converting percussion to flint

[topbreak]

With the scarcity of caps lately I have thought about converting one or two of my percussion guns to flint. I've watched a couple of youtube videos on it and though it doesn't look like rocket science it seems if it's not done carefully it could result in less than satisfactory results. Have any of you guys done this and if so how did it work out?

Don

[bmtshooter]

I have been thinking about that conversion as well.  Surely someone has some experience doing it.

[beowulf]

if this is your ignition system ,it`s fairly easy , but with the other type you have to switch out the entire breech plug !

[Cherrybow1]

Seems like a simple deal, just take out the drum and install a vent liner. Of course you have to use the same model of lock (manton flint/manton percussion as an example). Just make sure there is no gap at the barrel and pan, which may require a deeper mortise.

[hotfxr]

if this is your ignition system ,it`s fairly easy , but with the other type you have to switch out the entire breech plug !

What he said. I have converted a few, but all had drums, not snails. Replacing those breech plugs is not a simple task and usually requires gunsmith type machining to make sure everything lines up correctly. IMHO buying a flintlock barrel is much less time and cash consuming then converting. And locks, they are not exactly cheap themselves, plus you have to find one that fits the cutout of the old lock. For me, if I was wanting to shoot a flintlock, I would just buy one. 

[Hanshi]

I had a nice Pedersoli years back that was a flintlock but the lock was, IMHO, garbage.  It wouldn't spark reliably so I got the same lock in percussion and would switch them back and forth.  Going from flint to percussion isn't the easy way to go.  On the other hand going from percussion to flint is super easy.  If your barrel has a drum just remove the drum and add a vent liner.  But a lock that fits the mortice is required, especially if you ever want to go back and forth.  If you can get the flint version of your present lock you're ready to go.  Sometimes a bit of wood removal is necessary if there's a different size, say, in the mainspring.  So the question is what's the cheapest way to go; new barrel & lock or the flint version of your present lock.  I would think getting the lock & vent liner would cost much less than a new barrel, and a new lock would still have to be bought.

[flintboomer]

You could alwaus just buy a new or used flintlock, but that wouldn't be "on the cheap" would it?

[beowulf]

that`s one reason I liked the dixie gunworks tennessee mountain rifle , it was convertible , you could order the parts ,and switch them out whenever you wanted !