Articles by Paul Helinski

This Black Powder Project has always been about the “weapon” aspect of guns.   Except perhaps for hunting, most people don’t think about black powder guns in the weapon context, even though back in the day, black powder guns were a revolution in weapons.

The American history we all know is often flawed, and influenced by expert marketers of the time. One of those stories is that Sam Colt invented the revolving firearm. Ian McCollom of Forgotten Weapons has a new Kickstarter heirloom book on the subject, and this is a heads up with 21 days left.

Visually the Centennial Centaure is nothing special. It is not as historically correct as the modern Pietta copies. And the fit and finish are nothing you would say wow that’s pretty, like with a 3rd Gen. Colt. Why these guys command such high prices was my question. And you be the judge if it was [...]

I have been looking for a bullet that is easier to load in the ’58 Remington than the Johnson & Dow Civil War bullet. This 200 grain little monster performs really well.

The Ruger Old Army will always have its fan boys, but it is truly the best cap & ball pistol ever made? And even more importantly, is it worth the inflated pricetag? Let’s find out.

https://rumble.com/embed/v10od1l/?pub=4u4tx There is a division happening in America right now, and if you have been asleep until now, it is time to wake up and pick a side. Otherwise the side has already been picked for you, and if you are a red blooded gun loving American, it probably isn’t the side you would choose. [...]

The Colt Walker, or Walker Colt according to some, is an iconic but historically insignificant firearm. In firearm development it was a big deal, because everyone figured out that nobody really needed a horse pistol. Ballistically, this gun is a true Magnum when it comes to cap & ball pistols. I tested the Walker at length with balls and heavy bullets, and it is a monster of a handgun, from all the way back in 1847.

You may remember the 12 gauge Diablo pistol that was all the rage in 2020. Well this is its big brother. It has a three finger grip, a slightly different grip angle, and an 8″ barrel. No FFL required! And it’s howitzer of a handgun.

Throughout the years of Prepping 101 I have had the luxury of checking out luxury products. This is one of those times, and it is interesting that this particular product was where I ended off back in 2016 when I temporarily shelved Prepping 101, because you guys thought clot shot Trump was going to save [...]