Flint vs Percussion shooting

[The_micked_kettle1]

I guess this isn't necessarily a "which is better", but, what are some of the advantages one over another? And what does everyone prefer, and why?

I suppose I'm just trying to get a feel for where to start, so, I figure I'll ask around here.

[Dogshirt]

I only shoot percussion, flintlocks are for tightening fences. It's an old story and you will come across it if you go through the archives.

[old salt]

I shoot both. It is just a matter of learning the different peculiarities of each type of the different ignition systems. For those who are just starting I would say start with the percussion and work up to the flint.
Just one mans view.

[flintboomer]

I shoot both, flint will make your hair fall out but its fun.
Some people give up when they can't get flinters to work just like percussion.
They don't work quite the same as percussion and if they did I suppose everyone would shoot them.

Start with percussion, but one advantage of flinters is that they don't need percussion caps, just rocks that spark consistently.
A bad flinter will give you more trouble than a bad percussion.

[hotfxr]

I shoot both but prefer flinters (when they are not being absconded and used as fence tightening tools.) If I was a hunter, maybe I would lean more towards cappers because like Flintboomer said, when flinters decide to get stubborn, they are really good at it.

[beowulf]

shoot both , prefer flintlocks . cap guns are a tad more reliable , but I think the flinters are more fun even though they are persickety and more of a challenge . lord knows it took me a couple of weeks to quit flinching when the priming went off  and either is better than a match lock 

[Hanshi]

I own and shoot both at the range but hunt only with flintlocks.  They're more fun and I find them as reliable as percussion.  As long as you are familiar with them, understand the flint system and are willing tinker with them; they will want to please you just like a faithful dog.  Except for one rifle I no longer own, I've had more problems with percussions than flintlocks.  Flintlocks simply require more of YOU than capguns.  With flintlocks the shooter AND rifle are, and function as, one unit; while a percussion is just man and a rifle.   

[old salt]

Hanshi wrote :
"Flintlocks simply require more of YOU than capguns.  With flintlocks the shooter AND rifle are, and function as, one unit; while a percussion is just man and a rifle." 

Very well put

[The_micked_kettle1]

Thanks, y'all, I enjoyed reading everyone's answers.

Sidebar: do y'all think it's wise to buy a percussion that needs a little TLC (light rust on the outside of the barrel, stock that needs refinishing) for a first gun?

[old salt]

If inside of the barrel is good then the rust on the out side and the finish could considered patina.
The important part is check and see if it functionally sound meaning the barrel has no pitting, or bulges, and the lock works properly. you should have safe gun to work with.
Now we come the part that is the hardest to tell you about, the price.
It has been some time since I bought used gun, so have no way to gauge the amount you should expect to pay. maybe some the other folks can help use there.

[The_micked_kettle1]

If inside of the barrel is good then the rust on the out side and the finish could considered patina.
The important part is check and see if it functionally sound meaning the barrel has no pitting, or bulges, and the lock works properly. you should have safe gun to work with.
Now we come the part that is the hardest to tell you about, the price.
It has been some time since I bought used gun, so have no way to gauge the amount you should expect to pay. maybe some the other folks can help use there.

I know the local mom & pop gun store has five or six in slightly rough shape, and for less than $200. Which is the biggest reason I'm looking at 'em.

[Dogshirt]

Invest $15 or so and get a DROP IN BORE LIGHT. Turn it on, slide it down and it will allow you to see the condition of the bore.
It will save you a lot grief and money. Any reasonable seller will not have an issue with you looking at the bore. "It just needs a good cleaning" doesn't cut it. The only time a "good cleaning" will help is when it is just oil and dust, rusty barrels(inside) CAN be saved sometimes, but it takes a lot of work, and there are no guarantees that you won't end up buying a new barrel.
On a side note, get a light that will fit .45 barrels, some only fit .50cal and bigger. As for anything smaller than .45, there are small mirrors that are made to drop in reflect a flashlight back but I have no experience with them.

[hotfxr]

What Dogshirt said. The closest I have come to buying a new muzzleloader is obtaining a couple of Mongrel's creations. The rest were used from various places. If I had known about a bore light before I jumped into this hobby, I would have saved myself hundreds of dollars. If someone does not want to let you drop a light down the bore, hand it back to him and bid him good day. And don't let yourself be talked into buying something of questionable shape with a low price. I think everyone here will agree with this. And remember if you have specific questions, take a picture and post it here with your concerns and we will jump all over it. We like pictures.

[RonRC]

I love to shoot flintlocks.
I like all the rituals about it. It is somewhat like ritual actions of smoking a pipe: clean out the old tobacco; put in new tobacco; tamp it down; light it; take a few puffs; light it again; light it again; tamp it down and light it again.

I rarely curse. Flintlocks give me the opportunity to use profanity often and get it out of my system. Actually, that is not true. As I have learned the subtleties of the flintlock, the opportunities to curse have become few and far between.
Ron

[hotfxr]

I love to shoot flintlocks.
I like all the rituals about it. It is somewhat like ritual actions of smoking a pipe: clean out the old tobacco; put in new tobacco; tamp it down; light it; take a few puffs; light it again; light it again; tamp it down and light it again.

I rarely curse. Flintlocks give me the opportunity to use profanity often and get it out of my system. Actually, that is not true. As I have learned the subtleties of the flintlock, the opportunities to curse have become few and far between.
Ron

Agreed, although I have greatly expanded my vocabulary shooting with other flinter addicts. I would also like to add that the patience required with flintlock shooting will make you a better shooter overall. It really does make shooting more than just pulling a trigger.