Many misfires first time shooting

[Andrewmtnman]

Hello all. Had the chance to shoot my flintlock for the first time today. I believe I shot 8-10 rounds and must have had 5-6 misfires. Was shooting goex 3f as main charge and schuetzen 3f in pan. Attached are some pics of the lock, flint and frizzen. Does anything look out of alignment or off? Not sure what steps to take next. All pics are at half cock

 

[BEP]

Is your flint really as dull as it looks in those photos?

 

[EC121]

Get a sharp flint and turn the bevel up.

 

[Dave Marsh]

The flints I use are flatter with a sharp edge. Try turning that flint over however I would try a different one. Also, that flint should go to the back of the cock. Looks like the wrong size flint to me. What lock is that?

 

[erhunter]

Also in your third picture is your flint striking your barrel? I would go to a less wide flint or move the flint out a little. Throw that flint out, it's shot.

 

[bigstick6017555]

I found that if I run a brush or pick to fit flash-hole after every shot and clean pan, frizzen, and flint with a small rag or cleaning patch soaked with alcohol to clean crud from said components that it seems to keep things work better

 

[Andrewmtnman]

Is your flint really as dull as it looks in those photos?

It could be. Seemed sharp but I’m not sure what sharp should look like I guess

 

[Andrewmtnman]

Get a sharp flint and turn the bevel up.

Ok. So it’s in upside down?

 

[Andrewmtnman]

Also in your third picture is your flint striking your barrel? I would go to a less wide flint or move the flint out a little. Throw that flint out, it's shot.

No it’s not striking the barrel but I thought it was off to the left of center on the frizzen. Should it be centered?

 

[Andrewmtnman]

The flints I use are flatter with a sharp edge. Try turning that flint over however I would try a different one. Also, that flint should go to the back of the cock. Looks like the wrong size flint to me. What lock is that?

Ok. It’s an LR lock

 

[deerstalkert]

look at your pictures. many times i don't see what pictures show
think about the geometry of that flint. with the rounded edge it is not shaving steel. i am surprised you got it to flash as much as you did.
if that is a TC the frizzens are notorious for softness. try a new sharp flint and if that doesn't spark better you may think of replacing the frizzen.
TC Replacement Frizzen (Please Read Description) – RMC Ox-Yoke Muzzleloader Supplies (rmcoxyoke.com)

 

[EC121]

Ok. So it’s in upside down?

The flint isn't in upside down. Bevel up or down depends on the geometry and the flint. The flint should strike the frizzen about 1/4-1/3 of the way down with a slicing motion. (Not a 90deg. hit) and end up pointing at the middle of the pan. The strike lines show that yours is hitting at the top of the frizzen. On the next flint try moving the flint back for a little more gap and lower strike.

 

[Andrewmtnman]

Lol. Sound like I need a new flint. How do I know what size is right for the lock?

 

[deerstalkert]

forget the above post for replacement.
you may need to reharden the frizzen though.
i just rehardened this one . no spark to this.

 

[Andrewmtnman]

The flint isn't in upside down. Bevel up or down depends on the geometry and the flint. The flint should strike the frizzen about 1/4-1/3 of the way down with a slicing motion. (Not a 90deg. hit) and end up pointing at the middle of the pan. Yours is hitting at the top of the frizzen.

Ok, so by adjusting the edge of the flint downward it will strike lower on the frizzen. I see

 

[EC121]

TOTW tells you which flint fits what lock or you can measure. The larger L&Rs use a 3/4 x 7/8". The smaller ones use a 5/8 x3/4".

 

[deerstalkert]

Ok, so by adjusting the edge of the flint downward it will strike lower on the frizzen. I see

this. and sharpen the edge of the flint.

 

[Grenadier1758]

You want a flint that is as wide as the frizzen and when the lock is at half cock, to be 1/8" shorter than the distance from the fact screw to the face of the frizzen.

Your flint looks really dull to me. I have good results with my L&R locks with the bevel up. The right way to install the flint, is the way that produces the most sparks that go in the pan.

Do a search for knapping a flint.

 

[Dave Marsh]

Ok. It’s an LR lock

Well, if trying a larger and sharp flint bevel up / bevel down doesn't work my experience with L&R locks is that I need to send them to Brad Emig for a tune up. Then they spark fine. Someone mentioned TC but from what I have seen of the gun it is not a TC. Am I correct?

 

[Andrewmtnman]

Great info, I will order a few new flints and maybe play around with sharpening the old one. Thanks