Getting Started In Black Powder Shooting

In this video, I talk about how to get started in black powder shooting. It's a very fun hobby and it doesn't have to cost too much. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Just remember that you are responsible for your own safety, so always obey all gun safety rules because black powder firearms are as deadly as any others. Thank you for watching!
Click here to learn how to clean a black powder firearm: • Black Powder Cleaning
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[@GunsOfTheWest]

My channel now has merch! Click on this link to see the available products. Thanks for supporting the channel! teespring.com/stores/guns-of-the-west

[@JeremyKilroy]

1. Do you know of any companies that sell double action pre 1898 revolver replicas that are any good? Double action seems like it would be better for home defense! Any suggestions would be appreciated! Or do most companies only make single action replicas? I know that double action revolvers were made pre 1898. - 2. Also, the gun in your video for example what is the sweet spot for the powder? I saw a guy shooting a 44 caliber in a different video with a replica and he measured the velocities and the sweet spot seemed to be 30 grains of powder with the fffg equivalent of the pyrodex powder. Anything over that seemed to not increase the velocity very much and is probably just more dangerous. - 3. Also, how dangerous is it to store black powder in your home? - 4. I had another question. Would it be dangerous to store a loaded black powder gun in a hot car?

[@tylerjames5482]

I have been shooting my 1858 remington with .454 round balls and pyrodex pellets no wad or lube is there any significant reason I should use them I have a nice lead ring that comes out everytime I press a ball in it seems to seal my chambers

[@dodokilleurs8271]

Black Powder gun is pretty ok all like look of Black Powder gun but clean gun is borring need create a Black Powder gun is ready to use moderne Powder

[@elcheaposurvivor8623]

@@JeremyKilroy yes it is highly dangerous black powder can ignite if the air is is dry and exceeds a temperature of 98 degrees Fahrenheit depending on where you live that temp could be reached in twenty minutes

[@harvdog5669]

Do you really think the black powder pistols are worth 289 or 300 dollars. I believe they are way over priced. I want to get a kit and clean & file & smooth out the action myself I believe.. It will make it more personal that way.. And the cost is much cheaper as well.

[@llamasalamy]

I know this is years ago that you made this, but i just recently visited my grandad after not seeing him for 10 years and he went through all this with me, and I'm starting to get into black powder rifles and pistols, its amazing to see the people are still interested in it! Beats burning through full boxes of ammo with full autos. I love the feel and the history behind black powder guns.

[@sleeperno1215]

This was my first introduction 3 years ago. I now have nine revolvers and two flintlocks. I make everything for mine including the powder.

[@MJHemmer]

You can shoot all day, having fun, and still only spend like $20! Try that with a modern firearm!

[@sleeperno1215]

@@MJHemmer amen.

[@VariaBug]

@@sleeperno1215 I'm an archaeologist, so I love history. My local gunstore has a replica of the Colt Navy 1851 that I want to buy. My Grandfather is experienced in black powder rifles, but they are the more modern variants while I want to get older ones. My dream guns besides the 1851 is the LeMat, Kentucky Rifle, and a Matchlock.

[@noisemaker1696]

This was my first time seeing the High Fructose Gang and boy did they leave an impression on me

[@mariobudal8850]

I'm not a gun guy at all. But this is fascinating. Also the paper cartridges. I envy that you Americans so easily can access and play around with this stuff. I wonder what shootouts really were like when there was so much work to be done between each reload. I wish there were Westerns that actually focus on those details. Nothing is more intriguing than historical realism, IMO.

[@UgliestGrandma]

You would want a rifle and two pistols And a horse that bites

[@zedsdead7670]

Gun slingers carried multiple revolvers and rifles for this reason. The invention of the henry repeating rifles revolutionized the way they fought. Which allowed roughly 15 times more firepower per person. The typical trained long gun shooter can squeeze off 2-3 shots per minute with muzzleloaders while the henry repeater could shoot ~30 a minute.

[@rammbostein]

Black powder guns are something else, i love it when someone fires one at the range and i get a whiff of the smoke, not like modern gun smoke, and the gun shot is also more of a Boom, not a bang, if that makes any sense hahaha

[@rammbostein]

@Sue Cash Hi, I'm afraid i'm not much help as i don't own any Black powder guns just yet, but i'm saving up to buy one too. The only thing i know is that you should NEVER use smokeless powder and you should use oversized lead balls to prevent chainfires in revolvers.

