How Powerful is a Colt Walker Revolver

Paul tests the power of a Colt Walker revolver.
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This video was edited and uploaded by:
Brad Nelson - minutemantheory.com

[@subvet694]

The Deer is unimpressed with the Walker Colt… But it did stop by just because Paul was giving a demonstration… intelligent creature👍

[@frosty3693]

It's amazing how they know when dear season is out.

[@ICRangerT]

deer knows it's not hunting season

[@doghousedon1]

Deer don't have cell phones to watch KZbin vids on, so they had to come out to watch Paul's presentation "live".

[@williamgaines9784]

​@@doghousedon1 deer was probably hoping he was using watermelon lung tissue substitute.😋

[@thetraveler5798]

Think Paul own some Royalties to those Deer, in the form of some food for showing up to the Gun-Range ! And not get shot at , like someone once did 😄, It's only fare Paul...!! 😁👍👍✅🇺🇸✅

[@YouTubeCensorshipStinks]

I love how comfortable deer are around you.

[@chlebowg]

But never around during hunting season!

[@Stoppahpowah]

Lord knows they shouldnt be

[@brianpartlow5530]

The Deer know when hunting season ends. Here around Buffalo NY the deer migrate into the city during hunting season since hunting is banned in city limits. A few stay all year and become thug deer, they chase people around, total trip!

[@HumphreyHorsehead]

Paul: the sights on this gun are oldfashioned and not very good Also Paul: Shoots a ~2-3in group from 60ft

[@adibemaxwell6111]

Well, it is Paul Harrell.

[@stacybrown3714]

Guns, girlfriends, ribs, and wildlife. This video has it all. Entertainment and education all packed into one place. Thanks again for your insightful efforts Paul.

[@woodystemms3799]

We also give thanks for what's missing: annoying commercials.

[@ZER0_G]

He did remind me of inflation though

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

"I've owned this revolver since before anyone considered calling is" Episode IV". I am as glad I understood that joke as I am glad that you made it. 👍

[@veganconservative1109]

The only 'Episode IV' that comes to my mind was the original theatrical release of Star Wars. Is there a Western or something else he is actually referring to?

[@billybones1694]

​@@veganconservative1109 I'm pretty sure it's a Star Wars reference. Nobody was calling the 1977 original "Episode IV" until the first prequel was released in 1999, so he's had that Ruger at least 25 years or so.

[@inncubus666]

@@billybones1694 It was labelled as episode IV in '81 for a second release, Empire came out as episode V.

[@billybones1694]

@@inncubus666 I stand corrected. So basically he's had that revolver long enough to become quite intimate with it.

[@oolooo]

Big Iron Enthusiasts are constantly vindicated by Paul .God bless you , Mister Harrell .

[@barrysimmons5489]

Very Interesting, thanks for sharing. I purchased my Italian replica Walker in fall of 77. Along with a SS Ruger Old Army. My Walker used a .436 ball. Never tried squeezing a .457 in to it. I regularly threw full loads with the .436 ball, using either BP or Pyrodex which I prefer. Some years later an electrician on the job wearing a vest covered with a load of black powder patches, in our conversation asks, "Did you ever wonder why there aren't very many original Walkers still around like so many other guns?" Told him, "I never thought about it. Why, where'd they go too?" It seems that many of them disintegrated from overloading. I got back to the house and upon close examination found that I could slide the corner of a matchbook cover between the two dowel pins and the frame and barrel. I discovered that the cylinder shaft threads were deformed and stretched. Tightening the shaft caused the set screw to misalign. Sometime later a friend took it and somehow got everything tightened back together but returned the piece with specific instructions Not Too Fire It again. So if you're shooting a Walker, Don't load to capacity. Oh well it was fun while it lasted... 👍🇺🇸♥️

[@ReubenOaks84]

The comparison of blackpowder vs. substitutes with the blowup doll analogy were outstanding and hilarious.

[@randywilson6068]

As someone who also only shoots real black powder, the real black powder and substitute comparison was priceless!!!!! Well done!

[@taylorlibby7642]

Is there an advantage to using a substitute other than what Paul says?

[@taylorlibby7642]

@@paxdrago1 ".....other than what Paul says."

[@charlesshelton6051]

Seems to me black powder burns faster less time between click and bang

[@whistlepign]

@@taylorlibby7642 The only real advantage for me with substitute black powder is availability. I use real BP because of much better reliability of ignition, especially with flintlocks. Granted my only experience with substitute BP is Pyrodex. If your firearm will ignite it consistently I would stick with it.

