“Waterproofing” your lock

[Kev308]

I was reading the post about using JB weld on a lock, and it got me to wondering. So my question is, how do you all keep your prime dry? I use a cows knee I made many years ago. If it really wet I also re prime every so often.
What steps do you use?
Kevin

 

[Brokennock]

Can't be done.
I mean,,,, if it had, surely someone would have posted on it before.

 

[Brokennock]

http://home.insightbb.com/~bspen/wetflints.htmlLots of other good information and experiences on his website, and he is one of the best researched people to do this stuff.
There are also many, many, other posts/topics with lots of good information (and some not so good) here.

 

[Kev308]

Good read, Brokennock, thanks for posting it. I realize that its impossible to actually waterproof a lock, but wanted to hear from folks the steps they take to improve shooting flints in wet weather
Thanks
Kevin

 

[andy52]

The rifle I hunt with the most is a .45 SMR with a Durs Egg style lock which helps seal the pan and with a little tallow around the edge, it's about as waterproof as one can expect from a flinter.

 

[ArmorerRoy]

Good read, Brokennock, thanks for posting it. I realize that its impossible to actually waterproof a lock, but wanted to hear from folks the steps they take to improve shooting flints in wet weather
Thanks
Kevin

I use a bees wax to fill any gaps and use a cover.

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

I hunt when it's not raining. Works great.

 

[Mulebrain]

I hunt when it's not raining. Works great.

LOL

 

[Brokennock]

I realize that its impossible to actually waterproof a lock, but wanted to hear from folks the steps they take to improve shooting flints in wet weather

I know......
I was being sarcastic.
There are literally dozens of posts on this.

Some folks never seem to tire of blowing their own horn,,,, others roll our eyes and sigh when typing the same thing again and again.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

• Cow's knee
• Always carry the fire lock with the muzzle down
• Mist/light rain - I keep the lock tucked up under my armpit, with or without a cow's knee
• Heavy rain - Once hunted for 4 days in really wet weather, tent camping, had used the oil skin poncho from Panther Primitives, with the longrifle tucked under the poncho and across my chest. Worked slick! On Day 5 it was vicious wet sleet and temps just above freezing and I had to leave. That load fired instantly ...
• Really heavy rain/sleet - Stay home like Mike says

If you want to buy one of those ponchos ... note Panther is only taking orders to the end of this month, as they are still scheduled to close for good (no one has come forward to buy the bizness ... ).

 

[Johnny Tremain]

 

[totonap]

I hunt when it's not raining. Works great.

Me too

 

[oldwood]

Used a simple cow's knee in bad weather for 50+ yrs. , never had a flint ignition problem , never.

 

[Old Sparky]

• Cow's knee
• Always carry the fire lock with the muzzle down
• Mist/light rain - I keep the lock tucked up under my armpit, with or without a cow's knee
• Heavy rain - Once hunted for 4 days in really wet weather, tent camping, had used the oil skin poncho from Panther Primitives, with the longrifle tucked under the poncho and across my chest. Worked slick! On Day 5 it was vicious wet sleet and temps just above freezing and I had to leave. That load fired instantly ...
• Really heavy rain/sleet - Stay home like Mike says

If you want to buy one of those ponchos ... note Panther is only taking orders to the end of this month, as they are still scheduled to close for good (no one has come forward to buy the bizness ... ).
View attachment 288106

I'm sure that would work fantastic for rain but up north with a wet snow in the late season it seems that the humidity for my body condenses all over the gun and turns my Prime to mush.

 

[snakebit]

I hunt when it's not raining. Works great.

 

[hawkeye2]

Is there a color you recommend?

Will it work as a bullet lube too?

 

[Dave Marsh]

I use a Curt Lyles gun cover. Curt's Blacksmith Shop/index Look under trade blanket page 14. Never had a problem.

 

[Robert Losekamp]

Is there a color you recommend?

Will it work as a bullet lube too?

Whichever tastes best. Delicious.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Agree with using a waxed "cow's knee" and keeping the lock oil free. Also, wear a hat with a wide brim.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Definitely avoid wearing a tricorn during the rain. That front point is pointed directly at your pan and will dump water directly into it.