help a beginner

[v8kcm]

Hi all need some advice please .I would like to shoot a BP revolver + cast my own bullets I have shot rifles + shotguns for over 10 years and fancy trying something new.

What would be a cheep all round gun ? This would only be shot for fun not competition.

[tacfoley]

Hi all need some advice please .I would like to shoot a BP revolver + cast my own bullets I have shot rifles + shotguns for over 10 years and fancy trying something new.

What would be a cheep all round gun ? This would only be shot for fun not competition.

The great thing about starting shooting a black powder, and a handgun in particular, is the relative cheapness by comparison with any cartridge-firing handgun, which, for most of us, is not a likelihood unless we live in Norn Iron.

True, you CAN buy everything new, but there are oodles of good used guns out there, often with all the accessories you might need to get you started, apart from a BP license, that is. If you decide to go the substitute powder way, then you don't need either the BP licence, nor the specialised storage box for it either.

You could start by asking around the club, and then your local dealer, about anything that might be available. Most folks seem to be drawn to a .44cal revolver, but its true to say that there has never been a more ergonomic revolver on earth than the Colt .36cal Navy. Powder charges of around 18gr - just a bit more than half that of the .44cal - and a ball around half the weight, mean that you'll get LOADS more shooting per pound of powder and lead with the smaller calibre.

Ask away - there is a ton of experience on this forum, but the first thing that you MUST buy is the Lyman BP handbook - the best money you'll ever spend on a gun-related book if you have any interest whatsoever in BP shooting an bullet casting.

tac - BP shooter since that was all there was.......

[v8kcm]

Thanks Tac do i have to be a member of a club or can i shoot on my own land?

[airgunnut]

Try this thread http://www.airgunbbs.com/showthread....advice-please/

[tacfoley]

Thanks Tac do i have to be a member of a club or can i shoot on my own land?

Ah, I presupposed that you were already an FAC holder - you DID say that you've shot rifles for over ten years - I guess I shouldn't jump to conclusions.

Here in UK you will NOT be granted an FAC for a BP handgun to shoot on your own land. No kind of game-shooting is permitted in this country with a handgun. As target-shooting is the only 'good reason' in law for you to acquire and possess a Section 1 BP handgun, you MUST be a paid-up and permanent member of a club that actually DOES shooting of that kind in its remit.

There usually a six-month probationary period as well before you can apply for an FAC for a Section 1 firearm like that. Even a single-shot smooth-bore with a barrel less than 12" is classed as a Section 1 firearm.

Wanting to own a gun 'for fun' is not classed as a 'good reason' in this country, unfair though it might seem to be.

tac

[v8kcm]

Hi Tac I am a FAC holder I have a .22lr a .17hmr and a slot for a 410 shot pistol. Also 12g sxs and 410 sxs.I have a 120 meter range on my own land dedicated to rifle shooting mainly air rifle but also for zeroing my .22 + .17 as only for vermin control. Ido not really want to join a club as could not dedicate enough time to it but would like something more interesting to shoot on my own range with my son. ps range has very adequate back stop.

[tacfoley]

Hi Tac I am a FAC holder I have a .22lr a .17hmr and a slot for a 410 shot pistol. Also 12g sxs and 410 sxs.I have a 120 meter range on my own land dedicated to rifle shooting mainly air rifle but also for zeroing my .22 + .17 as only for vermin control. Ido not really want to join a club as could not dedicate enough time to it but would like something more interesting to shoot on my own range with my son. ps range has very adequate back stop.

If you are, as you say, already an FAC holder - something you didn't tell us in your first post that might have been very useful to know - I would talk to your FEO about it. You never mentioned that you owned your own nice long zero-ing range, either. THAT would have saved a sentence or two as well.

However, as I noted already, ANY BP handgun is classed here in UK as a target firearm, and you may or may not qualify for that by virtue of having your own range set-up. It costs nothing to ask.

You will, if successful, be the very first person I've ever heard of who has managed to do it. Handguns are notorious for waving around in all directions - even on the usual short target range - and the chances of waving one around and simultaneously discharging it in the general direction of the village bingo hall or bus queue is one of the risks that your FEO will have to take on board.

Unless, of course, you are a veterinarian, and didn't mention it as yet. THEY can have all manner of handguns that us mere mortals cannot even touch, let alone shoot, ostensibly for the purpose of putting down seriously-injured geckos, hamsters and stick insects.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

tac

PS - Any criticism of my use of English will be met with some serious grumbles from this end. Just sayin'. That is not aimed at you, Mr v8kcm.

[Turnup]

<snip>

THEY can have all manner of handguns that us mere mortals cannot even touch, let alone shoot, ostensibly for the purpose of putting down seriously-injured geckos, hamsters and stick insects.

<snip>