[@ianvincent4911]

@@taylorlibby7642 Well in the UK, you need an explosives licence to have Black Powder.....however if you have BP guns on your licence, the police will normally allow an explosives licence too. But you need to meet the storage requirements (Police approved wooden container and appropriate place to store it). I must admit I "normally" shoot Triple 7 because I have found good deals on it, it is normally handled like Smokeless Powder, so can be easier to get it delivered and it is actually more powerful than BP by weight (but not capacity, so you should measure your loads by equivalent to BP capacity loads). It is also just as easy to clean as BP and contains less nasty caustic stuff to cause rust. However nearly all MLAGB (Muzzleloading Association of Great Britain) competitions mandate BP. Here that generally means Swiss or the charcoal that Henry Kranks supplies. However I have seen some Czech and Polish brands now, which I will have to have a play with.

[@itatane]

I can relate to the MYRIAD of opinions regarding black powder. It reminds me of a boring anecdote of my own: When I was growing up in rural Northeast Ohio, I read in some old book that I can't even remember the name of, how to make black powder from scratch. Being an enterprising 14 year old, I was able to buy Flowers of Sulphur from the local pharmacy, and the charcoal came from our campfire ring out back. Not having access to saltpeter (and not knowing it is found in stump remover) had me held up for a long while. One day, my folks were watching an old copy of 1776, the part where John Adams' tells his wife that saltpeter is made by treating sodium nitrate with potassium chloride (of course). Dad had light salt in the pantry, and mom had a big bag of Nitrate of Soda in the garden shed. I mixed all of the base ingredients (in what I figured were the correct proportions) up in denatured alcohol and spread the paste onto an old cookie sheet to dry. Fun fact, welding up an old shotgun barrel into a cannon by adding a breech plug, strapping it to an old tractor rim, and testing it out with a "that ought to be enough" load of homemade powder and toilet paper wadding.... Is a surefire way to receive the ass whipping of a lifetime from both parents.

[@PaulHarrell]

People who try experiments like this typically have nicknames like: Patchy stumpy Lefty Three fingered Jack Blind Bob (sightless steve, Sunglasses Gary, glass eye Eric, take your pick)

[@kitosjek9541]

​@@PaulHarrell no nose ned

[@itatane]

@@PaulHarrell when I think of all of the crazy stuff we did out in the country when I was a kid, I am astonished that I, or any of my classmates, lived to see adulthood. (Homemade thermite, trying to break a horse by oneself, making homemade wine followed by homemade whiskey, keeping an opossum as a pet, and worst of all... LAWN DARTS.)

[@MrAvidOutdoorsman]

I bought my girlfriend a dozen roses for Valentines day this year,, but the thorns poked a hole in her.🤦🏼‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@joeskeptical4762]

*I enjoyed watching the deer confidently photo bomb the video on 2 occasions! Great video, as always.*

[@veganconservative1109]

Animals typically steal a show, but with a Harrell Production he gives them a run for their money.

[@Katzbalger001]

I am convinced they were stalking Paul.

[@eabdic1]

Damn the deer in these past few videos really want to see what’s Paul doing and I don’t blame them quite frankly

[@jeffallan3140]

I think they're following the old adage, keep your friends close and enemies closer 😁

[@eabdic1]

@@jeffallan3140 sounds like a good plan to me. Paul has great vision from a distance 😂

[@EstherAndTheStraightRazo-rq8sd]

Dope pic bro.

[@ChrisLoew]

Paul inadvertently showing how easy deer hunting is.

[@jaqcp]

Love the 3 Amigos reference, "plethora!" LOL

[@davescommonplacebook9374]

"...mines my carpet with poodle bombs" is an inspired act of genius which I will never equal. I salute you sir.

[@jimf1964]

😀. Always gotta keep an eye on the background when Paul is in the field.

[@fawnlliebowitz1772]

Good show, me being me have had no problem loading my Uberti with 60 gr 777 or pyrodex. I also find it rather accurate for what it is. It's not a 44 mag but almost approaches it.

[@Everythingblackpowder]

Excellent analogy for the black powder substitute vs real black powder!

[@SilverShamrockNovelties]

I learned a lot about inflatable girlfriends. Thank you for sharing your expertise on the subject.

[@sickboy703]

10:37 That little deer is interested in the presentation

[@eriklarson2066]

The amount of caveats and shatneress delivery makes Paul's presentations always entertaining

[@dentalnovember]

Not to mention the head turns and posing. He has a natural ability in the eye of the camera.