[@michaelbooher612]

Yeah Dudes love the smell of gun powder.. Some of us like gas and oil too.. Ha ha ha ha ha Its a dude thing like the three stooges.. They dont get it.. Ha ha ha ha ha They are not supposed to...smile

[@burndly]

Black powder guns are the only type of guns legal without permit or any bureaucratic hassle in my country. I was at the shooting range for the first time today with one of these. It was fun!

[@JamesJohnson-gl8zk]

shot a soda when he was down man have you no respect for that good syrup nice video my man

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Show no mercy to the High Fructose Gang, for they will show none to you. LOL! Thanks for watching!

[@archangele1]

For a first revolver, I prefer the 1858 Remington. You can easily remove the cylinder and you can buy a very inexpensive loading press (like $19.00) which makes loading the cylinder off the revolver real easy and far easier then loading the revolver using it's own ramming system. Also, with an 1858, you can buy extra cylinders, load them all and be able to shoot quite a few rounds just by swapping out the spent cylinders and replacing them with loaded ones. I have two extra cylinders for my 1858 so I can shoot 18 shots before having to reload. As for substitutes, I have found triple 7 to be the best. But you do have to reduce the load slightly. Triple 7 has performed better for me then Pyrodex. I find no advantage to using a .36 cal over the more common .44 caliber. Neither has much recoil. A 20 - 25 grain load of fffG black powder is more then enough and is an accurate load for a .44 cal 1858 shooting 141 grain balls at 15 - 25 yards.

[@scouttrooperhh-1487]

Would you carry these extra cylinders capped? Would you carry with all 6 loaded or do the 5 round cowboy carry?

[@Puppy_Puppington]

Is there a conversion cylinder for it? To make it fire low pressure cowboy cartridges

[@archangele1]

@@Puppy_Puppington I believe there are conversion cylinders but they require you to remove the cylinder, pull it apart and insert cartridges. Plus I am not a fan of using smokeless powder with conversion cylinders in these old BP guns. I find it as easy to just load the cylinders with the little press designed for the BP revolvers and just keep a few loaded cylinders when you are at the range. Between my two old Remington revolvers I have four cylinders which gives me 24 shots. I mean how many more does one need to practice with unless a person is one of those bang bang bang cowboy wannabe's who use the cowboy range and fire off 1000 rounds at about arms length. If that's the case, buying a Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt would be a better option and probably safer.

[@hooks_and_horns]

@@scouttrooperhh-1487I believe some colts have grooves in between chambers that you let the hammer down on and it’s like a little notch

[@archangele1]

@@hooks_and_horns The New Army model which the 1858 Uberti and Pietta guns actually are have the extra notches that allow you to park the cylinder such that you can't accidentally fire it by hitting the hammer. So, you can load all six. As for the extra cylinders, it depends on what you carry them in. The safest way is to keep the caps off till you plan to use the thing since striking a cap by accidentally dropping the extra cylinder can cause the charge to go off. But if you have them in a proper cylinder pouch / carrier you can just keep them capped and ready to go.

[@YakMotley]

Great video ! Thanks for explaining this!

[@GunsOfTheWest]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@clawhammer704]

I love shooting blackpowder but I hate the cleanup afterwards.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks for watching!

[@SlickSixguns]

Agreed I will be doing a video on cleaning one

[@benniehazelwood3088]

Me to

[@chuckHart70]

I used to hate to too, but once you have some rules its not bad. rule #1 only one bp gun per shoot :-) Unless you really like cleaning. #2, dont sweat the cleaning... cleaning asap when you get home... might be immediately, might be after a nap. #3, just turn on a game or movie and take your time. #4 it can never be perfectly clean. Do it as good as you can but go back to #2. #5 worse case scenario use the dishwasher but take it out before the wife sees it!

[@fosty.]

Cleaning guns is fun though

[@taurushipointenthusiast1306]

Just went over my black powder guns with my son, 12 I showed him this video BEST ONE Cleaning wise I have found, I do add 1 more step before I replace the guns nipples I add little anti seize to the thread. I got my first black powder guns USED and abused I broke a nipple wrench just on the first disassembly prior to shooting, had to cut a 5mm socket to do the job. After that I learned 2 things 1 anti seize is my friend 2 One does not need to torque the nipples just hand tight is all that is needed.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

I actually use anti-seize on those threads also. I may not have mentioned it in this video, but I’ve talked about it in other videos. Thanks for watching and for introducing the next generation to the hobby!

