My brother and I were recently talking about shooting black powder firearms. I have and still have a .50 cal caplock Hawken and a 1858 Remington revolver. I have not shot them a lot lately but I am thinking of dusting them off and taking them out. In our discussion he mentioned that he would not mind having a rifle and pistol due to that you don't shoot as much at the range, you get time at the range, and it allows for a meat getter if need be. This discussion really got me to thinking, would a flintlock be better than a cap-lock? I know caps last about 10 years, but powder lasts forever if stored correctly--several extra flints, springs, and a good powder supply should last forever. Now then, rifled or smooth-bore--one is accurate the other can use about anything to take down the task at shorter distances? See where I am going with this?

Basically, if the modern ammo supply was to dry up what would you be able to use for dinner getting and defense? I know that many of us have been exposed to archery, BP, modern firearms, and other weapons/tactics but are you proficient with any of them to the point that you want to rely on them for daily use? I know I need to dust the bow and BP firearms off and start practicing again.

Just the thought of the morning from this dog.