How do you pull back the cock on your flintlock?

[Tom A Hawk]

It depends. I'll use my thumb when hunting and carrying port arms because it's the closest digit. On the bench I use my index finger.

 

[appalichian hunter]

Really Larry, pretty self-explaining if you look at the gun. Perhaps you have period documentation on exactly the correct way to cock a BP gun. please share. Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

Really Larry, pretty self-explaining if you look at the gun. Perhaps you have period documentation on exactly the correct way to cock a BP gun. please share. Inquiring minds want to know.

Yes, to you and I, but not to the OP or he would not have asked. I could care less what peroid correct is, I just try to be safe.
Thanks for the reply.
Larry

 

[64Springer]

There's no right way, wrong way, safe way or unsafe way to pull back a cock.

Save looking down the bore or pointing it at your grand kid while cocking the gun.

All other safety measures are the same as any other gun.

Personally, I think the OP is having good laugh at how we manipulate our cocks.

 

[appalichian hunter]

You know this could really go off the rails. But being a multi-generational site, I will leave it at that.

 

[treborn]

Sorry you received so many sarcastic replies. Some people think since they know a correct way, they think everyone should know.
I use both, but promarily the thumb. Do what is safest for you!

Larry

Thanks very much
I did understand everyone's replies
Its settled

 

[Tom A Hawk]

You know this could really go off the rails. But being a multi-generational site, I will leave it at that.

Yes indeed. Thankfully no one has yet offered suggestions on how to raise the cock.

 

[64Springer]

It's a good thing he isn't testing the mainspring, or he'd be manipulating his cock back and forth.

 

[2 shots]

here we go

 

[reddogge]

It's almost as bad as the guy who asked me whether I inhaled or exhaled on my backswing.

 

[wiscoaster]

I don't think there's any "right way" or any "wrong way". Just do whatever feels natural and appropriate given the circumstances.

 

[Horizontal Hunter]

Dragging the rifle by the muzzle and letting the cock get hung up on a sapling works well too.

Just remember the Cheney Rule.

Always have the muzzle pointed toward a friend.

Hunting many years ago during primitive firearms season (percussion rifles) one of the guys I was hunting with had his right handed percussion rifle in his left hand and was swinging it has he walked; fortunately he was in front. As the rifle swung forward the hammer caught on his hip pocket pulling it far enough back so that when it dropped it had enough energy to discharge the rifle.

Last time I hunted with him.

 

[jdw276]

left hand cupped around the jaw screw, left pinky extended to check flint edge for sharpness.

had to stop and think about it. just a reflex now a days.

I can picture you drinking a cup of tea with the pinky in the air as well.

 

[Rató:rats]

Meaty pocket behind the ball of the pinky

 

[deerstalkert]

I can picture you drinking a cup of tea with the pinky in the air as well.

Tea! Tea!, my ancestors would spin in their graves if they saw me drinking Tea! they threw it into the bay!
actually in the spirit of how this thread has devolved, i am one of those barbarians that blow down the bore after firing.
I have enough hot air that it cocks the cock via wind power. only works on cap guns though

 

[Coldfingers]

You should not worry about the little things, now go make sure you have an acceptable stitch count per inch in your breeches.

 

[n3wyu]

I hope this matter gets settled before this evening sets in or I won't get a moment of sleep tonight.

I agree. Won't this madness ever end

 

[n3wyu]

here we go

But of course, that's what we do!

 

[reddogge]

This isn't too far-fetched. The archery guys have discussions on the best way to nock an arrow. Either grab it by the nock and put it directly onto the string with your finger and thumb or grab it in front of the fletching and place the nock on the string as it wavers about.

 

[Juice Jaws]

How do you pull back the cock on your flintlock? Do you simply use your thumb like any other gun with a hammer or do you grab a hold of the cock with your hand to pull it back? I see people do both. Is there a right or wrong way or just a matter of personal preference? Thanks

Yes there is a right and wrong way, the right way which I use is to pulled back slowly with your left big toe. while holding the rifle in the crooked of your right arm. You will never wear out the spring by doing it this way