[@relybiggunsbigguns5478]

I never knew Walter White was in the black powder revolvers

[@zacharyrollick6169]

Breaking Badman: The Chemist Goes West

[@kccarmical]

I enjoy shooting my Thompson Hawkin .50 cal. Only problem I have ever encountered was setting the range on fire on a hit dry summer day. Enjoyed the video.

[@ge0arc244]

This made me feel like I was a preteen again, And I'm 50 years old! Good Job!

[@rosicroix777]

Dustin , you've made an excellent video for all of us who are interested in starting in black powder shooting . It was informative , detailed as well as highly entertaining . TY and wishing you many years of safe & fun shooting as well as...Death to the High Fructose Gang !

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thank you very much! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@josephkeeter9648]

That's one of the best instructional videos i've ever seen. I have been kicking around getting into blackpowder shooting and now I have what I need to start. Thanks so much!

[@bubblehead7680]

Hard to imagine going into battle with these types of weapons.

[@RoyalAnarchist]

It’s easier when the enemy also has them, or has weapons that are actually less advanced

[@elcheaposurvivor8623]

@@RoyalAnarchist idk one of my ancestors did pretty well before and after the civil war he started the war as a volunteer with nothing more than a flintlock muscket and hatchet he took the pistol from every Confederate officer he killed it's said he came home with a Springfield rifle crate filled with 1851 Navy colts and only used one the entire war

[@frydemwingz]

@@elcheaposurvivor8623 sounds like a fake story. he somehow killed all these officers and also got to go claim the pistol himself before anyone else got to it? As a volunteer? Someone else would likely take it in the chaos. Flintlocks aren't as accurate as percussion rifles, so he would necessarily have to be much close to the enemy officer to kill him and then in the middle of this battle, go retrieve his revolver. Not only did this unlikely event happen, it happened so many times that a crate was filled with these pistols. Seems legit. There is no other way a crate of pistols could be obtained other than killing the entire West Point graduation class of 1859 and taking all their pistols. Right...

[@elcheaposurvivor8623]

@@frydemwingz well Range Ryder firstly awesome name , secondly let's not forget before the civil war the federal armies of the Union of states was not uniformly out fitted many Calvary soldiers were not officers and had pistols and many Union volunteer infantry brought there own fire arms to the war and not every officer was a west point grad but my Lancaster did make a habit out of targeting officers is the entirety of this story true no one will ever know but let's look at it from this perspective, possible and likelys, a Springfield ruffle case was four foot long and two and a half wide they weren't that large and one of these could hold maybe thirty to forty pistols besides what he would have kept on his belt also the scenario in which he could have picked up the first revolver was most likely a hand to hand one as bushwacking was quite common so yes it does seem impossible especially considering there is no recorded proof beyond family legend but many crazy things happened back then

[@elcheaposurvivor8623]

Just thought about this but devil lance Hatfield was recorded having done this very same thing and no one argues that

[@redneckwithajeep5001]

Something worth mentioning if you’ve got about 6 buddies that also have black powder firearms and decide to stand together shoulder to shoulder as they did in wars of the past and unleash led into soda cans and various other targets it doesn’t take long before it becomes difficult to see

[@taurushipointenthusiast1306]

I have watched a few times Dustin even going into my 5th BP gun still so much to learn. I have had a few friends ask on initial purchase which one to get. I pick em up head out to range with My .44 Pietta Sheriff and my Hawken I`ll let them load and shoot it, then back to house I will walk them through the Clean Up, Some are lost here never to return to the B.P subject, others you see it in the eyes all light up and dancing run out and get a CVA/Traditions/Thompson. and Off to the races for them...

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@TH-xo4zx]

Lyman great plains rifles are so plain jane beautiful i just had to buy one

[@snoman003]

