Thinking about a Black Powder Pistol & need advice.

[beaverislander]

I am thinking about getting a black powder pistol but I have never shot one and know next to nothing about them (except for a couple of You-Tube videos.) As far as the caliber goes it appears there are two main considerations... the 36 & 44. My joints can handle a 357 just fine but I don't want anything thats going to thump much harder than that. So to start with should I eliminate the 44?
Next question is about the cost. It looks like most of the pistols that I'm reading about are running $300-$400. Does that sound reasonable or should you spend a little more? About how much would the supplies run to get started? I'm referring to the projectiles, powder, butter (?), loading tools, and whatever else you need before you could take it out and shoot it.
I'm just trying to get an idea of the total cost to get started.

Thanks

[cooperhawk]

I used to do a lot of black powder shooting with a 45 Hawken from Thompson Center, but that's
a rifle. Pistols are a bit different. I cast my own bullets, but that's a pain and you can purchase them
a lot easier. If you don't do any casting, you would need aside from the pistol, some good cleaning
supplies, and good powder. I used Pyrodex, but I'm not sure if that's on the market anymore.
I do know that Ruger made a nice black powder pistol, but not sure how to find one.
Otherwise there are several guys on here who do this so I'm sure they will chime in soon.

[beaverislander]

Speaking of casting bullets, I just got over 100 pounds of (linotype) lead in a package deal and I don't cast (yet anyway.)

[fortyshooter]

Take a look at the 1858 Remington listed as a .44 but it actually has a .452 bore. You can order it and get it shipped thru the mail or FedEx to your home depending on State. Also you can order the .45 Colt conversion cylinder to shoot mild .45 Colt cowboy loads. The conversion cylinders are available for several of the black powder revolvers and the cylinder can be mailed to your home at the same time but just in a separate box.
This gives you an option of what you can shoot! Check out Taylors and Company in Va.
Also check out Hickok45 on youtube. he shoots a variety of BP revolvers and gives a good description of them and how to load and clean.

[GunnyGene]

Here's my 2 C&B guns. Both CVA kit guns. Both shooters. Both .44. Even with a full powder load, the recoil is much milder than any modern centerfire gun. For mine, a full charge is 30grns (by volume, not weight). Usually I'll only load 28grns to reduce the stress on the revolver since it's a brass frame and no top strap. Here's a pic of both with some of the stuff you'll need Shown in the box is

Flask, powder measure, nipple wrench, caps,& capper (as the name implies it holds about 10 caps. Used for placing caps on the cylinder nipples) and a 3rd hand as shown below (most guys make their own as I did, but you can buy them or similar). There are many different designs of all of these and you'll need to decide what you like. Track of the wolf can help: https://www.trackofthewolf.com/





If you buy new, the owners manual will (or should) explain all the pertiklers about powder and cap size, loading, cleaning and disassembly, etc. but generally cleaning will involve your kitchen sink, soapy hot water, and a toothbrush. BP residue gets into everything. Oh, and one thing you should be watchful of in revolvers, is a spent cap getting jammed into the innards when cocking for the next shot. It's happened to me a few times and it's a real pain in the rear to dig it out, usually requiring disassembly. Pointing the muzzle straight up before you cock it will normally let the spent cap fall out on to your hand. You need to watch and make sure it did, before thumbing the hammer back.

But even with all that, it's a blast to shoot bp.

[Rifletom]

'islander, check EMF Co. They have various BP revolvers from about $260 and up. Worth a look.

[beaverislander]

I see they're gonna be like trying to find "in stock" ammo.

[beaverislander]

'islander, check EMF Co. They have various BP revolvers from about $260 and up. Worth a look.

Their "858 REMINGTON TARGET MODEL .44 8" looks nice with that rear target sight and the price is great but it's also out of stock.
What is the difference in the Sheriffs model?

[RanchRoper]

I have been eyeing one of these for awhile now....might just happen in 2022....
https://www.davide-pedersoli.com/en/pro ... ky-pistols

[Vaquero]

I have them in 1851, 1858, and 1860, in 44, I also have 36 cal. 1851, but I have yet to shoot it.
I like the looks of the '60, but as far as taking down I like the '58's the best.
Primers as is the usual this year will be the hardest to find, I haven't seen any in over a year.
They all may be up there with RR as they seem to have quite a bit of them up that way.
Like Forty said even the 44's are not a heavy recoiler.
I shoot Pyrodex, and BP in mine.