[@noelstephenryan4837]

He is a Master Instructor

[@Hjerte_Verke]

A Shatner-esque pause comes in oddly, not at the end of sentences or in a natural cadence where people breathe and exhale, sometimes for emphasis, no a Shatner-esque pause is completely unnatural but I get why Paul uses it to explain away any stuttering or verbal, glottal gaffes he makes

[@UnitSe7en]

Shatner-esque* Not ...Whatever you said.

[@charleshanna2089]

I've always thought Paul could go into standup comedy

[@HistoryOnTheLoose]

We speak as if with one voice. Former 20 year nmlra instructor here. Not a damned thing I would change in your process. Great video.

[@steveschainost7590]

Been building and shooting muzzleloading firearms (rifle, shotgun, pistol, percussion, flintlock) for nearly 50 years. Recently built a 45/70 BP cartridge rifle to add the arsenal. Have always used black powder and have never been troubled by the odor. Actually like it because it is the real deal. Cleanup is messy but not a big deal because BP residue is fairly easy to remove with soapy water. Tip: baby wipes cut into squares and backed up with a cloth patch (used for the final wipe) cleans BP residue as easily as they clean the residue off a baby's bottom.

[@jamescooper2618]

Deer walking through in the background like nothing's going on! Love it! Loved the black powder substitute monologue at the end as well!

[@TrentFalkenrath]

The "before anyone thought of calling it episode 4" saying made me laugh a good bit. Very interesting presentation.

[@markp6062]

Excellent, Paul, thanks for informing us. With an extra 20 grains of powder, I wasn't surprised at the results.

[@darkstar7447]

Paul, "boring" is hardly a word I'd use to describe your anecdotes. They are the highlight of your videos for me.

[@rickpineo2588]

Even the deer come to see Paul

[@keithplymale2374]

The Walker was the magnum of the cap and ball world. Many years ago a friend of the time who had a replica Walker and me with my replica 1858 got them out and shot them together. The clouds of smoke were glorious just like you made. Great show. Thanks.

[@tommylitchfield3450]

If I'm not mistaken, the Walker was the most powerful handgun in the world until the .357 came along and de-throned it.

[@tomjackson4374]

I have owned two Cold Walkers, replicas of course, and gave them away. I did not like the hesitation between pulling the trigger and the gun actually firing. But I really didn't like the cleanup even if I shot it once. Black powder is caustic as hell.

[@loboheeler]

You can heavily load a Walker's large cylinders, but a large percentage of the first ones issued were returned to Colt for failures. Modern forged steel Walker replicas should be able to handle those big loads without problem. Would be impressive with Kaido conical bullets!

[@crazysilly2914]

@@tomjackson4374 all blackpowders were like that

[@crazysilly2914]

@@loboheeler yeah I thought all blackpowder revolvers were rifled and used minie conical bullets? (except for Allen pepperboxes, which were smoothbore)

[@RiderOftheNorth1968]

Thank you for this Paul. Never change and continue charing your thoughts and knowledge with us.

[@Mathematiman]

Beautifully subtle Star Wars reference there.

[@rydplrs71]

I really appreciate not rehashing old videos. That becomes tedious for subscribers. I hate watching30 minute videos with 5 minutes of new information. 25 minutes of new content is much better. Thank you Paul and crew.

[@ClickClack_Bam]

I completely disagree. I don't mind seeing topics being talked about again. NOTHING is worse than liking something & that channel NEVER talks about it ever again cause "we did a video 5 years ago so go watch that". New info or add ons come out or get developed. People want to see those things on those platforms. Plus there's NOTHING wrong with keeping a topic fresh by doing videos on them. People like you can skip the FUCKING things while the rest of us enjoy it. You don't seem to understand how KZbin works either. A gun channel that NEVER talks about the fucking guns that it already has is the gun channel that FAILS!

[@zippitydoodah5693]

YES!!!!!!! A Sunday morning Paul Harrell video . . . . that means EXCELLENT coffee time. I always watch them twice when they are posted early enough on Sunday mornings.

[@winnerscreed6767]

agree, twice. once for the relaxing pleasure and again for the straight up honest information.

[@johndees967]

Mr. Harrell... superb presentation, as usual. I like the way you do your tests.. the meat data is especially useful and something I can understand!!! By FAR my favourite gun channel!!! don't stop!!!

[@stoneyardgriddle9203]

Clear, thorough, informative content. Very well done.

[@bigtex4058]

I used to own a Uberti Walker. Certainly powerful enough to kill you dead at close range, which is what a horse pistol is all about.

[@forkthepork]

It's deadly at 75 yards. Probably 150 yards, accuracy being the limiting factor.

[@halfcirclehranch6877]

Well, like most horse pistols, it was meant to be able to kill the horse. The horse was always a target in warfare. If you stop the horse, you stop the rider.

[@ethanp7183]

@@forkthepork you’re exactly right, one of Jeff coopers books gives accounts of accurate use at 150 yards. It’s also discussed how there was a period of a few years where the walker and dragoon were so ahead of firearms technology that they were favored for long range shots over any of the then muzzleloading rifles. Revolvers really started it all

[@johnqpublic2718]

As opposed to killing you alive?

[@OutnBacker]

Said to be the most powerful revolver in the world until the .357 magnum.

[@alfontana6242]

Thanks for your video. As a teenager my first revolver back in the mid 1960's was a black powder 36 caliber navy. When I got old enough to buy a modern firearm I lost interest in that black powder, and now looking back all those years I wished that I would have kept it.

[@christianterrill3503]

Never to late to buy another one! Black powder, bullets and the guns that use powder are easier to get and cheaper then ever before!

[@0neDoomedSpaceMarine]

Get yourself another one, they are generally inexpensive and a lot of fun.

[@frydemwingz]

yeah that's a shame. To have that 60s colt after all these years would be cool.

[@frydemwingz]

@@0neDoomedSpaceMarine That's what sucks now, these black powder guns got more popular and I think they know they can get by with charging more. In 2019 even, you could get a whole "colt navy" starter kit for 100 bucks. Now just the cheapest revolver is over 200. Then you have to buy a flask, powder, lead balls, caps, lube, wads, and possibly another cleaning agent for black powder. It's much more expensive than shooting modern guns, it's not even a contest anymore. And that's assuming you can buy the stuff locally which is a slim chance btw, then you have to pay the 20-40 dollar hazmat fee to have it shipped. You can buy a proper modern handgun for 300 bucks, not some hipoint crap, a few mags + 200 rounds, so still under 400 bucks. All the black powder kit you'd have to buy just to get started will have you well over 400 bucks...and that's not even assuming you wouldnt buy the cheapest gun. A steel frame Navy revolver is over 300, by itself more expensive than a PSA Dagger.

[@Hjerte_Verke]

@@christianterrill3503 Are they? I think the prices have gone up a lot

[@chocothemagnificent1019]

An excellent presentation. Your obvious expertise makes for an enjoyable highly technical and comprehensive explanation. Your dry whit and common sense commentary is first rate! Thank you for explaining comparison of these two iconic pistols. :)

[@douglasswinford2598]

Paul is always fun to watch, and he never disappoints when it comes to subject matter!! Outstanding video pard!!

[@lutherpayne9957]

On a lot of the original Walker Colts the owner would use a piece of leather lashing to keep the rammer up. Good presentation and as a black powder user for most likely longer than yourself, your presentation is spot on and I really don't care for the bp substitutes. Cheers

[@doghousedon1]

Another advantage of black powder. If, after firing off 6 shots and the attacker is still charging, you can scurry off unseen behind a smoke screen. Thanks for the vid.

[@frankmosses9121]

Thank you for your hard work and giving me this information

[@d_clarence6174]

I'm excited to get to see you in person this weekend, you're the most informative and entertaining firearm channel on youtube.

[@ttdusk678]

A deer in the background adds a lot 😂

[@Wonky-Donkey]

That deer knows the hunting season is over.

[@douglasmaccullagh7865]

In my experience, Pyrodex is plenty corrosive. And I find it hard to clean up after. Even Pyrodex requires prompt thorough cleaning.

[@semichiganandy2127]

I just noticed that you're up over 3/4 million subscribers. That's really great. I remember waiting for that number to hit 10K. So congratulations and let's hope that 1 million comes soon.

[@tpockett3676]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm working on rules for a roleplaying game and both of these firearms are featured. I knew the Walker had a reputation for power, but the meat target demonstration helps illustrate more clearly its power relative to other weapons.

[@terryschiller2625]

When Paul gives a demonstration even the dear stop and check it out. Thank you Sir for all your hard work and time.

[@rickintravia3258]

Always a.....blast to watch. Thanks for your excellent videos.

[@tubularfrog]

Another good video. Very entertaining and informative. I liked the big clouds of smoke. Thanks Mr. Harrell.

[@bryangrote8781]

That's impressive accuracy out of that Walker and would give some modern pistols a good run for their money even with those rudimentary "sights". The power is equally impressive and that black powder "boom' has a unique and satisfying sound vs smokeless guns. I remember reading about some of the early use of the Walker Colt's as well as the Patterson's by the Texas Rangers. The high accuracy versus single shot pistols at the time was often mentioned in accounts I've read nearly as often as the fire power improvement. They were truly game changers on the Texas frontier at the time and helped turned the tide against the Comanches which for a time were winning and even pushed the frontier backwards for a few years. Great video and hope you do more of these black powder videos in the future.

[@markjob3965]

Paul is either a fast learner, or has had several girl friends, he's spot on. I have never used real black powder, only because of lack of availability, but have played with making my own, an art & a science rolled into one. I have enjoyed black powder revolvers and muzzle loaders since the early 70's, and have many. Love your great videos.

[@christianterrill3503]

Are you in the US? Black powder can be bought at most sporting good stores and 100% will be sold at a guns store. That sell powder guns.

[@markjob3965]

@@christianterrill3503 Southwest ND, never been in this area, been shooting since the early 70's. They'll order it if you can afford the hazmat.

[@khester7397]

@Christian Terrill You haven't bought black powder in a while. Have you ever? Big difference in theoretical knowledge and first-hand experience.

[@PTANV-x2g]

Christian Terrill This is largely false. BLACK powder is rarely available at ANY gun stores I have been to, in a variety of states in the last two years, including in Texas. Of course, there’s a big difference between black powder and modern smokeless powder.. but you knew that, right?

[@willywillington9252]

@@christianterrill3503 I can tell you from experience that this is not true

[@CheeseSqueeze99]

This video is a CLASSIC Paul video. I love it.

[@JoeSyxpack]

I think you got yourself another Audi situation with black powder substitute. I use Pyrodex because I can reliably get it whenever I need it and I know my loads with it. I find it to be very consistent and delivering satisfactory accuracy and power. Now I had a very different opinion on Pyrodex when I first started shooting a muzzle loader because I did have issues with FTF and hang fire. However, I think that was because I was using my father's leftover powder and percussion caps that he bought back in the 70s. When I bought new stuff everything got much better.

[@boomanchu2]

Man, Paul really likes the Rickreall gun show. He will never give them up, let them down. Never run around and desert them.

[@jeffreyyucel9373]

I don’t think that joke is going to land with this crowd.

[@billythebake]

boomanchu, I see what you did there...

[@WildLastFrontier]

Another excellent presentation, as always. I'm in the fledgling stages of pursuing a career in firearm instruction and I'm grateful for your videos. I've personally put a lot of what you show us into practice for years and now have the potential to pass some of it on to others. Thank you!

[@giborchayil]

Paul speaks, I listen!!! Thanks for all the wisdom and sharing of information!!!

[@longislandforester859]

Paul, thank you for your very well spoken, very informative videos, I’ve been watching non stop since gettin my handgun permit. I will be joining your patreon soon!

[@budm9982]

I just bought a new Pietta 1860 Army. Took delivery 2 days ago and I've been fiddling with it ever since, killing time till caps arrive via UPS. I had no idea that percussion caps were so difficult to find these days. Anyway, I came here to say that its a wonderful thing when I have this new facet of my hobby starting and and Paul posts a brand new video featuring cap and ball revolvers. Awesome!!! I just wish he had told us how he really feels about black powder substitutes..

[@JB-ls5pq]

What a coincidence, I was just thinking of getting a colt walker and researching various things about it. Mr Harrell, Thank you for the info. Keep up the good work

[@brianpartlow5530]

I was at Cabellas a couple days ago and looked for a colt walker. All they had were Colt Navy models and a pepper box.

[@AlittleSmokey]

Always appreciate your knowledge and experience and expertise!! Also.. the 3 Amigos insert is awesome!

[@brianpetitt8311]

Long time viewer, recent subscriber. I thoroughly enjoy every aspect of your presentations. Thank you for your service.

[@Handyman1911]

Incredible to think that the men who originally used those firearms knew their gun’s particular characteristics so well that they’d shoot brilliant accuracy, even in battle!

[@Ijusthopeitsquick]

What are your sources for this? I'd be very interested in looking at any reliable data about civil war era pistol marksmanship.

[@classicrider103]

Am I correct in assuming that you could be insinuating that he has watched too many westerns?😉

[@Ijusthopeitsquick]

@@classicrider103 🙂

[@woodystemms3799]

From horseback, they have the mass to swat away a bayonet. Hard and heavy enough to break an arm, or knock a foot-soldier cold, they were dual-use weapons.

