If it was BP for SD, what would you carry?

[Otony]

If for some reason we were forced to own BP only, I suppose if it were for concealed carry it would be either a Colt Pocket Navy or Pocket Police replica. Backup to either would be three weapons, a Colt Wells Fargo copy or alternately a large bore Derringer of the Lincoln/Booth variety. All of these would be accompanied by a medium sized bowie knife.

If it were day to day carry on the ranch, I suppose a good Remington 1858 .44 or a Ruger Old Army. Although I would not frown at a good sized single shot percussion horse pistol either!

As for zombies, why a Barsoomian Radium Rifle if you please!

 

[Timthinker]

In terms of mechanical reliability, the Ruger Old Army is a clear winner, since it improves upon 19th century locks and springs. I know this firsthand, having owned 3 caplock revolvers some years ago. Sadly, I sold all my muzzleloaders and now long to purchase another Ruger. Boy, do I feel like a fool.

Timthinker

 

[lwrnc1963]

Quote "Since you specified Black Powder and NOT cap and ball, I'd take a Colt Model 'P' (SAA) 4 3/4" in .45 Colt. Or maybe one of them new-fangled Smith & Wesson Top Breaks in .44 American."

Does that mean I can use my MK II Webley? After all it was originally loaded with black powder cartridges.

 

[O.S.O.K.]

well...

This:

It's an Pietta 1860 Army snubby (.44). I'd probably load it with Pyrodex P and conicals for a .44 Special type effect (200 grain conical at 750 fps - from the snub barrel).

If it were bp cartridge then heck - I'd carry my S&W .44 Special 3". Or, if they'd cycle in my 1911's one of those for sure.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

If it's just "black powder" that allows the old .38 Special -- which was originally developed as a black powder cartridge.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Definitely a Colt. The Navy .36 is nicely proportioned but the grips are a little small. The 1860 Army .44 is about perfect.

Colts have the pins between the nipples that allow you to carry 6 loaded chambers safely.

Then again, I would carry my 12 ga. Pedersoli BP double in addition.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=10989&d=1077650134

And the only way to carry a BP revolver is in a flap topped rig (keeps the rain and dust out). (That's a Colt signature series)

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=14507&d=1087798729

 

[3fgburner]

Depends -- dream gun, or one I actually own?

I'd get one of the N-SSA version LeMats in .44 / 16ga, for the ultimate. Of the stuff currently in my den, the Rogers & Spencer. Wheellock's too bitchy, and doglock's a .54 smoothbore.

For Zombie Apocalypse, my 2-pdr Coehorn with 300 grains of FFG and 2lb of buckshot. Think, "Reloadable Claymore".

 

[4fingermick]

1873 Winchester in 44WCF. Why fiddle with a short arm in a time where you can carry at any time? Get some range between you and the target.

 

[Dr.Rob]

So many choices... .36 Colt Signature Series Navy w/original Colt Flask , a Euroarms 44 cal Rogers & Spencer w/ repro flask, and a Cabela's 1860 Army "outlaw" (w/fluted cyl.) by Pietta w/ repro 44 cal Colt Flask.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=10996&d=1077664148

from this thread:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=63859

 

[Ray P]

For Zombie Apocalypse, my 2-pdr Coehorn with 300 grains of FFG and 2lb of buckshot. Think, "Reloadable Claymore".

I was crew on a friend's Yorktown for a cannon shoot a while back; loved watching the mortar crowd in action. They don't need 2 people to reload safely, and there is something neat about watching the round in flight. Kinda like tracking a slo-mo tennis match, only the parabola apex is much higher. Been looking at those swivel guns, too.

Back on topic; if the BP for SD scenario goes beyond concealed carry; such as home defense, I want this. Even better if I could find one with the folding bayonet.

 

[Jamie C.]

Black powder? For zombies?

Only one real choice... This, on a pintle mount, in the back of my pickup truck:

For anything living, a pair of 5-1/2 inch .44 Remmies will do.


J.C.

 

[Dirty Bob]

If I could just load BP cartridges, it'd be a Colt SAA or Ruger New Vaquero, loaded with some of the commercial BP cartridges.

If cap-and-ball, it has to be the Ruger Old Army. A stainless, 5.5-inch ROA would solve a lot of interpersonal issues, if used with discretion and determination.

If we're talking 19th-century only, a pair of 1858 Remingtons: one with a 5.5-inch tube, and the other cut back to around 4 inches and round-butted for CCW.

One thing I've read about in short range gunfights of that era was people who had their clothes set on fire when shot with a BP revolver. If that's true, it would make for some interesting news articles!

