What Would It Be Like To Have A Glock In The Old West?

Published on March 26, 2026
Duration: 7:03

This video explores the experimental use of black powder in a modern Glock 21 Gen 4 pistol. It details the process of hand-loading black powder cartridges, highlighting the differences in bulk and pressure compared to modern smokeless powders. The experiment demonstrates the significantly reduced velocity and ejection issues encountered when using black powder, offering insights into historical firearm limitations.

Quick Summary

Shooting black powder in a modern Glock, like the Glock 21 Gen 4 tested, results in significantly reduced projectile velocity and ejection force. Cases barely exit the firearm, and projectiles can take minutes to reach a target, demonstrating the limitations of historical ammunition in contemporary firearms.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Throwback Thursday
  2. 00:18The Experiment: Black Powder Glock Torture Test
  3. 00:58Testing Black Powder in a Modern Pistol
  4. 01:31Cowboy Load Ejection Issues
  5. 02:03Reloading Black Powder Cartridges
  6. 02:46Loading Process and Bullet Seating
  7. 03:10Black Powder vs. Smokeless Powder Safety
  8. 03:38Expected Outcome: Jamming and Messy Cleanup
  9. 04:14Observed Performance: Slow Ejection and Velocity
  10. 04:47Cleanup Challenges of Black Powder
  11. 05:05Early YouTube Content and Uniqueness
  12. 06:27An Interesting Experiment
  13. 06:43Conclusion: Experiment Successful

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you shoot black powder in a modern Glock?

Shooting black powder in a modern Glock, like the Glock 21 Gen 4 tested, results in significantly reduced projectile velocity and ejection force. Cases barely exit the firearm, and projectiles can take minutes to reach a target, demonstrating the limitations of historical ammunition in contemporary firearms.

How is black powder different from modern smokeless powder for reloading?

Black powder requires a much larger volume to achieve comparable power to modern smokeless powders. This bulk is why historical cartridges were so large. Reloading with black powder necessitates seating the bullet directly onto the powder charge for optimal ignition and performance.

Is it safe to put black powder in a modern semi-automatic pistol?

While this experiment was conducted with careful consideration and understanding of black powder's properties, it's generally not recommended to use black powder in firearms designed for modern smokeless powder. The pressure and volume differences can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous if not handled with expert knowledge.

What are the challenges of cleaning a firearm after using black powder?

Cleaning a firearm after firing black powder is significantly more difficult than with smokeless powder. The residue is corrosive and tends to get into the intricate parts of the action, making it a messy and time-consuming process, especially for complex semi-automatic pistols.

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