Question on Cap and Ball black power guns

[captgooch]

Howdy all,

I've got a question and I wonder IF one of you Might know the answer.

How are Caps made ?

2nd half of question;
Are they Reusable [as in reloading cartridge casings] ?
Would it be possible to "home" manufacture them after TSHTF or teotwawki ?

IF so I'm thinking about investing in a cap and ball revolver [or carbine] and a LaMat Revolver.

Thoughts?

[Uncle_Alvah]

I don't believe theres any practical way to reuse caps, although a clever chemist might be able to duplicate the compound. Be easier/cheaper just to stash a bizzilion of them.....

[Kpdpipes]

Dixie Gun Works sells a kit that lets you make your own #11 (Equivalent) caps from soda cans and toy gun Roll caps.

[FireMaker]

Skip the LeMat. Here at the PD we took one in as evidence. *When the annual day to cut guns came up (bad day) I asked if I could take it out to test. *It was getting cut up anyway so I abused the heck out of it. *

The .62 barrel stinks. *The hammer just smashes the cap. *Tried different brands and sizes. *No luck. *Good thing I didnt load it first. *

Shooting the revolver was fine. *Consistent ignition. *Loading lever is a very weak area and if you have a ball that is hard to load, lever will bend. *I know cuz I did.

Pass on the LeMat. *Get a Remmy or Colt. *I have an 1858 Rem, stainless shorter barrel. *Wounderful gun. *Have extra cylinders for speed loading. *I take it to the PD range and outshoot (at least till I run out of cylinders) most folks. *Take a look at gun broker. *Uberti is what most say is best maker right now but that is always open for discussion.

[clawhammerdan]

Caps are cheap. Now if you could figure out a way to reuse the powder...

[blackpowderbill]

If TSHTF I'd switch to fintlock. after my caps ran out..or use flint and save caps for the fire fights

[hunter63]

Ruger "Old Army .44" is also a good modern made BP hand gun.
Looks like the Ruger BlackHawk, single action.

I've seen and heard of the "make your own caps kit" also, but it also says to use "toy roll caps, made in U.S.A."
I would think that won't happen any longer??????

[captgooch]

Thanks All,

I guess I'll look into flintlock rifles and c&b pistols.

Some good hints here. Especially that report on the LeMatt from firemaker.

later,

captgooch