Regards,
Dirty Bob

 

[Franco2shoot]

Uberti 1858 Remington

Once I got the R&D conversion cylinder my Remington became my go to for HD. The .45Long Colt cartridge packs one heck of a whallop, and I am accurate beyond belief. It is totally reliable, I've never had a misfire, and even if it is a zombie that won't go down with 6 shots there's enough steel and weight to klunk him over the head...

KKKKFL

 

[Cap n Ball]

1853 I.N.Johnson .54 cal smoothbore loaded with buck and ball for up close and personal persuasion. I'd hang it in a belt thimble along with a cut down 1858 Remington hung grips forward on the left hip. Oh, and a nicely made Arkansas toothpick in a boot scabbard.

 

[Riot Earp]

I'd probably carry a Rogers & Spencer, the barrel cut to 6.25 inches. Shoulder holster.

 

[Titanvk56]

If cap-and-ball, it has to be the Ruger Old Army. A stainless, 5.5-inch ROA would solve a lot of interpersonal issues, if used with discretion and determination.

+1

 

[O.S.O.K.]

bpc

I already posted my bp cap and ball carry gun above. But if black powder cartrdiges were allowed, well that opens up a whole list of available alternatives in my armory

For concealled carry, I'd go with my Ruger sp101 357 loaded up with 4f and a good semi wadcutter bullet cast from 30-1 alloy.

For open carry, my Vaqueros in 45 Colt. And for close-in rifle action, my Marlin 94 cowboy in 45 colt. For farther out, my Marlin 95 cowboy in 45-70 would do the trick.

I'd be ready with a number of 12 guage shottys too. They call all shoot black.

 

[Brian Williams]

Cap and ball, I would choose an 1851 Navy, Cartridge, I would choose an 1899 S&W M&P in 38 spec.

 

[enfield]

A short Navy in .44, and a .41 derringer for backup.

 

[glen walker]

For personal protection against muggers and robbers, and etc? The same thing I'vd been carrying for years in my right front pant's pocket everywhere I go, even to church..Colt Pocket 1849 .31...Colt didn't call it a Pocket for nothing.

 

[Rachen]

I have my LeMat as the excellent survival tool,

one of these saved Inman's life many times on his journey through the blasted heath.....if anybody knows what I am talking about. The one I have, the Navy model is Pietta's greatest achievement.

As for zombies, a flask of holy water, crucifix, and Bible should do. Also, believe in true love whenever you encounter a zombie, creatures of the dark cannot stand the force of Love and sunlight. Just picture the face of somebody you love most and care about most, use your mental picture to overwhelm the feelings of fear and dread, it will cause the creature to suffer the most dreadful discomfort.

 

[glen walker]

For personal protection against muggers and robbers and father rapers and all? The same thing I'vd carried for years in my right front pant's pocket everywhere I go, even to church. Colt 1849 Pocket .31...Colt didn't call it a Pocket for nothing...

 

[Vermonter]

What kind of load do you use in the Colt 1849 Pocket .31? What's the max?

 

[glen walker]

I'vd carried the Colt 1849 Pocket .31 with the four inch barrel for about thirty some odd years. I just slip it into my right front pant's pocket. It ride's good there. I carry it about everywhere I go. It has helped me out a couple or so times. Just be careful and make sure that pocket is empty. If you shove it in there among keys and all, you will find yourself sitting at the table cussing while you re-blue the barrel...Glen...

 

[glen walker]

.31 load

Sir, get yourself a 'baby flask' if you don't already have one. They don't cost much, and you can get one from Cabela's. 1-800-237-4444. Once you have the flask filled, (if you don't have a funnel, be careful with those two little tiny screws, and don't lose them) place your index finger over the end of the spout. While keeping your finger on the end of the spout, use your thumb to slide the lever. Drop your arm down in sort of a 'throwing motion'. Ease your thumb and let the lever return to rest. Raise your arm. With the baby flask in the upright position, remove your finger from the end of the spout. Peer into the spout. You should see that it is about full of powder...That, my good sir, is a good and proper load for a Colt 1849 Pocket .31 with a four inch barrel, just as Mr. Colt intended for it to be. I guess you can experiment if you want to. I never did. I ALWAYS get a good clean burn, with that good clean sharp sounding crack. I use Triple Seven 3 f. (fffg) (easier clean up)The Colt .31 is a surprising good kicker, and has more power than one may expect. I'm not some kind of firearms expert, and I'm not an engineer. I don't spend hours agonizing over half a grain of powder here, or half a grain over there. I load my gun and I shoot it, and I keep it clean, and it has done by me just fine. .. Good luck. Maybe this helped you at least to decide which way you're going to go..OH! ONE MORE THING! If you are carrying it, and someone attempt's to really harm you or your family, you don't have to worry at all. I don't care how big and mean he is; that Colt .31 will bring him down, hard..CHECK YOUR CARRY LAWS!...Glen...