for those unable to purchase legal firearms has anyone here researched buying antique firearms? I understand that one doesn't need a permit or background check for that but I could be wrong. is this also what is referred to as "black powder"? apologize for the ignorance — new to this whole ctb planning...
21Neberg
Enlightened
- Dec 17, 2018
- 1,624
Dont worry, we're all here to learn & help each other :-)
I'm not sure if these antique firearms would have the required firepower to effectively penetrate the brainstem.
"Chang used a replica Civil War gun to shoot herself, with one shot through the mouth while sitting in her car. She used a replica, because in CA, if you have been committed, you are restricted from buying any other type of gun than a replica."
http://dearsuicide.blogspot.com/2009/03/iris-chang-book-final-exit.html?m=1
Retched
I see the chaos in your eyes.
- Oct 8, 2018
- 837
And I bet she didn't twice. I have a .38 and keep thinking and thinking...
gingerplum
Enlightened
- Nov 5, 2018
- 1,450
This is an interesting question. @TiredHorse is the resident expert on firearms, but the vintage detail? Unexpected twist!
Blackpowder (replica antique) pistols are readily available in the US without any background checks. The last I checked, you can even purchase them by mail. And yes, provided you get one of a large enough caliber (.38 is bare minimum; larger would be better) they are definitely powerful enough to get the job done.
Their primary --and often overwhelming-- drawback, compared to modern firearms, is that they are more complex to operate and require considerably more training to use effectively. It is not as simple as dropping a cartridge into the chamber, cocking it, and pulling the trigger. You need to purchase bullets, powder, wads, and percusion caps separately --and you must know what type of each to use-- and then learn the skills to charge and prime the gun reliably.
If you don't mind learning a new skill, there's nothing against it as a method. In fact, it's probably significantly less expensive than any other firearm method. But it is complex, and --like any method-- it does require conscientious self-training to ensure any certainty of success.
Their primary --and often overwhelming-- drawback, compared to modern firearms, is that they are more complex to operate and require considerably more training to use effectively. It is not as simple as dropping a cartridge into the chamber, cocking it, and pulling the trigger. You need to purchase bullets, powder, wads, and percusion caps separately --and you must know what type of each to use-- and then learn the skills to charge and prime the gun reliably.
If you don't mind learning a new skill, there's nothing against it as a method. In fact, it's probably significantly less expensive than any other firearm method. But it is complex, and --like any method-- it does require conscientious self-training to ensure any certainty of success.
gingerplum
Enlightened
- Nov 5, 2018
- 1,450
Seriously, I wish you were an Uber driver, because this is a 5-star response.
ReadyasEver
Elementalist
- Dec 6, 2018
- 828
TiredHorse is right on the money about black powder firearms. Make no mistake, the lethality of these weapons at close range is incredible in the large calibers.
Stillnotsure
Experienced
- Dec 18, 2018
- 245
I shoot black powder firearms. It's a great hobby if your willing to learn. Here's a couple more downsides however,
If you accidentally buy the wrong black powder the gun could blow up in your hand, ruining your hand.
Many indoor gun ranges won't let you practice black powder shooting. You'd have to find an outdoor range.
In my experience, most gun people don't know how to shoot black powder guns, so if you're at the range and struggling with the technique, it's hard to turn to the guy standing nearby for advice.
If you live in the US and were born after 1976 (I believe) you can take an online hunter safety course. Get the certificate. Go to a range day with an instructor. Get certified. Go to your local police station and apply for a permit to purchase a handgun. And go get a cheap pistol of an approved caliber. You could also just buy a 12 gauge shotgun and get advice on that.
If you live in Europe and are limited to black powder for legal purposes. I suggest you join a class about them. Learn all about it before you buy one. Then see if you think you can do it.
If you accidentally buy the wrong black powder the gun could blow up in your hand, ruining your hand.
Many indoor gun ranges won't let you practice black powder shooting. You'd have to find an outdoor range.
In my experience, most gun people don't know how to shoot black powder guns, so if you're at the range and struggling with the technique, it's hard to turn to the guy standing nearby for advice.
If you live in the US and were born after 1976 (I believe) you can take an online hunter safety course. Get the certificate. Go to a range day with an instructor. Get certified. Go to your local police station and apply for a permit to purchase a handgun. And go get a cheap pistol of an approved caliber. You could also just buy a 12 gauge shotgun and get advice on that.
If you live in Europe and are limited to black powder for legal purposes. I suggest you join a class about them. Learn all about it before you buy one. Then see if you think you can do it.
TAW122
Emissary of the right to die.
- Aug 30, 2018
- 6,803
Yes I think black powder guns will work, and like @TiredHorse and @Stillnotsure said, it does require more research, practice, and knowing what to do in order to be successful. Personally, since I have a clean record and am eligible to possess an modern firearm, I'm going with that due to it's ease of use and reliability. Anyways, I wish you success in your method.
