help get me started!!

[dorm]

I need some help folks. I just picked up a nice condition Black Powder, Philadelphia derringer with a 3" rifled barrel.

I have pretty well zero knowledge on what I need to get in order to shoot this pistol (powder load, projectile, percussion cap size, etc) so if someone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. I am not going to be shooting this regularly, I just HAVE to try it, if you know what I mean. Thanks.

dorm

 

[Smokepole]

You could start with about 15 or 20 grains of black powder and a patched round ball. IIRC those were .44 cal? You will need a ball that loosely fits the bore, like .430, if it is a .44. Should be a size 11 percussion cap.
BTW - it is a restricted handgun.

 

[mooncoon]

actually it is a prohib if the barrel is under 4 and a bit inches. As Smokepole mentioned, use a ball that is .010" under bore diameter and a patch of roughly .015" as long as it will load. With that short barrel you are not worrying about accuracy, just that the ball will not roll out before you shoot. Also fire a couple of caps through the nipple before loading to clear any oil that might be in the flash channel and bottom of the barrel.

cheers mooncoon

 

[dorm]

Thanks for the info, Guys. Mooncoon is right, by the way, it is registered as a 12(6) due to barrel length. I'll dig up what you guys have suggested and give her a whirl. I don't expect to win a silhouette match with it but it should be fun to shoot.

 

[scairns]

Hey Dorm,

I have some caps, and some .430 and .440 balls. I can probably even spare a bit of BP is you don't have some. Give me a shout.

 

[dorm]

Hey Dorm,

I have some caps, and some .430 and .440 balls. I can probably even spare a bit of BP is you don't have some. Give me a shout.

Sure, I have to drop some things off at your place anyway.

 

[Weapontech]

I would love one of these in a non-prohib configuration; do they exist??

 

[Smokepole]

Yes they do exist, as genuine antiques.

 

[Weapontech]

Yes they do exist, as genuine antiques.

No one makes a decent repro??

 

[Smokepole]

If you meant you would be happy with a restricted handgun, you could get a model with a longer barrel. You can have an antique without a pal or registration.

 

[Weapontech]

If you meant you would be happy with a restricted handgun, you could get a model with a longer barrel. You can have an antique without a pal or registration.

Ideally....an antique version would be the best way to go; However, re-mortgaging my house for one is not an option, (I'll assume they are not cheap, in good shooting condition). Repro is the only other avenue.......ugh, yes ATT's...registration...sheesh. Silly.....