RP

[Rifletom]

'islander, check EMF Co. They have various BP revolvers from about $260 and up. Worth a look.

Their "858 REMINGTON TARGET MODEL .44 8" looks nice with that rear target sight and the price is great but it's also out of stock.
What is the difference in the Sheriffs model?

Oh, believe me, I probably know less than you do on BP! I just happened upon them looking around the site. The others here will steer you in the right direction.

[Vaquero]

As in the reloading game today primers will probably be the hardest thing to find.
As I have not seen any in over a year around here.
Here's my meager collection 1860 on top of the 1858, and the two 1851's below. The bottom one is the 36.

20211220_140203.jpg (107.15 KiB) Viewed 850 times

RP

[beaverislander]

I have lots of reading to do and things to follow up on so thank you all for the suggestions. Thanks to Ranch Roper I've thrown a Kentuncy Pistol in to the suggestion box

As you can see, I'm not looking for anything in particular.... I just want to try something different to stimulate the gray matter.

[mlrifleNY]

This is my only pistol, Flint of course.
Jim[/attachment]

SANY0001.JPG (158.12 KiB) Viewed 845 times

[Rifletom]

Wow! How you doing Jim? Nice looking BP shooter there. You still playing that Gretsch?

[dave77]

I have been eyeing one of these for awhile now....might just happen in 2022....
https://www.davide-pedersoli.com/en/pro ... ky-pistols

I have their Le Page pistol in .44, not sure if it's the percussion "Maple" or "Target" model. Looks like they've made some slight changes since I bought mine around 30 years ago, the grip checkering is slightly different but most of the engraving is similar. Cant seem to find a price on that site, I remember paying several hundred dollars for it.

Haven't shot it for many years, I should take it out and shoot it. I have balls and caps but my can of black powder has a date stamp that says 03-95. Would it still be safe or should I get a new can?

Just got it out and dry fired it a bit, had forgotten how sensitive you can make the set trigger, you just have to barely touch it to fire.

[BigAl52]

This is my only pistol, Flint of course.
Jim[/attachment]SANY0001.JPG

Did you build that one its really nice.

[BigAl52]

I have been eyeing one of these for awhile now....might just happen in 2022....
https://www.davide-pedersoli.com/en/pro ... ky-pistols

I have their Le Page pistol in .44, not sure if it's the percussion "Maple" or "Target" model. Looks like they've made some slight changes since I bought mine around 30 years ago, the grip checkering is slightly different but most of the engraving is similar. Cant seem to find a price on that site, I remember paying several hundred dollars for it.

Haven't shot it for many years, I should take it out and shoot it. I have balls and caps but my can of black powder has a date stamp that says 03-95. Would it still be safe or should I get a new can?

Just got it out and dry fired it a bit, had forgotten how sensitive you can make the set trigger, you just have to barely touch it to fire.

https://shop.davide-pedersoli.com/en/16-le-page-

Its over double that price now Dave

[BigAl52]

I have been eyeing one of these for awhile now....might just happen in 2022....
https://www.davide-pedersoli.com/en/pro ... ky-pistols

I have one of those in 54 cap. I also have a Lyman Plains pistol in 54. The trigger in the pedersoli is terrible. I had a guy work mine over to make it better. The front sight is also to thick. I changed mine. I like the Lyman better. Get what you like though Im just giving you my review. Now that I have them both tuned they both shoot awesome.

[BigAl52]

I have lots of reading to do and things to follow up on so thank you all for the suggestions. Thanks to Ranch Roper I've thrown a Kentuncy Pistol in to the suggestion box

As you can see, I'm not looking for anything in particular.... I just want to try something different to stimulate the gray matter.

Im not fond of the revolvers as I have shot them and the single shots. The revolvers are harder to clean and you will get cap jams from caps coming off the nipples. This is just me. I shoot a 54 cal Kentucky and a Lyman Plains pistol. The Lyman is a good pistol. 50 or 54 caliber would be no problem. Pyrodex is still available but I dont like it. I use black and you should be able to get it online delivered to your door. If you need help finding any let me know. Caps have also been available