Nice vid and lots of good points, However I would like to add a few more points for consideration; for lube, stay away from anything "petroleum" based. Something based in vegetable or bees wax based works very well. A very cheap (and messy) alternative I use is Crisco grease. For capping the cylinders, I would recommend a Ted Cash snail capper (quite inexpensive) that can reach into the tight space between the frame and cylinder, that can be awkward to reach for us people that have "fat fingers". Also, very important, KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY from the front of the cylinder while capping, in case a cylinder goes off. For cleaning / maintenance purposes I see the nipple wrench you got with your Pietta, includes the wire pusher for cleaning the nipples (screwed into the back part of the wrench). For mine, it was NOT included (basic wrench only) so I improvised with a cheap automotive wire feeler gauge that I straightened out. But any straight .020 copper wire will do. For cleaning, HOT water is indeed best, however, I include an equal mix of Murphy"s oil soap (Ballistol works very well too) to the water, in case the water creeps into spaces of the gun I can"t reach, to wipe out later...will help prevent rusting. A very small dab of "copper never seize" on the nipple threads, ensures easy removal...even after a full day of shooting. For additional maintenance purposes, I recommend a good set of "hollow ground" screw drivers / screwdriver bit set. The screws of this gun WILL loosen with use / firing and actually fall out if you aren't paying attention, often within one days use and need to be tightened. The hollow ground screwdrivers will help reduce the distortion of the screw heads, that a normal "flat blade" screw driver will cause. A possible solution for the loosening of the screws (for some) could include the use of "blue Locktite" or clear nail polish, as a temporary solution. This leads to, eventually the gun needs to be disassembled for internal cleaning or repair and so an actual disassembly guide / "exploded view" (google search) guide is needed. Most parts, for the most common items (like broken springs and lost screws) are readily available on the interwebs from places like Taylors and Company. Recommended also....READ, READ, READ all the info you can on the use of this gun and others's experiences with other users black powder fire arms. Then dig out your wallet and buy ANOTHER one, because it is contagious and one aint enough..."keep your powder dry"! This information is solely based on MY experiences with an 1851 Navy (Pietta) (and others), your results may be different.

[@dk2853]

I love you black powder guys. You're so friendly and accepting of us newbs. Planning on getting my first black powder revolver soon.

[@ulyssesdelamora3856]

How'd that go?

[@dk2853]

@@ulyssesdelamora3856 Excellent! I bought a Pietta Colt 1860, and Remington 1858. It's super easy to learn, and fun.

[@LeadElement]

Man this is great! Well enunciated, informative, and fairly engaging. Well done, I'm proud!

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thank you!

[@alexbarry689]

What exactly are you proud of.

[@chuckrossi]

Nicely Done Dustin. By the way, I just took your class on gun safety and was impressed with the class. You were the instructor at that time. (2-17-18 at sportsmen warehouse)

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Hey, good to see you again! Thanks for watching!

[@thejamaican67]

Not particularly a gun person but came across your video on KZbin and it was really fascinating. The blackpowder the the ball the whole process all that you needed makes you appreciate how dangerous firearms were back then. And then to use them that during a high pressure military engagement Can’t imagine

[@GunsOfTheWest]

They’ve definitely changed a lot over the years. Thanks for watching!

[@davidstegman8147]

I would have chosen a 1858 Remington in either .36 or .44 ; you have fewer parts on it over any Colt for disassembly and cleaning, Also it has a solid frame so no wedges to fall out or lose.

[@khaccanhle1930]

1858 Remington? No such gun ever existed. However, the computer did make a gun called the New Model Army. In the 20th century, shooters began to incorrectly call it an 1858.

[@davidstegman8147]

@@khaccanhle1930 watch the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly then what is the gun Lee Van Cleif is using it.

[@rebel._]

one thing i like about ball and cap is that i know how to make the caps out of soda cans and i know how to make the powder and i know how to make the balls so its the best gun for me in Long Term Sustainability

[@andytheguy5076]

When ever I see new style black powder rifles with the plastic camouflage stock and no lock I say, HAA GEY!! But when I see a percussion Hawkins 50 cal trapper pistol I go OOHH YEAH

[@John.McMillan]

My .44 naval colt is honestly one of the best pistols I own, Though it might take some very minor machining or filing to get everything to run as smooth as possible. Edit- And dont be afraid to make your own powder, Just make sure to burn test it first and measure properly.

[@jungletroll3844]

Sad noises from UK :(. I need 2 different licenses and 2 different safes (explosives safe for black powder and firearm case for weapon) just to own and shoot a 200 year old metal tube that has trouble hitting things past 100ft.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

The _"High Fructose Gang"?!_ *SWEET!!* 😝😝😝

[@tagginondawal3961]

I have just bought my first black powder revolver, I got a reproduction of the Remington 1858, .44 caliber. This was informational on how to care for it. Thank you so much!

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Kevin D You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@russellkeeling4387]

Once I was going to go into town to the store. I went to the car with my arms loaded with stuff including my .36 cal. pistol. I set the pistol on top the car so I could use both hands to load stuff. The pistol was in a leather holster with the thong over the hammer and the pistol was loaded in all six chambers with the hammer set between chambers. As I was driving down the gravel road I remembered my pistol. Just at that moment it fell from the top, off the trunk and onto the gravel road. It flopped down the road for some distance. It did not go off. The holster, which was open topped, protected the pistol and only a few scratches on the wooden grip at the heal. The center position between chambers worked well as far as safety.

