Black powder revolver for defense

[Mojaveman]

Ok, I know they're not as reliable as modern firearms and maybe not as powerful but if it's all you had would you use it? You can load a .45 up pretty good and then use a conical bullet. The .36 is kind of marginal.

Any comments or ideas?

[Mauserguy]

Properly loaded a black powder firearm can be very effective, just ask David Tutt

Mauserguy

[k1dude]

Have extra loaded cylinders for reloads. It's slow, but better than nothing.

Or, if you have the money, own several pistols to do rebel reloads.

[1911isGOAT]

It's better than nothing. It's not practical, but it's certainly not ineffective either. It's still a gun, shooting a chunk of lead. Best recommendation I could make, practice a lot with it and make sure you can hit accurately. Make sure you're using properly fitting bullets so the powder is well sealed in the cylinder to reduce chances of moisture getting to it, same thing with caps. They even make little cap sealers you can buy on ebay that fit over the cap and seal the bottom edge around the nipple.

[19K]

Use a modern firearm.

If you can’t, in California, aren’t felons also not allowed loaded black powder firearms because they are considered firearms for felons?

[Sutcliffe]

[Kurgan]

It will work.

The question is why would you use something to defend your life when a modern firearm will do the job better almost every time?

[k1dude]

It will work.

The question is why would you use something to defend your life when a modern firearm will do the job better almost every time?

I suspect he's asking for a prohibited friend. That friend better not be in Kalistan. I don't know what the laws are like in other states, counties, and municipalities.

[Quiet]

If you can’t, in California, aren’t felons also not allowed loaded black powder firearms because they are considered firearms for felons?

I suspect he's asking for a prohibited friend. That friend better not be in Kalistan. I don't know what the laws are like in other states, counties, and municipalities.

Under CA laws...

A black powder firearm is still considered a firearm [PC 16520(a)] and depending on when it was made or its method of operation, they can also be considered an antique firearm [PC 16170].

A prohibited person cannot legally own or possess a firearm or an antique firearm within CA. [PC 29800-29830 and 16520(b)(15)]

[hambam105]

Because BP revolver technology is so obsolete, the bullets just bounce-off all your targets and scoring becomes impossible with no penetration.

[Mojaveman]

I suspect he's asking for a prohibited friend.

No felons. It was just a general question. Was curious what people thought of them.

[keepitlow]

Good for felons. But don't know about evety state.

[hylander]

I have been shooting black powder revolvers and rifles for over 30 years. Shot them today.
If that was all I had, absolutely I would use it. Loaded properly they are reliable, accurate and deadly.
Also the powder does not degrade over time unless it has been contaminated by oil or such.

[k1dude]

A whole lotta people have died fighting with black powder pistols in various wars worldwide. It works just fine.

[THBailey]

Just because I was curious I loaded a spare cylinder and left it for a year. I admit it was stored in a friendly environment, but when I took it to the range all 6 touched off with the same enthusiasm as a fresh load. And after cleaning, the cylinder showed no ill effects from the experience.

But... As we all know there is no trophy for second place in a gun fight.