Testing The Gun That Killed Abraham Lincoln

Published on February 20, 2023
Duration: 14:57

This video tests a Pedersoli Baby Philadelphia Derringer replica, the type used by John Wilkes Booth to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. The test demonstrates the .45 caliber black powder pistol's surprising close-range power, capable of penetrating a beverage can and causing significant fragmentation in a ballistic dummy head. The analysis compares the impact to historical accounts of Lincoln's skull fragments, highlighting the effectiveness of historical firearms.

Quick Summary

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated with a .45 caliber cap and ball percussion pistol, specifically a Derringer, used by John Wilkes Booth. The replica tested showed significant close-range power, capable of causing fatal injury and skull fragmentation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Lincoln's Assassination Derringer
  2. 00:42The Pedersoli Derringer Replica
  3. 01:43Initial Power Test: Beverage Can
  4. 04:13Black Powder Loading Procedure
  5. 07:01Assassination Recreation Setup
  6. 08:11Ballistic Test & Skull Fragmentation Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of gun killed Abraham Lincoln?

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated with a .45 caliber cap and ball percussion pistol, specifically a Derringer, used by John Wilkes Booth.

How powerful was the Derringer used in Lincoln's assassination?

While a black powder firearm, the .45 caliber Derringer demonstrated significant close-range power, capable of causing fatal injury and skull fragmentation consistent with historical accounts.

What are the key differences between black powder and modern firearm cartridges?

Black powder rounds, like those used in the Derringer, have considerably less energy and velocity compared to modern smokeless powder cartridges such as .45 ACP.

How is a cap and ball pistol loaded?

Loading involves pouring black powder down the muzzle, ramming a lead ball on top of the powder, and placing a percussion cap on the nipple to ignite the powder.

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