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.

Personally I would go the rifled route, just because. BUT smoothbore was shot for many a year.

I agree with Randy...go with a rifled barrel. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I like rifled myself since that is what I know and have. He is looking and made the point about the smooth-bore being able to be used as a forage gun since it can be used with buck and ball. Me, I want a 53 or 58 Enfield!

He has a valid point, but personally I feel that distance overcomes spread for most situations.

Very true. Guess like anything else--get both!

I shoot BP and archery and prefer archery hands down. BP carries a certain risk with it...like blowing the ram rod through your hand and possibly face while reloading for that second shot. There aren't misfires with archery either <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Good point DT. Very good point.

Although there isn't misfires there is bow slap, OUCH!~!!!!!!

just saw this posted on another forum.

http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2013/02/26/cmmg-50-caliber-muzzle-loading-ar15-upper/


i want to look into black power and muzzle loaders at some pooint but will probably look at big bore air rifles first.

And I DID have a bow destruct on me once at full draw. THAT was painful!

Even if you wait the requisite time between shots with BP (and let's face it, how many of us have neglected to let it sit for three minutes when you think you can get a second shot off), there is STILL a risk of an active ember down the barrel...

DT, when it self destructed where did it let loose at?

At almost full draw. It was a cheap bow and only set at 25~30 lbs.