Flintlock range ettiquette

Gents,

I've got all manner of rifles, including an in-line smoker, but I'm new to flintlock, and curious to hear feedback on good range ettiquette (beyond the obvious that applies to all guns).

I've belonged to my range for 13 years, and they have a section on the far side of the 50/100 specifically denoted for muzzleloaders. So I called and asked about 'going cold' procedure, and no one knew...that's how long it's been since serious flint guys have been active. The place is only ever crawling with 'tactical pants' dudes shooting black plastic Barbie guns.

So maybe you all can give me a primer on what 'good safe' is?

Just thinking logically, if the gun were pointed upward, with the frizzen wide open, should that do? I THINK I may have spotted some kind of rack down there. Does that make sense?

Im trying to head off the "where's your yellow flag" commentary...

Appreciate some comments.

Sentry44

Open frizzen, frizzen stall in place and whether we like it or not yellow flag in the bore sitting in the rack. Preferably no load in barrel.

Primary rules of gun safety apply for flintlocks, just like they do any other firearm. I would add another one, if you do indeed have a misfire ( a flash in the pan and no ignition from the main load) then wait for at least 45 seconds before considering it “ safe” … always keeping in mind that it is loaded and keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction. I wouldn’t prime the pan until you’re ready to shoulder the firearm. One other safety tip; when the flintlock fires, it throws a shower of sparks from the frizzen, that ignites the powder in the pan.. that ignites the main charge, some of that main charge combined with the pieces of the flint get expelled to the right of the shooter… it can reach out 6-7 foot or more. For that reason any observer should stand to the left of the flintlock rifle and behind the operator about 7 feet or more. Just my two cents maybe someone else can explain it better or add to this. I don’t shoot at a formal range, just my backyard and at the local BP club.

At a couple of locale clubs the rule is muzzle up other than aiming. When the range goes cold the fellow in charge asks if anyone has a load down and those that are empty sets the gun in a rack muzzle up. Once all guns are empty and in the racks the range is called cold and NO one handles a gun for any reason till the range is called hot again. None of the places I’ve shot at uses flags in the guns. this applies to all muzzle loaders Regardless of system.
Flint shooters at the firing line call out “flint” to alert the others nearby so they aren’t hit by the vent blast.

Awesome, thanks for answers guys.

Flint stall...Im not familiar. I googled it and got a lot of nonsense.

What is it, where can I get it, or what do I make?

Sentry44

Flint stall is two pieces of leather, sown together to make a pocket, that fits over the frizzen… I call it a frizzen stall.

Anyone make this one can buy?

Sentry44

Cutfingers on this site makes an excellent one.

Get the muzzleloader safety rules in writing from who ever is the ruling body at the range. Most modern Range Safety Officers don't under stand muzzleloaders so their rulings can vary depending on who is the RSO, which can create a lot of confusion and hard feelings. Our local range came up with a written protocol for muzzleloaders which helped everyone. As one fellow said, "If it ain't in writing it don't exist."

It really depends on the range officer…

Most require the gun too have no charge in it when the line is Cold..

No handling the gun when the line is Cold

Place gun in said rack not on the shooting line.

Hammer down & Frizzen open.

Powder to be kept away from firing line & not on the shooting bench ..most have a table behind the line with a rack for vertical standing the gun while loading..

Most require ear plugs or muffs & safety glasses..

Always use a powder measure, never load from the horn…

When approaching the firing line keep the muzzle pointed up..

Do not lay your priming flask or horn on the shooting bench..

Use a shield (cardboard) too protect others from the touch hole blast ( if required)
Most ranges will furnish the cardboard.

Some also require a safety flag in the muzzle..

I always carried a small square of carpet or rubber mat too protect the butt plate from the concrete..

Frizzen stalls were not considered a Safety device at the Public Ranges I’ve shot at..
But there great for hunting..

Sentry44 said:

Awesome, thanks for answers guys.

Flint stall...Im not familiar. I googled it and fot a lot of nonsense.

What is it, where can I get it, or what do I make?

Sentry44

Click to expand...

Guys they are a Frizzen Stall or better yet, a Hammer Stall.... Google that and you will see what you need.

LD

Loyalist Dave said:

Guys they are a Frizzen Stall or better yet, a Hammer Stall.... Google that and you will see what you need.

LD

Click to expand...

And they are super easy to make

One other point regarding the hot gasses ejected from the touch hole. You might rig up a flintlock shield. This is just a piece of board on a stand that you place to your right (assuming right handed) to stop any ejecta to the right. It can be as simple as an old yard sign/realtor sign on a tripod or something.

SciAggie said:

One other point regarding the hot gasses ejected from the touch hole. You might rig up a flintlock shield. This is just a piece of board on a stand that you place to your right (assuming right handed) to stop any ejecta to the right. It can be as simple as an old yard sign/realtor sign on a tripod or something.

Click to expand...

The reenactors have to have them installed on the locks of their rifles and their muskets.

Flash Guards, Track of The Wolf

LD

Interesting. I dont think I will need that given the bench proximity at my range.

But thx for recommending cutfingers, I just bought a flint stall from him.

The flag in the muzzle...presuming that's meant as a reminder to the shooter that the line is safe?

Thx for all the comments, btw. Very helpful, as I plan to get there early tomorrow morning and make some smoke.

Sentry44

In my club we leave the ramrod in the barrel when the firearm is in the rack , no flags , just a quick bounce to show the range officer there is no load .

Good grief I feel so fortunate to have a gun club with no range officers, no one to call the range hot or cold.
We supervise each other, but during the week the gun club gets little use. Especially during the off summer season.
Pistol bays are individual so you don't have to put up with the activity from other shooters. The rifle range has a short 25 yard bay enclosed on 3 sides by a high embankment laying next to the open rifle range. I can shoot the monthly postal challenge there by myself.

Sentry44 said:

Anyone make this one can buy?

Sentry44

Click to expand...

A simple flint stall can be made from a cut off finger or thump from a leather glove. Just slip it over the frizzen.
Ohio Rusty ><>

Sentry44 said:

Interesting. I dont think I will need that given the bench proximity at my range.

But thx for recommending cutfingers, I just bought a flint stall from him.

The flag in the muzzle...presuming that's meant as a reminder to the shooter that the line is safe?

Thx for all the comments, btw. Very helpful, as I plan to get there early tomorrow morning and make some smoke.

Sentry44

Click to expand...

No it’s letting the RO & other shooters know the gun is unloaded & Safe.

I used to RSO for a state range. I had to stop last year due to my poor hearing.

Once the cease fire is called, there is no more shooting at all, so if you have a load in the gun, you cannot discharge. You obviously can't unload it. Dump the primer charge, leave the frizzen open and set it in the rack. It is safe that way whether it has a load in it or not.

We had no restrictions on loading stuff on the shooting bench. All loading was to be done by all shooters inside the booth. The restrictions were on leaving anything on the bench behind the booth. All gear had to be inside during cease fires and no one was permitted in a booth until the range was declared hot.

As posted above, get a list of the rules from management. They vary range to range.