[@brucebelvin2058]

"Something smells like rotten eggs" "Pull my trigger finger"

[@hoobertheever4640]

Ha ha best comment so far

[@thesilverpreacher316]

Met Paul today at a gun show what a cool guy in person. Also got a card that he must have shot in one of the videos.

[@TheHappy2cu]

Great watch. Thank you Paul.

[@jamesa.7604]

Loved this video. Even the deer were impressed with the good information provided. I got a great laugh from the black powder comparison with substitute. My future wife would NEVER want to stop for coffee because we both prefer the coffee she brews at home.

[@markh.6687]

"James never has a second cup of coffee at home..." See the 1970's commercial and the Airplane! scene

[@77Infidel]

@@markh.6687 Surely you can't be serious. I am serious, and quit calling me Shirley!

[@markh.6687]

@@77Infidel Man waves and yells HI, JACK!! (Cops drag man off set, past the sign reading "Hijacking is a federal offense")

[@77Infidel]

@@markh.6687 Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue. Man this is too much fun, I'm going to have to go watch that movie again. Maybe follow it up with some Blazing Saddles! You know, movies that could never be made today, sadly people have no humor anymore.

[@markh.6687]

@@77Infidel We must do something about this lack of humor IMMEDIATELY! IMMEDIATELY! IMMEDIATELY! HARUMPH! HARUMPH! HARUMPH!

[@loquat44-40]

Others have mentioned the conicals. The walker was intended to be fired with a conical projectile and full load. With modern steel cylinders instead of the iron used in the original colt walker, a modern replica should not blow the cylinder as happened to the first walkers, especially when misinformed personnel did not load the walker correctly. Civil war era revolvers were either fired with paper cartridges with conical bullets or loaded with round balls.

[@cgoodiefunk]

truly, a professional. Great vid as always

[@WilliamHearnTOEFL_Tutor]

Hey Paul, I'm seeing a trend in competent experts standing up for themselves on KZbin recently. Glad to see you doing it too. Great, informative, entertaining, and educational video as usual. Thanks!!

[@jw-sigp2258]

How powerful is a colt walker? Depends on your powder charge and projectile choices but I think Paul did a nice job showing us what it can do. Paul was fair and balanced about this. They are hard to find but I like the old molds for the sugar loaf conicals. Very good penetration from the sugar loaf bullet. Awesome video Paul!!! I did an 1860 conversion ballistic test video if you wanted to check out how 1860 conversion does with round ball 45 colt loads.

[@timberinternational2377]

You can get walker conicals from eras gone bullet molds.

[@jw-sigp2258]

@@timberinternational2377 thanks for the info. Can’t wait to get some of them for mine.

[@tommylitchfield3450]

@@jw-sigp2258 From what I have read, those pointy conicals are what caused so many of the early Walkers to self-destruct. They were hard to ram in straight with the point out, as intended, so the troopers in the field would just fill the cylinders a little more full and load the points backwards, effectively turning the conicals into wadcutters. The problem was that they were grossly overcharged this way, and with the questionable metallurgy of the day, destruction was the result. When the Dragoon took the Walker's place, they not only fixed the ramrod problem, but they reduced the length of the cylinder to help with the explosions!

[@jw-sigp2258]

@@tommylitchfield3450 sugar loaf being loaded backwards might explain some of the walker’s reputation for one shot stops. I might just go with Lee 450-200-1R instead. Lot safer and I already have the mold. My 1860 army loves the lee conical.

[@BogeyTheBear]

The faulty bullets in question were picket bullets-- conicals with little to no heeling to the sides. Very hard to load in straight. The sugarloaf-shaped bullets for the Colt Dragoon were vastly improved versions with straighter sides. These are the bullet forms being offered by Eras Gone-- a design based off the 1850-era molds of the Colt Dragoon rather than the 1847 Walker mold.

[@coleplaninzful]

Paul Harrel, Great comparison at the conclusion, yet I was surprised by the readings, great production! -Scouts Out!

[@bjgaspar]

3 Amigos AND Star Wars in the first 5 minutes. Definitely gonna be a gem

[@GOBRAGH2]

Great video. I don't get to see much attention paid to black powder firearms so I found this very interesting. Great job Paul!

[@maxheadroom7649]

I’ve been shooting cap and ball for over 30 yrs and have made a few observations of my own. Pyrodex is my propellant of choice and what I have found through both experience and research is that BP substitutes like Pyrodex are about 18% hotter than BP. 2nd misfires really aren’t a product of overly stable propellant but more so a user error, not cleaning the chamber of any oils contaminating the powder, a clogged nipple. Very seldom does a BP substitute fail to go off because of it having gone bad. As far as not using substitutes over black powder that is absolutely a personal preference that makes the hobby so appealing. Much like how someone wants to customize a car, we do what we like because that’s what makes it fun.

[@beargillium2369]

The best argument for subs is they're not considered explosive so can ship without a hazmat cert. Non issue if they sell bp near you, but for me, they don't, and the extra $30 on top of product price and shipping makes it unfeasible.

[@sisleymichael]

Paul, you made my day. Thanks. The black powder substitute explanation was priceless.

[@markhogan7081]

Thank you for a great video. I really enjoyed it.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

by the way Paul, I don't know if you watch other Gun KZbin channels or not, but there's a channel called C&Rsenal and they have a top tier two part episode all about the Colt Walker/Dragoon that's worth checking out if you have any interest in the history of the Colt Walker

[@moosemaimer]

Sam Colt was a... character.

[@unclebrat]

Othais did an excellent breakdown of the Walker and the Dragoon.

[@cmdrgunslinger5955]

Ian at Forgotten Weapons also has some interesting videos on both the Walker & the Dragoon pistols.

[@dmann1209]

Awesome review and explanation of black powder propellant. The Metamucil reference "pushes the lead out" should be their new slogan. How much did you have to pay that deer to walk in the background? Excellent as usual especially the meat target....legendary!

[@duacot6633]

Great Vid, Paul! Wish you would have loaded 60 as that thing is more than capable of handling it. If you do, slap some grease/lube over the ball before firing. Have 2 Uberti Walkers. One was blued production model other kit in the white. The production model required extensive clean up to remove burs and correct fitting issues especially the loading bar latch and opening up the loading port. Even the cylinder ports and lands and groves in the barrel might need to be matched better depending upon the finished quality. I also load 50 in the Walker as standard target loads, but frequently load 60 under round ball without a wad. When not using a wad under the ball I always cover the balls with appropriate lube. The lube makes it incredibly easier to clean, reduces the amount of use before fouling interferes with function and most importantly has been shown to mitigate chain fires. Lately I've been rolling powder cartridges' of 50 grains 3f and encasing them in diy chip board containers wrapped in brown craft paper and dipped in wax having tossed in a desiccant pack before sealing. Timely to produce but as a hobby when watching Paul do his infamous Shatner impersonation it goes by quick enough and makes reloading at the range even faster! REAL Black Powder varies by manufacturer. With 60 grains, I have seen it produce 1300-1400 fps; mileage will vary. The In The White kit will get a rear dove tail site added and slightly taller sight blade. p.s. These Walkers almost always shoot high prior to any adjustments.

[@zebradun7407]

Excellent presentation.

[@theoriginalOSOK]

Paul, an idea for a future video. Do this using a conical like Kaido Ojamaa's conical bullets. If you don't want to mess with casting them, I bet Kaido would supply some if you give him a plug. His bullets are excellent. I know that you'd get different and probably better results on the meat target.

[@kilsya1392]

Always happy when I see a new video come out from Paul

[@roberthough2459]

So spot on!!, Couldn't have said anything any better 👍

[@davidkarr214]

What a nice replica of the old Walker. Thank you for putting it through it's paces. I think as many people got beat with it as got shot but it sure was stout enough to do it. Thanks for another great video. Don't worry to much about the negative commenting trolls. They seem to be something we have to endure these days.

[@adamhenrywalker]

Howdy! The Colt Walker is my state’s official firearm(Texas), and was long rumored to be the most powerful handgun in the world in the Old West days. I really appreciate you shedding light on this issue. Thank you very much! Furthermore, was the “Episode 4” comment a reference to Star Trek?

[@WildLastFrontier]

Star Wars: A New Hope

[@r.l.royalljr.3905]

Star Wars most likely.

[@model7374]

Han shot first…..with a broom handle mauser.

[@GB-zi6qr]

@@model7374 Yes he did, but he was also already under threat of death from his resultant victim. Therefore it was self defense.

[@chuckaddison5134]

It was a reference to Star Wars. "A New Hope". Now episode four, was the original Star Wars film, entitled "Star Wars". So once George Lucas decided to do a saga, Star Wars was retitled A New Hope.

[@benhannah5523]

I don’t think the deer in the background was informed that you were shooting at meat targets

[@blackpowderfirearmenthusia3194]

I have two Walkers, one Uberti with a Howell conversion cylinder and one by Armi San Marco. They are a lot of fun to shoot. Great video thank you.

