Problem with Frizzen Gap Losing Powder

[mike357]

I introduced a buddy to muzzleloader hunting this season. I wanted him to use my TC, so I went and bought myself a Traditions Woodsman Hawken. The gun shoots very well, but on my first day out hunting I realized that the pan does not hold FFFF powder due to a gap on the left side of the frizzen. I had to condition myself to keep the gun level or tilted right. Considering that I hiked over 12 miles that day, this was not practical, and I had to be ready to recharge my flashpan before taking a shot.

This cannot be fixed by tightening the lockplate screws, since the frizzen is narrower than the pan. Does anyone have any advice for rectifying this issue? I can't think of anything except cutting a thin piece of brass or something to glue on the side of the barrel, which I do not want to do, and which I also feel could be dangerous if the discharge ejects it.

 

[Pete G]

Use a larger priming powder.

 

[TreeMan]

Whittle on your lock mortise, use 3F to prime, or put a shim in there like a cut up piece of soda can. When hunting I’d rather use 3f for prime. 3f is a bit more resilient to moisture and leaking out of the pan.

 

[The Crisco Kid]

You could solder on a piece of steel shim stock with low temperature silver solder and file it to match the contour. Old feeler gauges are great for this sort of thing. I don't think it would draw the temper from the frizzen but others can correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Commodore Swab]

Depending on space you may be able to pull it off, remove guts then file lockplate back to frizzen. This may/probably require some inletting/stock work.

The easiest is to remove the frizzen TIG weld onto the frizzen to cover the gap then file it back to shape. Once done reharden the frizzen.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Roll a piece of bees wax into a string and press it into the gap. A little dab will do. Good for one shot, the important one.

 

[M. De Land]

I introduced a buddy to muzzleloader hunting this season. I wanted him to use my TC, so I went and bought myself a Traditions Woodsman Hawken. The gun shoots very well, but on my first day out hunting I realized that the pan does not hold FFFF powder due to a gap on the left side of the frizzen. I had to condition myself to keep the gun level or tilted right. Considering that I hiked over 12 miles that day, this was not practical, and I had to be ready to recharge my flashpan before taking a shot.

This cannot be fixed by tightening the lockplate screws, since the frizzen is narrower than the pan. Does anyone have any advice for rectifying this issue? I can't think of anything except cutting a thin piece of brass or something to glue on the side of the barrel, which I do not want to do, and which I also feel could be dangerous if the discharge ejects it.

Tig or Mig weld the side of the frizzen and mill or file to snugly fit the barrel flat. It's a good idea if it's think enough here to cover the vent as well when closed.

 

[mike357]

Thanks for the input all.

I opted to shave down the inside surface of the flashpan, and I now have it flat and level with the frizzen. Next step is to recess the wood inletting just a little further. It should work!

 

[waksupi]

Being new, I would take it and get the money back. They sold an unsafe product.

 

[olskool]

i have had that problem. i take the frizzen off the lock and run it where it mates to the pan and do the same to the pan where it mates to the frizzen, across a flat whetstone so no daylight can be seen when they are together,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[mike357]

Being new, I would take it and get the money back. They sold an unsafe product.

I called Traditions about it and they straight up told me that was normal for their rifles lol. I'm sure my LGS would work with me, but I think I can make it work, and it's an opportunity for me to learn more about flintlocks.

 

[waksupi]

Being new, I would take it and get the money back. They sold an unsafe product.

I called Traditions about it and they straight up told me that was normal for their rifles lol. I'm sure my LGS would work with me, but I think I can make it work, and it's an opportunity for me to learn more about flintlocks.

In other words, they told you they intentionally sell an inferior product!