[@ushillbillies]

Thank You for refreshing my memory I dug out my 1851 colt after 25 years and couldn't be sure of the powder load , and a couple other things .

[@revmichaelm]

This brings back the days that I was a Civil War reenactor. I had great fun doing that.

[@patricklondon6006]

BP looks fun, but all the cleaning would get old. I'll stick with my bow.

[@jamescooper2618]

The 7 people who disliked this video are AK47 shooters. You have a good speaking style Dustin and you do a good instructional video. Thanks.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks very much!

[@stephennemeth7623]

Or they like the Remington 1858 more.

[@fosty.]

You can't shoot AKs and like black powder?

[@silvermediastudio]

Could have been reduced to about a 7 minute video.

[@honkiekowboy4941]

Why not load black powder in the AK?

[@funkmonkeyfun]

Hot water, dish soap, extra virgin olive oil to oil, cricso (cooking lard or shorting) for lubing the chambers and arbor pin, cost around 10 bucks for almost a years supply of average shooting.

[@floridagunguy8632]

I'm really interested in some reproduction flintlock pistols and damn have they gotten expensive 😂

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Sorry, everyone! I had to re-upload this video to fix a small technical mistake in it, so the old comments were deleted. Apologies.

[@everettlethem6747]

Hi Dustin would you recommend the 1861 colt navy on the same level for bp beginners as the 1851 or should I go with the 1851?

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Everett Lethem That one would be equally good. It’s just not as widely available.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

The _High Fructose Gang_ died from *acute cavities...😄*

[@kirkboswell2575]

I love black powder. "Cap and Ball" channel has a couple of videos showing what happens when smokeless is placed in a black powder revolver. I never mind cleaning. Warm soapy water and your brush and everything cleans right up. Hot clear rinse water and the metal parts will steam dry. Wipe down with your favorite protectant lube and that's all. Ballistol is my current favorite. No worse than washing a few dishes. I do try to avoid petroleum products and try to use natural products. Petroleum products can leave a thicker stiffer fouling than natural products.

[@01backpack]

High fructose gang! I just had Dr. Pepper come out my nose.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

LOL! Dr. Pepper, eh? Sounds like the High Fructose Gang got you too!

[@jamescorcoran9733]

I fine your videos very informed and helpful but do have a question . In your video on getting a 1851 navy colt for Father day from your wife a Pietta which I did on my 80th birthday first black powder pistol, I'm a little confused. You show loading a 20 grain of FFFG, in my booklet that I got from Pietta it states a suggested grains is 9-12 grain a Maximum is 22 so is 20 Ok or should I start with the low charge will it give me a good 30 yard shot?

[@GunsOfTheWest]

For some reason Pietta always lists extremely light loads in their manuals. 9-12 grains is actually a good range of loads for a .31-caliber pocket revolver. The lightest loads I’ll use in a .36 are 15 grains and I often load them with 21.

[@deadhorse3389]

If I sent you some 50 cal Lee REAL bullets would you do a video on loading for those?

[@johnstacy7902]

Id go with a 1858 Remington in 44. Its legal for deer hunting around here were teh 1851 isnt...

[@conradw9229]

A great video! The only thing I don't agree with is your choice of caliber. I would suggest a .44 caliber as a first pistol. This is because, if they decided to add other style revolvers, all others are .44 caliber. Also, for a new shooter, it is much easier to purchase Pydrodex 44/45 pellets, wads, and wax plugs... all of which can be used on a follow-on .44 cal blackpowder firearm. Also, to add my two cents, I suggest using a little 'anti-seize' on all internal screws and nipples. It makes cleaning and disassembly so much easier. For cleaning: use very hot water. Thanks again.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks for watching!

[@Rumpole1000]

Very enjoyable and interesting video mate. That black powder pistol is kinda like a handgun and reloading press rolled into one. Pretty cool.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks for watching!

[@theoriginal11charlie]

I love the cheesy campy videos you make sir. Very informative thank you

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks for watching!

[@gabrielwolf7534]

Hi Dustin... Between a Pietta 1851 navy in 44 cal for 255, and a Pietta 1860 army for 279, which one would you recommend? Thank you!!

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Personally, I would get the Army because I prefer the Navy revolvers to be in the authentic .36 caliber.

