Black Powder for Home Defense

Nevermind

rpenmanparker said:

Perhaps a bronze sword would be in order. It worked 2,000 years ago. I’m sure it would still work today.

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damoc said:

Of couse it does but steel and iron is much easier and cheaper to find.

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I think the point he was trying to make was ad nauseum irony; there are newer technologies available to him, but he refuses to use them. So be it. His choice. Personally, I'd take the friend up on the offer and ask for a quick range session with it to learn the gun, but that's just me. I did have an 1851 .44 BP revolver and a .410 single shot as my HD arsenal for a short while; it was better that a sharp stick, or the two swords I owned at the time. I have much better resources available now.

mh2000 -

Standard BS bitter-bitch poopy-talk. Common as dirt. Save any e mails. I’d load the Navy, too. Proper charges will last years. You can peacefully shoot them out later at some cans or whatever.

mh2000, just a few words of wisdom. If threats are made and you consider them genuine,CYOA!!! File a police report. Have all the messages and emails you have saved documented. And if you do have to defend yourself and you're family you will have that evidence on your side. Whether it happens in your home or elsewhere, you will have a documented record of the threats that lead up to it. Learn the defense laws in your state. And if it comes down to it, make absolutely sure that you are justified in your actions.
Now, to the original post. I agree that a 1858 .44 round ball is more than capable of eliminating a threat. And I do own one as well as some 1851's and a 1860. But... there are a couple of things to think about.

First- I know from your previous posts that you are familiar with your 1858. But have you ever been in a defensive situation(serious question)? The smoke, it is a issue if you must have target acquisition after the first round. However, I would be more concerned with the single action if quick follow up shots are required.

Second- I'm not sure of carry laws in your state. But if you believe the threats are genuine, do you really think that they are going to come to your house? Or will they wait until they meet up with you on the street or some other place. Especially if she knows public places you frequent?

My opinion, I understand you wanting to be familiar with a weapon before you have to use it for defense.
Keep the 1858 handy for that... for now. But in the meantime, find yourself a semi auto or revolver. Which ever you are comfortable with and trust, that you can carry on yourself or in your vehicle. But as I stated above, study up on your state laws and do it legally. So that what ever the outcome, you are covered.

Strong advice, right up there. ↑

damoc said:

UH No not like a Glock that requires in most places background checks and waiting periods and will soon fail if you start reloading with BP and not to mention that the power from a .45 acp glock loaded with BP will be a disapointment.This is important for many reasons. I will never own a semi auto for personal and home defense if it can not function reliably with BP.

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Hickok45 - Glock 21 w/ Goex 4F BP seems to work just fine.


9mm with 3f & 2f



Mh2000, go buy yourself a modern cartridge handgun.

mh2000 said:

Crossing paths with someone who turns out to be unstable can lead to making you feel the need for some form of personal home protection. Recently, a personal interaction turned ugly and for the safety of myself and my kids, I realized I needed some form of personal protection. A frend of mine wanted to loan me his Ruger 9mm until things blow over, but after thinking about it, I decided just to rely on my Peitta 1858 New Army. I'm not real familiar with his gun..., so without more training with it, I feel more comfortable with what I already have. Also, the 1858 has proven more than 99% reliable (until 30+ rounds when it starts fouling). ..., for the actual purpose of the gun, going straight to the Remmington! Workhorse weapon!

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Well as mentioned, it IS a poor choice "on paper", compared to a modern handgun or a shotgun. The smoke that will be generated means you will likely need to make the first shot count, since it's likely you won't be able to see your target for additional shots, and for every shot after the first, you odds of the target being obscured by smoke increase....,
The 1858 Remington was popular with a few folks in cities where they simply could not own nor possess a modern handgun, such as in DC, however a shotgun or a lever action rifle in .38/.357 were much better and much more popular, ....,
You mentioned fouling and a cap jam, but you didn't mention a cap misfire..., and yes you have another five tries to make the handgun go boom, but will the bad guy be far enough away for you to recock and try the next chamber?.....
It IS probably a better option than a baseball bat..., ,
A conversion cylinder is a much better idea than the straight 1858, and using smokeless "Cowboy" ammo would be even better...,
A revolver is a revolver, so buying a .357 Smith & Wesson model 13, would not be "foreign" to you at the distances within the home where you'd encounter said bad guy, but if you have a waiting period on the handgun in Arizona, you may need something now....,
The BP round from the 1858 Remington will be as good or better than lead round nosed in .38 Special, BUT... not nearly as good as a +P HP round in .38 Special....,
A used 12 gauge pump set up with an old-school plain slug barrel will = the longtime standard police shotgun. Much better than a handgun, and you likely can walk out of the store with it the day you buy it....,
Is there another adult in the house? Will that person need to be able to use the shotgun when you're not home? A hit from a 20 gauge shooting #2, buck fired at the distances one encounters in the home, will do the same job as a hit by 00 buck from a 12 gauge under the same conditions. Less recoil is very good if the adult is a smaller person, not well trained in handling the recoil of the 12 gauge .

LD

I am amazed at how many people rely on others to keep them safe. Or they live with the idea that we all live in a safe and polite world. If you live in a state where you can own a firearm for protection, you should already have one.
Yes your 1858 Remington BP revolver will work, it's better then a bag of rocks, or a sharp stick. This may not sound nice, but it's a simple fact. You have failed when it comes to being prepared to defend your family. Correct the problem. Go get yourself a good used revolver in 38 or 357, a few boxes of ammo and some speed loaders.
Like I said, your 1858 Remington BP revolver will work, but if you didn't have any doubts, you wouldn't have asked if it would work for home defense.
Now here are a few questions.
#1 Have you ever fired a BP revolver in a confined space?
#2 Have you ever fired one in the dark?
#3 Have you ever had to deploy BP revolver in a stressful situation?
#4 How long have you ever left you gun loaded without firing it?

Jilted ex hanging out with an armed ex con??? What is he armed with? I thought once convicted one lost the right to carry to carry arms. I have no doubt that the remmie will do the job, if you are comfortable with it use it but it will be ugly if you plug this guy. It'll be ugly no matter what he gets plugged with.

Same here, might worth while to notify LEO about this guy, he could end up going away for a good long time if he gets caught possessing a firearm. Could resolve the whole thing.

Legal issues aren't really for the BP forum. Time to talk to a lawyer who deals with threats as compared to a secret call to the law. Second, a gun is better than nothing but justifying a suboptimal choice isn't really our thing. If you must, on your lunch break, go to gun store and find a SW 38/357 type revolver. If you haven't run a shotgun in stressful exercises, let that suggestion pass on by.

Closed to avoid more Fantasy Island commentary.