EARLY DA BELLY GUNS. WONDER HOW

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I had loaded up some 125 gr. 9mm bullets in some .38 S&W cases using Pyrodex, as much as it would hold. At 25 ft. I shot a wet piece of 3/4" plywood. Instantly the bullet came back and hit me center chest, respectably hard! Scared me good. Center of chest-bone and a nickel sized bruise.

Once previously I did the same shooting a .44 C&B 1858 Remington with RB and 30 gr. FFFg. Shot the fork of an old Black Jack Oak tree, that one hit me in the ankle.

I personally find the solid frame Colts from the turn of the century more palatable than the top breaks. Mine is a later issue from the 20's. Better sights if that helps.