'62 Uberti Police

[Sgt Major Barber]

Greetings.  Finally, my 13-year old daughter has expressed interest in firing one of my many smoke poles.  She has handled them all from a Mk1 Enfield, to AR-15, Mausers, Mosins, Miuskets and long rifles, and many BP revolvers.  The '62 fits her hand and I want to set it up as not to give her a bad moment.  Would 10 grains FFFg under the ball be a satisfactory load for a brand new shooter?
Thanks.
Two Dot Wrangler

[hellgate]

Sounds good. The main thing I'd worry about is a hot cap falling into her grip if she shoots it either right handed or with a two hand grip and sizzling her. I've darned near dropped guns from getting burned so warn her a little about muzzle control and hot caps. She'll love shooting it. Give her a can of diet pop to shoot at close range (shake it too).

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

The 1862 will take that 11 grains, and anything up to about 18-19grains and still not be too violent.  Start modestly & see how it goes. 

Mine shoots WAAY high, with that little bead up front.  Make sure you have at least a foot of paper above the point of aim to catch the group.

Another thing, don't set the wedge too tightly.  Mine locked up when I first tried it.



Here's mine & a pair of Richard Mason Navies

[Sgt Major Barber]

Fortunately she is a southpaw, but will probably start out with a two hand hold.  I can get her to wear a light leather glove on her right hand to keep the hot caps from pissin' her off some....and that is easy...if you know 13 year olds....lol
Will see how the 10-11 grain loads go and might work 'em up some to her point of comfort.  This is gonna be fun....son is a 20-year old natural shooter......shoots everything in the arsenal far better than I.  I hope this will be a start for the young lady to get some interest in firearms....here's hoping.
Thanks,
Two Dot Wrangler

[hellgate]

Hey Two Dot,
I'm a lefty too. When shooting in the "blackpowder" category (where there is no Frontiersman class) I use two hands. I have found that the weak (support hand) can easily let go of the other and shake the cap out and resume the grip. done it dozens of times.