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Pistol/revolver for belt carry?

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brewer12345

40 Cal
Joined
Apr 22, 2019
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I carry an unmentionable sidearm while hunting for close range shots and (more often) as a finishing shot for critters that the shotgun will stop, but not quite kill. I am seriously thinking about picking up a black powder scattergun and using it in place of a modern firearm at least some of the time. Of course, a black powder sidearm would be required to go with it. The handguns that are basically muzzleloading rifles with a short barrel appeal for their simplicity, but it isn't much of a stretch to miss and need a quick follow up shot. A lot of the black powder revolvers look pretty heavy for a pursuit where I commonly do 10 miles a day looking for jackrabbits. Is there an obvious choice for a simple, rugged sidearm that isn't too heavy?
 
Look at a 1862 police, 36 caliber that doesn’t weigh much. Sights won’t be on at short range but a taller front sight dovetailed into the barrel can put it on the mark.
 
I, too, like the Colt 1862 Police and Pocket Navy. Since it’s just rabbits even the original .31 caliber might be all you’d need or care for since it’s just rabbits. But the .36 cal ball can handle a bit more than just a rabbit if need be.

With a short for caliber WFN conical and an energetic powder the .36 cal is on the low end of .380 ACP performance, and something I’ve thought might be nice as a lightweight handy pistol.
 
Jackrabbits are a lot bigger and tougher than cottontails. I have shot them with goose loads and even badly wounded they can run faster than I can close the distance for a pistol shot sometimes. That said, a close range head shot means that caliber doesn't matter that much.
 
I would agree with the 1862 Pocket Police or Pocket Navy. The 5 1/2” on both revolvers are perfect balance for those small framed pieces.
My two and a half cents...:cool:
 
I've taken cottontails and jackrabbits with the Colt Navy replica, pocket navy and even a 45 caliber single shot muzzleloading pistol.
 
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