Smoke Rings?

[MSK]

I've always wondered why firing a flintlock often results in the launching skyward of a smoke ring from the lock area. I've seen it happen both with and without flash guards. My question is, what causes this?

Smollett

 

[coloradoclyde]

I wouldn't say it's limited to just flintlocks....The biggest, badest, and coolest smoke ring I have ever seen came from my cannon... 8 feet in diameter about a foot thick.

 

[coloradoclyde]

My question is, what causes this?

I'm not sure but I think it is caused by several factors.....calm humid weather and air backwashing down the bore after firing....

Just a guess....

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Wow, have never had that observation whilst shooting my right & left-handed flintlocks, but all my focus is on the front sight blade all the way THRU the shot, so I'd need a witness to see it.

That said, it could be the design of your flintlock lock, i.e., shape & depth of the pan, etc., profile of the barrel breech area aside it, and even force of any blow-out from the touch hole, to where the combustion by-products and smoke from that particular arm produces the smoke ring effect, in ideal conditions.

 

[SgtErv]

I'm curious, too. Ive never seen it from a pan, but have seen my rifle bore blow a few on really humid days. Ive never seen it do that on a dry day.

 

[hanshi]

I've never noticed a smoke ring from my flinters; but then I don't really pay that much attention.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Oops! I thought you were talking about muzzle generated rings....

 

[jethro224]

A smoke ring is commonly formed when a puff of smoke is suddenly injected into clear air, especially through a narrow opening. The outer parts of the puff are slowed down by the still air (or by edges of the opening) relative to the central part, imparting it the characteristic poloidal flow pattern.

I've seen this on numerous occasions. Pretty cool. :thumbsup:

 

[nhmoose]

Our golf ball cannon makes a sweet smoke ring that is about 3 feet around and drifts opening across the garden until it is around 10 feet around when it reaches the woods on the other side 74 yards away.

Damp days make better rings.