[@mjstow]

I live in the UK. I heard the sound of a model cannon go off once. I understand it was loaded with 50 grains. The sound was amazing.... something that you can't really get across in a video. And I guess I'm not the only one who adores the smell of black powder when it fires. I'm told that there's a legal way of getting into black powder shooting in the UK, so I will investigate further. It's top of my bucket list.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Michael Stow I love that smell too! Thanks for watching!

[@nicktubby3768]

I’m a UK 🇬🇧 black powder shooter - have a look at MLAGB.com

[@darthhauler9947]

I know I'm late to the party, but I've always loved old west guns. Got an honest to God 1863 Springfield with an 1868 Allin Trapdoor Conversion from a local pawnshop recently and my family thinks I'm nuts.

[@NIGHTOWL-jf9zt]

Can you tell me where you buried the high fructose gang? I'd like to pay my respects.

[@pgtherobot]

Can you even buy a black powder pistol under 21?

[@1stminnsharpshooters341]

Great resource for new BP shooters. The bald guy in the video intro however looked a bit "unsteady", but he was the one to spot the high fructose gang. Have a good one *LIKED* the video --LT

[@Killemall64]

Hello thank you for responding to my videos in the past.

[@tannergalloway7876]

hey I recently purchased a Hawken Rifle .50 cal and I currently only have FFFg Pyradex will that be ok or do I need absolutely need FFg?

[@GunsOfTheWest]

FFFg will be hotter, but a lot of people use it and just reduce the load a bit.

[@djay6651]

The 1851 Navy is just a cool looking gun. The .36 isn't something to sneeze at either.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Agreed. Thanks for watching!

[@redtra236]

I have a uberti 1873 in .45 colt I shoot black powder with a lot its fun a lot of smoke and recoil just the cleanup sucks. Of course it's capable of handling most modern smokeless loads too.

[@andytheguy5076]

After watching Jeremiah Johnson one year ago all I wanted was a Hawkins 50cal and my grandpa has like 50 guns and he had 2 black powder guns one was a Hawkins 50 cal and a Kentucky long riffle, he says when I'm older I can have it

[@thatsmrharley2u2]

Hawken, not Hawkins

[@squawk3120]

I have more fun on the range or in the woods with 10 paper cartridges and my m1842 than I would with any of my modern firearms and 100 or more rounds. Its like the manual transmission for firearms enthusiasts.

[@jameskleist4019]

You gave a good presentation of purchase and care of blackpowder firearms. My Dad and I used dishsoap in the water. I'll let your viewers see the video you made. I did what to tell you that I killed my 1st deer and elk with my. 50 caliber in 1976 with the elk and some time later with the deer.

[@JakobElbaek]

Not having shot black powder for about 20 years, and looking to get back into the hobby, this video is hands down the best of it's kind I have found so far. Thank you.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thank you!

[@timothybrown1763]

I've recently gotten back into the hobby myself...except where I live its teflon cookware gang territory

[@thatrebeltrooper7306]

Great video. I got my first black powder rifle a few days ago. Its a 50 year old Kentucky long rifle. Its chambered in .45 round ball and uses percussion caps. I would defenetly NOT recommend this as a first gun lol. Its long (4'6") and weighs a ton, poor center of balance to it, and its a pain to get the barrel free (4 screws and a super tight fit to the stock). That being said, the gun is a TON of fun, and extremely accurate. I'm hooked on black powder for life. Might be picking up a colt navy next lol.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Welcome to the world of black powder! These guns can be a bit fussy and they require some work, but they’re so much fun!! Thanks for watching!

[@liamrogers4519]

Wow. Very informative! I am planning on buying an 1858 new army .44 as my first black powder gun. Do you know of a good website to get all of the tools you need to get started?

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Cabela’s and Sportsman’s Warehouse are where I get most of my gear; sometimes on their websites, but usually in store. A lot of the tools are also available on Amazon. Thanks for watching!

[@Alexitt50]

I have a Trad. Hawken Woodsman .50 with a 1:66 twist that I love to shoot... Got started playing with B/P about 15 yrs ago when a Boy Scout troop I was a leader for got invited to a Mountain Man Rendezvous... Now I want to move to revolvers and have been looking at the Pietta 1851 Navy as a starter... Just so you know you aren't the first to recommend it but you are the one who clinched the deal... Thanks and Keep up the Good Work!!!

[@REZA-tl5kr]

ive got a black powder double barreled shotgun so old that the wood is black, one of the caplock hammers is snapped off and the hold the barrels in place thingy thing comes loose if you tilt it to the side, probably the springs inside are gone too, i just know that it was used by my grandads brother to hunt and we still have a giant black powder flask with some inside sitting on a shelf

[@dwm1812]

Thank you so much for this video. I've been wanting to get into black powder for some time but was unsure where to start!

