Hi everyone, this is my first post. I got a Pedersoli Brown Bess for 740 brand new. It came with a flint and a lead holder for the flint. I cant seem to keep it tight. I see some use leather. Is there a certain type of leather or brand to use? Or is it normal to retighten it after each use. I have not fired it yet, I have never fired one of these things at all. I haven't fired any gun since the 90's. Maybe you can let me know how to properly install a flint. Thanks
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brown bess flint
- Thread starter dpc3401
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Go with leather and you won't have to keep tightening it if the has a flat on top and bottom.
Lead compresses but does not spring back or rebound as leather will although sheet lead can be made to work if the flints are reasonably flat on both sides.
It helps to have swede on one side of the leather but is not necessary.
Leather is more forgiving in my opinion. Mike D.
Lead compresses but does not spring back or rebound as leather will although sheet lead can be made to work if the flints are reasonably flat on both sides.
It helps to have swede on one side of the leather but is not necessary.
Leather is more forgiving in my opinion. Mike D.
flintlockmdj
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I much rather use thin leather, for me it seems to grip the flint better. If installed correctly you shouldn't have to do anything to the flint after instillation other than knapping it until you need to replace it. Having to tighten the jaws constantly is not normal.
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What a great deal and what a great way to start!
Welcome to the forum and addiction.
A great article on flintlocks. http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/222420/
I don't have a brown Bess but several of my locks have lead wrapped flints. I found that after tightening several times they settle down and hold tight. It takes a little more torque to hold though. Have fun & keep your flint sharp.
A great article on flintlocks. http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/222420/
I don't have a brown Bess but several of my locks have lead wrapped flints. I found that after tightening several times they settle down and hold tight. It takes a little more torque to hold though. Have fun & keep your flint sharp.
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nwtradegun
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I installed a flint with leather to hold it. has not been readjusted in over 1 yr.
Leather. I have used lead and, as others say, it does not grip properly. OK in an emergency, you can pound a ball flat. But normally just leather. Whatever you have will work. Do get spare flints, they are not forever items.
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Dunno if it really makes a difference or not cuzz I've never tried it any other way.
But the old geezer that showed me how to mount a flint held the leather in his mouth for a few moments to dampen it before installing the flint. By the time the leather dries in place, the flint is really locked in.
I haven't seen it written up before, but I've never found flint shift to be a problem doing it this way.
But the old geezer that showed me how to mount a flint held the leather in his mouth for a few moments to dampen it before installing the flint. By the time the leather dries in place, the flint is really locked in.
I haven't seen it written up before, but I've never found flint shift to be a problem doing it this way.
Ken Cormier
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I also use a damp piece of leather when installing a new flint. Nothing any taster than gun powder flavored leather. LOL
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Kennyc said:
At the extreme end of things, a bud wraps the base of his flints in wet rawhide and installs them on his guns. Once dry, he removes the flint, hard rawhide and all, and puts in another wet one. Over several days he accumulates a number of them, which he keeps ready to install in his gun as needed. Preformed for an exact fit to the jaws and virtually glued to the flint, you can just imagine how secure the installation is.
Enfield1
40 Cal.
I got a load of elk leather many years ago that I used to make some leggings and to hold the large black english flints for my Pedersoli Bess. For me, it has been an outstanding medium to hold the flint. Rarely, if ever has a flint loosened up on me during a shooting session. :hatsoff:
