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.
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Did Sam Colt Invent the Revolver? – A Christmas Kickstarter from Ian McCollum
BY Paul Helinski Updated: November 25, 2022The 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.
The Belgian Colts – Shooting the Historically Challenged Centaure 1860 Army Colt
BY Paul Helinski Updated: October 16, 2022Visually 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 [...]
A New Bullet for the ’58 Remmy New Model Army
BY Paul Helinski Updated: June 19, 2022I 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.
Ruger Old Army – Is it Really All That?
BY Paul Helinski Updated: May 5, 2022The 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.
Colt Walker Ballistics, Accuracy, Shooting Tips
BY Paul Helinski Updated: April 10, 2022The 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.
Desperado 12 Gauge Pistol – Diablo’s Big Brother (No FFL Required)
BY Paul Helinski Updated: April 3, 2022You 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.
Ballistic Tests – The 36 Richmond Labs Bullet from Eras Gone
BY Paul Helinski Updated: January 16, 2022Eras Gone Richmond Labs Mold – Limited supply at Eras Gone Star & Bullock Hardware – 36 caliber cartridge forming kits To me, guns are guns. They aren’t toys. They aren’t tools. And whether I am going to carry them for self defense, shoot them in competition, the measurement of a gun boils down to [...]
Buying & Shooting UGLY Black Powder Guns
BY Updated: November 14, 2021Guns are one of very few things in the world that almost never get thrown away. And granted, not all guns make it into the future, but an overwhelming number of them do. That’s for a reason. Guns almost always work for their intended purpose. I get asked a lot, “do you think I should [...]
Buying & Shooting UGLY Black Powder Guns
BY Paul Helinski Updated: November 14, 2021Guns are one of very few things in the world that almost never get thrown away. And granted, not all guns make it into the future, but an overwhelming number of them do. That’s for a reason. Guns almost always work for their intended purpose. I get asked a lot, “do you think I should [...]