Muzzleloaders?

[Tobyjoe]

Anybody think muzzleloaders; flint and caplocks are good for preppers? I've been shooting them the past four years. I can make powder but its not as good as store bought and have to order flints. I don't think any are on the ground where I live.

 

[Dave G.]

Well, you have it so no need to not include it. But there are many not too expensive options that would be more versatile and up your reshot time in case you might need that ( good chance if off grid in bad times).

 

[Tobyjoe]

Well, you have it so no need to not include it. But there are many not too expensive options that would be more versatile and up your reshot time in case you might need that ( good chance if off grid in bad times).

What not too expensive options? Came late to the black powder "party" so all those options weren't cheap .

 

[Dave G.]

Was the purpose of the muzzle loader as a hobby or more serious shooting ? Non the less, at one time it was what they had right ? Single shot, good to about 50 yards with a plain bore barrel or 75-100 with a rifled barrel. Reload time if you get efficient at it maybe a minute but two wouldn't be unexpected for one shot at a time with a smoke filled scene.. Bullet velocity low but it is heavy,then again it's ball ammo. On the flip side of this much ammo is out of stock these days, if you have reload stock now in BP keep it, at least you have something .

I'm thinking used, good mechanically, maybe some external wear Winchester lever 30/30 or/ but better yet/ and a shotgun. Plenty can be said for both of these these but if nothing else they will shoot on damp or even a rainy day. Just a thought and investigation. I mean they were the natural progression up from muzzle loaders back in the day.

 

[Tobyjoe]

Was the purpose of the muzzle loader as a hobby or more serious shooting ? Non the less, at one time it was what they had right ? Single shot, good to about 50 yards with a plain bore barrel or 75-100 with a rifled barrel. Reload time if you get efficient at it maybe a minute but two wouldn't be unexpected for one shot at a time with a smoke filled scene.. Bullet velocity low but it is heavy,then again it's ball ammo. On the flip side of this much ammo is out of stock these days, if you have reload stock now in BP keep it, at least you have something .

I'm thinking used, good mechanically, maybe some external wear Winchester lever 30/30 or/ but better yet/ and a shotgun. Plenty can be said for both of these these but if nothing else they will shoot on damp or even a rainy day. Just a thought and investigation. I mean they were the natural progression up from muzzle loaders back in the day.

Buying used guns; what to look for, sources for parts and repair from a prepper's point of view will be a good thread, I think.

I really would like to meet someone who can shoot civil war revolvers in the rain. Closest I have might be water resistant; civil war smith carbine breechloader. Back in the day it's india rubber casing got stuck in the chamber. Modern polymer casings work reliably and can be sealed with wax. Therefore, water resistant. End of the day, it's still a single shot gun.

The muzzle loader shooting part, I consider prepping as there is a learning curve to using this as a last ditch weapon. No, not a hobby. Built a few flintlock kits and waiting on another but after that I'm done buying any more. Really.

 

[Dave G.]

So from your post you're looking at this more as a weapon than hunting gun ?

 

[Tobyjoe]

So from your post you're looking at this more as a weapon than hunting gun ?

So from your post you're looking at this more as a weapon than hunting gun ?

Muzzle loaders are already established as hunting guns with their own season. So yes, a weapon for a prepper. Most states allow a person to buy a muzzle loader or antique directly from a seller. So might be a good time to give it a try before the opportunity is gone, imho. And, someday our AR's may be banned.

 

[Dave G.]

Muzzle loaders are already established as hunting guns with their own season. So yes, a weapon for a prepper. Most states allow a person to buy a muzzle loader or antique directly from a seller. So might be a good time to give it a try before the opportunity is gone, imho. And, someday our AR's may be banned.

Are you indicating trying to avoid the LTC/FID process and still have guns in case the system is shut down ?

Speaking of which, I just renewed my LTC, with the influx of new gun owners it took almost 4 months to get back. Though you can buy ammo with the approval paper, you can't buy guns without the card and pin number at least in this state.. Gun sales are up something like 1.2 million over a year ago. It slows the process but doesn't stop it yet.

 

[Tobyjoe]

If your state requires a FFL for transfer and FID card for traditional muzzle loaders then do not break your states laws. I think a few modern in-line hunting rifles are required to be registered on form 4473 by the ATF. From my limited experience with black powder guns, not being able to have a muzzle loader shipped to your door is a good reason to stick to modern guns, imho. If AR's aren't legal in your locale then it would be interesting to talk about alternative rifles from a prepper's point of view also.

 

[JM]

Black Powder: The Cold Hard Truth About Muzzleloaders