Caps or flint?

[XLIV]

I ben shootin my TC 50 enough. Now i got this hankerin to make sparks but must be doin something wrong. My trade gun was hit and miss with the flint. Thought it was the gun so i dig out the harper ferry. Still hit and miss. Some go off some dont. Always get good sparks. What am doing wrong?

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Hhuummppff

[Dogshirt]

I will stay out of this one.

[XLIV]

I tried everything short of enlarging flash hole. Can someone post pics of where flint should strike frzzen? Is there a recommended flashhole size? Should i just stick to cap guns? Dang i got all these flintlocks and get jittery everytime i take them out.

Being a newbie has it downside

Hhhhhuuummmmpppfff
44

[Red Badger]

I tried everything short of enlarging flash hole. Can someone post pics of where flint should strike frzzen? Is there a recommended flashhole size? Should i just stick to cap guns? Dang i got all these flintlocks and get jittery everytime i take them out.

Being a newbie has it downside

Hhhhhuuummmmpppfff
44

Where to begin....  Every lock and every rock is different.... I would have to see video to even begin to offer any advice... but some of the more knowledgable folks may have som general guidlines... ll I can say is that my 14 rock locks all spark and ignite the powder in the pan 99.9 % of the time in dry weather

[XLIV]

Cool, well i wont give up then just yet. I was begging to wonder how people even fed themselves back then.

44

[De_LaLonde]

Just a thought. I was told in the beginning to make sure and not put the primer powder too close to the flash hole. It can actually obstruct a good ignition flash. I know it's simple but if your getting good sparks I assume your primer powder is going off?

[Red Badger]

Thats a very good point, I use only a grain or two of 3 f in my pans - it always looks like it won't do the job but it does!

[old salt]

Can not send pic with this pile of junk but most of mine the flint strikes about half way down the frizz en. I do have one the like the flint bevel turned up instead of down,

[pilgrim]

     on half cock flint should only be 1/8" away from frizzen.  Adjust flint bevel up or bevel down to attain this 1/8" 

     Flint face should be even with frizzen so the flint strikes all across face of flint.

     Use quality flints.  I prefer French flints,  also English flints.   I have poor results with Arkansas cut flints,  the type that T/C sells suck in my  locks.    German cut Agate work in certain locks. 

[pilgrim]

     What kind of powder do you use in the flash pan?       If possible, Best to use REAL black powder   3f or 4f   

     As said use very little powder in flash pan.  And keep powder away from flash hole as stated.    Otherwise it acts as a fuse and causes hang fires. 

     Use a   flash hole pick before each shot to be sure flash hole is clear to the main charge. 

     Polish flash pan, til it shines.  Then after a few shots wipe out pan to be sure there is no moisture  present to delay ignition
   
     Check out this : answers most questions you may have;

     http://www.muzzleblasts.com/archives/vol4no4/articles/mbo44-3.shtml

[Patocazador]

Flintlocks are like wives. They all like/want something different. You just have to figure out what it is. 

[XLIV]

..all good tips. thanks men. I'll check the link. Was hoping I didn't have to make wall hangers out of these. So far I haven't used any substitute. 2F and 3F for the pan. TOW flints..(english I think). Reminding me that guns are like women proved injurious. Got my tongue stuck in the lock..thanks

Hope I didn't offend anyone with my crotchety old man grumblings. I'll just spit instead.

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edit to add: Wow..good link. I'll read this twice!

[Hanshi]

All good advice.  Flintlocks are only reliable with black powder in the bore and in the pan.  It's been proven that ignition is best when prime is banked toward the touch hole.  Don't use too much prime, just a little.  The flint should be tight enough in the jaws so it doesn't move when you try to wiggle it.  It should also SCRAPE down at least 2/3 of the frizzen face.  Yes, those T/C flints are garbage; I prefer the English.  Usually 1/16" is excellent for a touch hole.  Sometimes, especially on factory built guns, the frizzens are too soft for reliable ignition and will need to be hardened.  My flintlocks have American built locks and are reliable.  Replacement locks are available from L&R but that should be a last resort.

[pilgrim]

     Hope I didn't offend anyone with my crotchety old man grumblings. I'll just spit instead.

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           Crotchety old man,  ha that fits many of us here on TMotC.   

       

edit to add: Wow..good link. I'll read this twice!

[Red Badger]

WE forgive you ....