[@GunsOfTheWest]

You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy this fun hobby! Thanks for watching!

[@joshuariddensdale2126]

My first black powder gun was a Colt Navy in 44 cal that I bought from my uncle (he had never even shot it). Since then, I've bought a Colt Army and a Colt Walker. Now I'm interested in getting an 1858 Remington. And someday, a black powder rifle. I use Triple 7 for powder, and Thompson's No. 13 for cleaning fluid.

[@USMC_BABE38]

I love my 1851 Army navy named Smaug I got it for Christmas several years ago it's an pain to clean but I enjoy shooting it

[@saltyroe3179]

Back in the 1970s I got tired of measuring powder for each shit so I got a flask with an adjustable Plunger. One adjusts the volume before putting the Plunger in. Just point gun up and press down on flask and it dispenses the measured charge. Fast, no spills, easy and you never see the powder. Keeping powder dry is made simple.

[@jozeyjones7034]

Dear USA, ensure that you hang on to your Right to Bear Arms, no matter what. As an outside observer, it seems that that right is being chipped away at, little by little. From someone in the UK.

[@poofgone324]

I love my traditions Hawken. 50, I recommend using frog lub on your gun after cleaning it.

[@jamiehord1009]

Does anyone know of a good Blackpowder gun repair shop in Georgia, USA? I have a .50 Cal CVA Frontier Blackpowder rifle that needs took apart and cleaned out.

[@djdarrenrv]

i need a black powder handgun/shotgun for self defense for living in a RV i will be on the road in soon. i need lethal self-defense. just learning about this but would like the easiest, least labor possible. gun wouldn't be used for pleasure, just stored & ready for defense. i would consider a BP shotgun but it would have to be short barrel because i would be trapped in a small RV space if someone broke in. (the only time i would use it). what would u recommend for handgun & shotgun? THANKS! great video!

[@salvatoreromano6911]

I was looking for somewhere to get full info on starting to shoot black powder. Thanks man, you got a 2fer with that high fructose gang but didn't let him slip away! Lol

[@milano61]

Good into. Thinking about BP revolvers.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

They're a lot of fun! Thanks for watching!

[@loknlode]

Alan, if you have Facebook, check out my group 'Black Powder Revolver Enthusiasts'. Close to 8000 members, lots of info to be had, and friendly to boot. Even Dustin is a member!

[@GunsOfTheWest]

It’s a great page!

[@loknlode]

Thanks Dustin. Glad to have ya'!!!

[@KowboyUSA]

Whao! A dude who looks a lot like Dustin asking Dustin about black powder shooting! What's the odds of that ever happening??!!

[@mma1st105]

Great video. Im so excited to get my first black powder pistol. Im sure ill be back to watch again.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks for watching!

[@sogdal1]

Excellent video, I'm glad I found your channel through Arizona Ghost riders. You make black powder EZ to understand, Thanks! I think I'll give it a try.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thank you!

[@taurushipointenthusiast1306]

I got started on crossbow sales, I got $90 for a crossbow the buyer also brought along a CVA .50 buck horn. He gave it to me saying plug is froze. I heated it got the old plug out $12.00 new plug and off I went, Hawken .50 then a Pietta .44 Sheriff added another CVA .50 newer style than the first, and stainless, then a steel frame Pietta .44....Dustin when?, where? how? can I make it stop ok ok ok not sure I want it to so fun and easy. Clean up is fun to peace, tranquility.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Yeah, once you get started in black powder shooting, there seems to be no stopping. LOL!! Thanks for watching!

[@douglasmaccullagh1267]

My first was/is a .32 percussion rifle I finished from a kit. My second was a .36 percussion side by side derringer. Wish I still had it. My interest in black powder has grown from there. I was worried about how to clean a flintlock with a pinned stock, but once I discovered a few techniques I now have a full stock flintlock. Great fun!

[@darkwriter77]

Now, if only I could actually find #10 primers somewhere, which have apparently either been scarce or completely gone for months or even years...

[@michaelsichelski4253]

I am a member of SASS and I loved your video. As a cap and ball shooter, I was reminded of a few easier was to clean my firearms. Thank you for the excellent video.

[@AlexKS1992]

For lube you can you use Crisco. I use it because I can get it anywhere and it smells nice when you shoot it. You could also use olive oil.

