Flintlocks...Do's and Don'ts

[Loyalist Dave]

Here's one not yet mentioned...,

Shoot your flintlock, A Lot!

Yes by all means, get some books and read up on flintlocks.
Learn some of the things to be careful about, to prevent damage and to give your flintlock a long and dependable life.

BUT to really get to the point where you're comfortable with the flintlock, you must shoot it a lot, and learn it's quirks.
BP guns and rifles, especially flinters are all a bit different, EVEN if you had two side by side from the factory, say Lyman rifles, with sequential serial numbers, like as not they'd each like something different done a certain way to make them shoot the best. They won't be identical. They should be, but they won't be. No idea why, but I kinda like that fact.

Shoot in damp weather, shoot in cold weather, shoot in hot, sunny weather. Get to know your flintlock.

LD

 

[Captjoel]

I have just one more thing to add. I share this from experience.

When cocking a loaded and primed flintlock rifle, always make good and sure your barrel is pointed down range in a safe direction.

My thumb once slipped as I was cocking and the hammer came down upon the frizzon. I had what is called an accidental misfire. Fortunately my barrel was pointed down range and I was alone at the time. I was cocking the lock from the hip in preparation to shoulder the piece.

 

[hanshi]

Did the same thing long ago, Captjoel. Unfortunately my right hand was spread open on the lock side and got "dusted" by the burned powder. It hurt, man did it hurt! I spent months picking out little black specks but finally got them all. Never again.