The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Why no inventor built a simple automatic weapon during the War Between the States?

RJay · July 26, 2012, 09:53 PM

Simple fact, black powder would not work in automatic weapons. Even a black powder revolver will start excessive fouling in as few as 10 to 14 shots. Really a no brainer. Even the Coffee Grinder ( look it up ) and the Gatling were hand cranked to over come powder fouling.

July 26, 2012, 09:53 PM	#16
RJay Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,936	Simple fact, black powder would not work in automatic weapons. Even a black powder revolver will start excessive fouling in as few as 10 to 14 shots. Really a no brainer. Even the Coffee Grinder ( look it up ) and the Gatling were hand cranked to over come powder fouling. __________________ Ron James