Why we call 'em FLINCH-Locks!

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Old No7

Old No7

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My hat's off to anyone who can shoot a flintlock well! Or good even... As for me, Thank God for percussion caps, metallic cartridges -- and Jack Daniel's!!! :D

This series of pictures is of my identical twin brother shooting his new .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock... Wow!!! What an awesome explosion going off just 10" from your face! :what:

Note that he's a lefty (I'm a righty, from the other side of the egg) and remember that his face is on the same side as the rock-lock'er... Also note how consistent his hold is through the entire shot (hint: watch the position of the trigger guard).

If that had been ME -- I admit the rifle would have left the frame!!! I shot it twice, and that was enough for me. But maybe I'll try it again in a few months -- after my eyebrows grow back... :cuss:

Anyway, enjoy these pix that I ripped from the video I took with my digi-cam.

Tight groups!

Old No7

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Re: Flintlocks

I've always heard that you're not really having any fun, unless you are shooting a Flintlock. I like rifles the best. Don't particularly care for reproduction Black Powder handguns. It was pretty much fun to shoot Brown Bess, a reproduction musket. I've also survived shooting the Baker rifle, known for its brutal recoil. My shoulder was really sore after that one. I thought I was going to faint, because some joker (we were at a Black Powder seminar) packed it with 155 grains of powder. At least that was what I was told.

I think what bothers me the most about Black Powder is the problem of static electricity, and how much crap appears to blow back from one despite having eye protection. Then of course the Flintlocks can hang-fire, or missfire. I suppose some of the real problems with these flintlocks for our ancestors were stuff like alerting game, or worse.

Stanzie
 
A lot of the flinch induced by flintlocks is due to people over priming. 1/3 to 1/2 pan full is usually more than enough. The prime doesn't need to make physical contact with the charge to set it off so putting it away from the vent usually works well if the vent hole is the proper diameter. I use 1/3 pan full on mine and it doesn't make a big fireball at all. Still, it does take quite a bit of practice and patience to get good with one. On the positive side, when you get good with a flinter, the skills you have mastered tend to make you a better shot with everything else too! :)
 
I don't notice the flash and I'm a southpaw who shoots other folks rifles. Simple solution which is of no help to the living historian (reenactor) - concentrate on the front sight and wear 21st century sunglasses. Gawd how I love the ftttf-boom! With a well tuned flintlock you won't hear and see the ftttf! :cool:
 
Been shooting rockers for 30yrs now. Just bought me my first caplock rifle, a 2 band Enfield. Got to catch up with the times!!! :evil:
Seriously, if you can shoot a rocker well, you can shoot ANYTHING well!

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas
 
I'm left-handed and have shot a left-handed Dixie Tennesse rifle in .50 since sometime in the '80s. I've had fewer hangfires and missfires in all those years than in the 3 years I shot percussion guns. I don't know what is causing some people to flinch, but suspect over-priming.
 
Firing Ball with a Brown Bess

Hi everyone,
Just found this forum and can't get over how much great info is here! I've been in a Rev War re-enactment group for about 3 years and bought a Pedersoli Brown Bess 75 cal flintlock. It is really sweet to fire but I have only fired ball out of it once at the Elk River Sportsmans Club in Minnesota. I was with guys who knew alot more than me. They provided the ball and wadding. The very first time I fired the Bess I hit the 10 ring at 25 yards! (which was more luck than skill) but I seemed to fall into it naturally and could hit consistently at 50 yards for most of the day. It was one of the best times I have ever had with any firearm.
My question to all you experts out there is, what size ball do I need for a 75 cal smooth bore Brown Bess? and where can I get ball, short of molding them myself? There is a place here in Minnesota called Track of the Wolf that I'm sure could also help me.
Also, what is the best kind of wadding to use? Also amount of grains for a 50 yard charge, 90? 100?

Thanks!
Kerry J
 
go here and get a ton of info http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/fusionbb.php?

we try to go over to the gun club and shoot either the .50 cal flintlock rifle or the 12ga, percussion 3 times a week. the biggest problem is keeping a lead supply. also #5 shot has gone up to about 25. for 10 pounds and free lead seems to be a thing of the past around here. we cast balls,buckshot and conicals by the dozens.
 
Well it looks to me like you got way too much primer powder just as the gentelmen above alluded to, from the photo I think I see a northwest trade gun, or a similar type fuzee, if of reputable manufacture, those can be made to shoot really well, it also appears from the last photo that it really sparks good, all in your favor too. Always remember: percussion ignition is a passing fad
 
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