New Member

[Danj2718]

Hi Folks, I'm new here and I'm interested in learning about black powder shooting. Never done it, but it sounds like a lot of fun. I'm trying to decide whether to start with a .36 caliber or a .44 caliber. I like the Pietta Griswold and Gunnison as well as the Pietta 1858 New Army. Any suggestions???

Thanks

 

[Ranger Roberts]

I'm a .44 guy and by that I mean have more 44's than .36's. Start in our blackpowder section of the forum here:

http://www.thehighroad.org/forumdisplay.php?f=12

Also check out all the links provided here:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238769

The guys in the blackpowder section are some of the most knowledgeable guys around. They'll steer you in the right direction!

Welcome to the forum by the way!

 

[tembotusk]

Welcome!

It is really hard to go wrong with either. For me, the .44 is a little bit easier to load being a bigger ball and less fumbly.

If you ever buy a conversion cylinder, the transition from .44 to Colt 45 is very smooth.

 

[elhombreconnonombre]

Wecome DanJ
I guarantee you will enjoy this forum. Lots of freindly and knowlegeable pards here.

 

[Pancho]

Welcome to the family. Before you go any farther read the post at the top of the page written by Cannonman and titled differences between BP shooters and smokeless shooters. You will note that there is a clear difference between the two and that you can surmise that one group won't be able to see the joy the other gets out it's sport. Sure you'll find Muzzleloaders that own smokeless guns for home protection or concealed carry

 

[EljaySL]

I like them both. I think the 1858 design is a little more newbie friendly but the .36s have generally been growing on me and my Griswold is deadly accurate.

The .44 makes a noticeably larger bang. The .36 will use up less materials. There's really no clear winner.

 

[rodwha]

"There's really no clear winner."

Especially without any idea of use/need.

The .36 wins when being a little frugal is a good thing. But a .44 is the winner when boom and smoke are in order.

I like boom and smoke!

 

[alexander45]

The .36 wins when being a little frugal is a good thing. But a .44 is the winner when boom and smoke are in order

isn't the boom and smoke like 99.9999999999% the entire reason for buying a bp revolver. the rest is a spilt between the handling of a open top colt or the purchaser being underage or a fellon

 

[EljaySL]

Well, if that were the case I'd just need one of them. I've got thirteen so I think there's interest in the history, in the way the designs compared over the years, and maybe a slight lack of sanity. ;-)

 

[alexander45]

The history and fiddling with different inner bitties is with any gun not just bp

 

[kBob]

Welcome, Dan.

You have joined a nice bunch that usually do not snap bite or bark.

Some of us even don't care if you do also own smokeless guns or even use snubstitutes in your BP arms.......just keep them modern inline cheaters to your self.

-kBob

 

[CANNONMAN]

Awe shucks, don't listen to them thar varmits. Get a cannon, make your own BP and become a hit with your neighborhood. Silly lit'l side arm thing-a-ma-jigs. Just a passing fancy if ya ask'n me! [good for open'n a can a beens on campfire though...]

 

[BullSlinger]

Welcome Dan, just get a gun. You will get more as time goes on.
Have fun.