[@stsw4314]

You are so freaking cool I can't stand it! I'm so glad my husband introduced me to "The Godfather of Guns"! We never miss a video and we thank you for everything you do! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@rob9781]

Thanks Paul , made a Sunday much more bearable

[@tracyannbanks123_12]

Yea sure, there’s more to say about it. I would not trust the Velocitors after that kind of performance. Way too many underpowered loads

[@tracyannbanks123_12]

Id love to know you better, thats only if you dont mind cos you seems to be a nice person and sound so lovely with your words

[@baird329]

I try to use real black powder in muzzle loader models, but with black powder cartridge firearms I use pyrodex. With a 1890's top break 38 S&W Iver Johnson arms and cycle works I'm using black powder substitute to protect the piece of history and the fact that it's less likely to promote rust is a plus.

[@megatrends]

The powder commentary was good, I shoot only two 1851 Navy Colt styled revolvers and prefer real powder and when I use a substitute add a bit more of a charge and use Magnum hotter burning caps. The real powder fouls the parts faster than sub but I buy what is available and don't mind either.

[@sathancat]

I love how cool the deer always act around Paul 🦌

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

Black powder revolvers are some of my favorites for muzzle loader season. Thank you for your time and labor in the making of the video.

[@GeorgeSemel]

Nice to see a doe wandering by while you are jawing about the old army. I had one of those. I have a friend that one day while at my house wished he had bought one. Well, I went to show him mine. And when he got up to leave I said, you are forgetting something, I gifted him the gun. As for the Colt Walker, they were powerful for the era in which people carried and used them. Kind of like you get out of a 9mm these days velocity and power-wise. They are big and heavy whereas a Glock 19 is fairly light you get 6 with the Walker and a lot of time to reload or pop out the cylinder for another, with the Glock you got 15+ 1 and pop the mag and well you can break a leg with magazines, 10, 15, 17 or 32 shots if you want. It's not Texas in the 1850s either.. Shooting black powder is fun, I have a Thompson Hawken in 50 cal for the Black Powder deer season. I don't do the inline and sabots and optic sights. Yeah, they are considered muzzle loaders but it's a stretch. I like the smoke and maybe if it's too damp I might not even get it to shoot. That's part of the fun. I have taken quite a few deer over the years with it. 150 was my longest shot. Minnie Ball.

[@winnerscreed6767]

great comment

[@GeorgeSemel]

@@winnerscreed6767 I have my days sometimes.

[@samb8996]

Thanks for updating us on your show days and locations It would be an honor for me to meet you, shake your hand, thank you for your service and discuss the importance of caveats ! 🤓

[@corneliussulla9963]

Finally some black powder again. Thank you Paul!

[@tangolima6462]

I came here to enjoy Paul’s synapse on black powder revolvers and left weighing the benefits of a inflatable doll offers over dating. Awesome!

[@jw-sigp2258]

Amazing performance from one of the lowest technology of projectiles we can use. A lot of younger people today just don’t realize what 45 cal and up round balls can do. I love when Paul shoots the meat target with cap and ball!! Id love to see him do a 1851 navy 36 cal test as well. 51 navy is such a natural pointer by the way. Thanks again Paul for giving black powder some time on your channel. I always look forward to your black powder side arm videos!

[@glennrishton5679]

I have wondered about the 31 caliber pocket pistols such as Colt 1848 Baby Dragoon and 1849. Those were carried for self defense and apparently were effective

[@jw-sigp2258]

@@glennrishton5679 So if you look at 31 cal roundball weight and the speeds it got from those smaller models it’s logical to conclude muzzle energy would be similar to a 50 grain 22 mag fired from a 3” barrel. Enough for defense yes. But to get a true idea we would have to definitely shoot the meat target. I don’t think it would penetrate past the t-shirt on the back of the target, but would at least penetrate into the ribs at the back of the target. So kinda ideal for not over penetrating, but what size holes through the target? Paul if you ever get ahold of a baby dragoon or another lil 31 model many of us would love to see practical accuracy and a meat target test.

[@deniswauchope3788]

The 1851 Navy was the first black powder revolver I ever fired, and I loved it! Gorgeous weapon, and so much fun to shoot. Chorus: "They just don't make them like they used to!"

[@freman007]

Apparently Wild Bill Hickock once took down a man at 75 yards with his Navy Colt. In skilled hands they were a deadly combat pistol.

[@gravesclayton3604]

The 1851 Navy .36 is a nicely refined, civilized cap & ball revolver. The Walker is a cudgel by comparison, lol!