[@dompiumelli]

New to the world of black powder. Just got 1st traditions 1860 army. Totally hooked! Gratitude for the well made, informative videos

[@davidmiller6981]

Very good ben shooten black powder for years stoped because hard to find range that accepts black powder now in fla. got range back into and wanted to review good stuff

[@RobertBlevins]

Hi Dustin! After three months of watching your videos, I went out and bought an 1851 Navy in 36 caliber from Cabelas. I figured I would start out small, learn how to use it, and maybe move on to a 44 later. You know, those Remingtons are nice, but sure a lot bigger in person than they look in pictures and video. I went with the Colt replica to start. Thanks for sending me to Black Powder College. I'm a big fan now.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

I’m very happy that you’re enjoying black powder! Thanks for your support of the channel!

[@jueviolegrace8109]

Ordering a 61 navy. Your videos helped solidify my choice of trying out and owning these type of guns.

[@margaretbaily344]

Out of shots and one bad guy, left where 's your bowie knife? Good video, I am just getting started as well and thank you for the information.

[@Parionnix]

This is the perfect blend of corny and really good information. Thank you. This has helped me immensely.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks for watching!

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

Ive gone through the cycle of wanting to get a percussion cap revolver several times over the years but every time i do there is a panic/shortage going on and black powder and caps are as available as unicorn horn dust and leprechaun belt buckles.

[@joshpoling3397]

Thank you Dustin for this very educational video. I just bought my first plack powder revolver and I'm excited to use it in the future

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thanks for watching! Enjoy that revolver!

[@kimpedersen8851]

Can you place all the revolver parts in an ultrasonic cleaner and use the gunparts mix?

[@GunsOfTheWest]

That’s how I clean them now, but I just use Dawn and water in it.

[@kurts4147]

Excellent video, just bought my first cap and ball revolver recently. A lot of great info sir!

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Congrats on your new revolver! They’re a lot of fun to shoot. Thanks for watching!

[@sleeperno1215]

Well, I hope you are happy. Your videos were so informative but I could not make a decision for my first revolver. So, now I have a brace of Uberti .36 cal revolvers, a 1851 Navy London and an 1858 New model Navy Remington. Was able to find everything to load them except caps. Looking locally for those today.

[@sleeperno1215]

Found caps on gunbroker but I paid through the nose for them.

[@grante.7525]

Where can you get these for $250? They are all sold out $400 😞

[@bobbyboston9155]

I just paid $244.00 Thursday night online. Midway USA.having trouble finding all of the other accessories though.

[@ajarmstrong8438]

would the colt 1861 navy also be a good first choice?

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Absolutely. They can be harder to find sometimes, but it shoots the same as the 1851.

[@abominablesnowman1137]

Seems I'm a little late to the party in regards to commenting, but just came across your video when I was researching black powder bore cleaners and solvents. So, when I saw you loading your cap-n-ball revolver two things came to mind about this process. First thing is the pouring powder directly from the flask into the cylinder chamber. I have a brass flask from CVA with a 20 grain spout and like you it operates by a lever, which allows the shooter to "throw" whatever amount the spout is rated for. But I've read in different forums to NEVER load directly from a flask, which I didn't know. I thought that once the lever on the flask is released, the small panel rotates back into place and the flask is sealed. Anyway I've been loading directly from the flask and nothing has happened … perhaps I've been lucky. The other thing - using a "grease-like" product to seal each chamber in order to prevent a "chain-fire." Again in forums, some have said that if you use a lubed wad seated over the powder, seat the lead ball, and in doing so, see the shaved lead ring, then the chamber is sealed and smearing grease over the lead ball is unnecessary. I guess the fact that the wad is lubed has something to do with it - I dunno. Again I've been shooting without sealing each chamber and I've never had any issues, especially a chain-fire. Again, perhaps I've been lucky. What are your thoughts on this?

[@GunsOfTheWest]

First, thanks for watching! If you’re pouring powder directly from the flask into the chambers, just be sure to give it a little time after firing to make sure nothing is still burning in the chamber. I’ve never had a problem doing this, but you’re correct that many manuals say not to do it. Using a slightly oversized ball/bullet helps to prevent chain fires. The grease has more to do with keeping the bore clean for accuracy. Also, if you use the lubricated wads between the powder and the ball, you don’t need the grease on top. Either method will work on its own. I actually have a video coming out Saturday morning, in which I compare the two methods.

[@redbikejim5484]

very informative video for new shooters like myself . well presented in clear terms . Thank you !