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Fair enough, I'll try and rekindle this thread, and I’ve reread your topic.
The problem I have with muzzleloaders is that they require some degree of experience, care, and special treatment that modern firearms don't. Unlike modern metallic cartridges, black powder attracts moisture. It’s rather fussy about that sort of thing. I believe percussion caps suffer a similar problem. I’m not saying it’s not possible, but it does require some experience and other concerns that smokeless metallic cartridges don’t. A double barrel muzzleloader cut down to 16 – 20 inches would work well at self-defense and for hunting. Since antique firearms aren't really firearms according to the law, one can legally own a sawed off black powder muzzle loading shotgun. One could cast their own shot, slugs, and the like. Cap and ball pistols are no joke. They’re rather accurate as well. Moreover, they’re inexpensive, and one can purchase multiple cylinders, as well as cylinders that will accept modern smokeless metallic cartridges.
A break barrel air rifle would do well against small game if one was patient, knew how to shoot, and where to shoot the game. The ammunition is rather cheap.
Traditional bow and arrow as well as traditional crossbows would also work well, but these require a degree of practice and experience as well. In the scenario put forth, I steer clear of compound archery equipment. If one’s inclined, there’s a lot to learn about making self-bows, arrows, and strings.
While I agree that in the scenario you’ve put forth that these weapons plus archery equipment would serve anybody willing to learn them well, I’ll stand on my suggestion about learning to trap, snare, and purchasing the gear to do it.
Actively hunting for one’s food isn’t the most efficient way to do things, especially in a self-reliance situation.
The only problem I have is that we cannot foresee just how bad things will get. I seriously doubt that the combined efforts of police and military will be able to disarm this entire country. They can’t even keep drugs under control when things are going well…
Hence, I feel that weapons and ammunition will abound.
Interesting subject and thanks for reading.
Cheers,
bolillo_loco
While there is a grain of truth in what you say my point was aimed at those who don't own firearms or are not hunters or gun hobbiest.
The key here is education about primitive weapons that are still as deadly as ever. Beside, primitives are way more fun to learn about over modern firearms. Any brain dead idiot can shove a bullet in the chamber and pull the trigger. Where's the pleasure ???
You can suffer the handicaps of black powder and air guns if you want.
Moderator cut: off-topic
We got away from the over powder and over shot "wads" in modern shotshells for a good reason, you know. They tend to "tip", either when pushed down the muzzle, or upon firing, letting either the shot rattle down the barrel, or letting the powder gases scatter the shot pellets. Without a choke, the shotgun's pattern, especially from a muzzleloader, will be much too scattered to reliably stop a man beyond about 50 ft of range. Such a short barrel just wont put enough of the buckshot pellets into the kill zone, on a reliable basis. Some won't do so much beyond 35 ft, actually, when cut down as much as you suggest, using a muzzleloader.
Moderator cut: orphaned response, references to content that has been removed
THIS THREAD IS NOT ABOUT MODERN DAY FIREARMS!! We welcome any and all discussions about non-firearm weaponry.
Last edited by MissingAll4Seasons; 09-12-2012 at 10:18 AM..
Reason: orphaned content
as far as black powder goes, does anyone know the mixture and % needed when making your own black powder?
It was determined centuries ago that the best mixture was 10% sulphur, 15% charcoal, and 75% potassium nitrate.
I've cited the following two books many times on this forum but I'll do so again as they are fundamental works. A basic knowledge of chemistry is necessary to understand them; but that's requisite for many aspects of survivalism. The farmer who doesn't understand chemistry is a sorry specimen.
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