Testing The Gun That Killed Abraham Lincoln

Published on February 20, 2023
Duration: 14:57

This video provides an expert-level look at the Pedersoli Baby Philadelphia Derringer, the type of firearm used by John Wilkes Booth to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. Brandon Herrera, demonstrating high authority and technical expertise, details the loading process for this black powder pistol and conducts ballistic tests using a beverage can and a ballistic dummy. The analysis includes high-speed footage of the projectile impact and examination of the recovered projectile, offering unique insights into historical ballistics.

Quick Summary

Brandon Herrera tests the Pedersoli Baby Philadelphia Derringer, a replica of the firearm used by John Wilkes Booth to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. The video details the black powder loading process and conducts ballistic tests, including high-speed footage of projectile impact on a ballistic dummy, analyzing historical ballistics.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Historical Introduction
  2. 00:42The Replica Firearm
  3. 01:43Initial Power Test
  4. 04:13Loading Procedure
  5. 07:01Assassination Recreation
  6. 08:11Ballistic Test & Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of firearm was used to assassinate Abraham Lincoln?

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated with a Deringer pistol, specifically a Philadelphia Deringer. The video tests a replica, the Pedersoli Baby Philadelphia Derringer, which is a .45 caliber cap and ball percussion pistol.

How does the ballistics of a black powder Derringer compare to modern firearms?

The .45 caliber black powder load from the Derringer has significantly less energy than modern smokeless powder rounds like .45 ACP or 9mm. However, it still demonstrated substantial penetration and projectile deformation at close range.

What is the loading procedure for a percussion cap and ball pistol like the Derringer?

Loading involves pouring black powder down the muzzle, ramming a lead ball on top, and placing a percussion cap on the nipple. A 9mm casing was used as a makeshift powder measure in the video.

What was the outcome of the ballistic test on the dummy head?

The shot fired from the Derringer replica into the ballistic dummy head caused skull fragmentation consistent with historical accounts of Lincoln's injury. The lead ball was recovered deep within the dummy's 'brain' material.

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