one"....thread.

But I'll bite again. I would take a Smoothbore either in 12ga or 20ga. Big balls or shot, can't beat the versatility.

 

[Palatine]

I'd definitely choose a flintlock with real black powder, the potassium nitrate of which contains its own oxygen. That way I'd be reasonably certain of getting off one shot before I was asphyxiated by the planet's noxious atmosphere.

 

[ebiggs1]

I think I agree. It would have to be a big smooth bore. But you are still missing the point. The individual, on the TV show, was proclaiming the unchallenged success o the AK47. I only seem to think in “flintlockese” anymore and wanted to know if there was such a revered flintlock. Possibly the Brown Bess? Large smooth bore, wouldn't it be close to the 1700-1800's AK47? There was no mention of limited resources, you could take whichever you thought would be most likely fit the bill.

No paint or fancy words intended just a simple question to ponder. If no such gun existed back in the day so be it.

 

[rabjr]

Not sure how this is so different from this thread you started before it. After all "Ultimate" is ultimate...
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/254571/

 

[Mike Brooks]

I think I'd want that Cookson gun built by the Indians that I've seen pictures of around here lately. A better club I have never seen, wouldn't even need ammo that way :haha: