Would an origional pepperbox be safe to use?

Question

I hear a lot that 19th century letalurgy wasn't as good as modern metals, but they did appareantly know what they were doing as they obviously made steel swords,guns,tools and steam locomotives that worked without breaking.

So do you think an origional pepperbox would be safe to fire? Or would it most likely detonate?

(and if you think it'll blow up, then how were origionals used?)

Answer 1

I'd be careful with that kind of logic:

the Roman gladius sword often had to be straightened after a fight - most troops laid them on the ground and stomped on them.

The firebox on a steam locomotive was cast iron; strong and heavy, but brittle.

Remember that black powder loads were much milder than today's smokeless.

Use it as a decoration.

Answer 2

If you load very light, you should have no problems.  Clean gun barrel also.

But make sure it is in good shape.  Not rusted, burnt in fire or something along those lines.  Anything that could have weakened the metal.....

Be careful shooting light loads also, making sure you are not getting a load lodged in barrel.

Answer 3

It could be dangerous as the metal may have weakened over the years, be very careful about the size of the charge you use, or better still, get it checked out by a gunsmith first, you cant be too careful.

Answer 4

even when new, the pepperbox was a dangerous and uncertain firearm. It was prone to chain firing. This occurs when a spark jumps from the fired cylinder to the next and the next etc etc. Chain fires could set off one or two cylinders or all of them and truly makes your heart race when it does!!

Regardless of it's age, you want to have a competant gunsmith examine it closely to determine if it is safe, and even then, you can still encounter the dreaded chain fire.

I have had several of them come thru the shop. I enjoyed studying them, and even fired them a few times. But I prefer to let them reside in a nice display case, bringing an interesting part of history to the wall of my den.

Shoot safe

Answer 5

As Boker said....load it as it was intended to be loaded and you'll have no problems.

Macy:  metal doesn't just weaken with age.  If it hasn't lost metal due to rust, it will be as strong today, and as safe to shoot with contemporary loads, as it was when it was new.

Answer 6

I would recommend against shooting the original. It is a piece of history many collectors would cherish.

I believe Dixie Gun Works carries replica Pepper Boxes made much stronger than the originals if you want one to play with.

Answer 7

Your logic is slightly flawed.

NEW powders will destroy old guns.

The old guns were designed to be used with the blackpowders they had at the time.

If you decide to shoot an old blackpowder gun, use blackpowder, NOT smokeless powder.