advice on flintlock supplies

[chazz1975]

I'm about to pick up a used pedersoli pennsylvania tomorrow. Its been a while since I have shot a flintlock, so I need to know what I need for supplies. If anyone can add to this list, please speak up. Here it goes:

pan primer, flints (unknown on size, please advise) leather for cock jaws, pan brush, flash hole pick, ramrod puller. Anything else?

 

[hanshi]

Don't forget patches, either commercial or material to cut them from, lube and ball.

 

[lonehorseman]

Just bring a soft cloth to "wipe the smile off your face" after the flint strikes the frizzen!!! Welcome back to the club!

 

[lonehorseman]

fffg for loading. ffffg for the pan. Some kind of bag. Powder measure. Balls and patching. Lube. Cleaning patches. Mix up some Murphy's Oil, Peroxide, and Alcohol 1/3 parts for the cleaning. Have fun!!

 

[chazz1975]

OK lonehorseman, I have also heard of people using diluted simple green for cleaning, but I have also been told not to. Anything yay or nay on that? usually just use a bucket of hot water and a drop or two of dish soap.

 

[Dave K]

Cleaning or loading rod,also called a range rod by some. JMHO, don't even go shoot the gun without a way to use a back up rod. What does one do when you have a mishap with the actual gun rod? You now have a dirty bore you can't clean and a possibly loaded gun you can't make safe. Please get a good range rod, then go out and have a safe good time with the gun. :grin:

 

[DTCoffin]

If you don't wear prescription glasses, not a bad idea to have set of safety glasses.That stuff ruins a good day shooting when you got to pick sumpin out of your eye with dirty nasty fingers. :wink:

 

[flyfisher76544]

Range rod, range box(loaded with tools and your shooting stuff) a jag, extra patches. Rubbing alcohol(best stuff I have found that breaks down carbon) lube and extra targets!

 

[lonehorseman]

It seems all of us have a "favorite" cleaning solution, and few are alike. Lots of my shooting buddies have been using the peroxide/alcohol/Murphy's concoction. It works for me, but there are lots of others. One of my buddies uses Diet Coke exclusively. Hot water works well, but I don't always have it at the range. Haven't heard of the simple green, but I imagine it would be fine. It is bio-degradeable.

 

[flyfisher76544]

I know of a couple of guys that use windex and swear by it.

 

[htredneck]

You can add me to that list.
Windex works like a champ!

 

[jethro224]

A good screwdriver that fits the jaw screw well and something to knap your flint with.

 

[Sperit de bois]

NOT just a Screwdriver,,,one that is tapered for gun work,,your general run of the mill,wife's kitchen draw screwdriver,wont work.
Old screaming Bill Morrison,Master Gunsmith,60 yrs,Says the best "gunsmith"tool in the word is the common screwdrive,in the hand of a idiot,it's kept him making repaires for years.

 

[Joel/Calgary]

I'm about to pick up a used pedersoli pennsylvania tomorrow.

If I recall correctly, this model will have that irritatingly small-diameter (something like .20") patent breech chamber, and a pinned barrel. Some folks remove pinned barrels every time for cleaning, but many of us do not, so you'll have to decide which way you're going to do it and select your cleaning method and thus equipment accordingly. That tiny patent breech means that you'll have to pick up suitable (probably .22 cal) cleaning brush, jag, and/or c.f. rod tip threaded for your cleaning rod or with a suitable adaptor.

You'll also find that 3Fg powder fills that small-diameter patent breech more easily than 2Fg, and that slapping the side of the breech with the muzzle up, after pouring powder but before ramming the ball, will also help fill it more reliably.

Regards,
Joel

 

[Ron_T.]

Actually, Charlie...

I'm gonna suggest a few "substitutes" for some items.

I found that a piece of soft lead substitutes quite well for holding the flint in the cock's jaws. I simply took a lead rifle ball and pounded it fairly flat with a hammer, then cut pieces of lead outta the flattened lead ball to use in the cock's jaws. It works just fine and tends to "mold" it's shape to the flint perfectly thus holding the flint securely.

Rather than the always too large in diameter flash-hole "pick", I use a straightened out thick paper clip to clean out the flash hole/flash channel. It fits better in the opening of the flash hole/flash channel and goes all the way into the flash channel's opening & length... the "pick" doesn't.

I "pick" the flash channel with the straightened out paper clip after every shot to clean out any possible black powder "clinkers" which tend to block the flash channel thus not allowing the flame from the FFFFg priming powder to "flash-over" and ignite the main powder charge in the barrel.

The beauty of using a bent-open paper clip is if you happen to lose it, who cares? Paper clips literally cost NOTHING... and are readily available. Flash-hole "picks" are neither... and their diameters are too thick to fit all the way into and down the flash channel to insure the flash channel is completely clear of black powder debris.

Welcome back to "FUN" shooting. Make GOOD smoke... :thumbsup:


Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

 

[Rifleman1776]

All of the above (below actually :grin: ) and then a pick-up truck to carry the box everything is in. Don't forget to have overload springs on the rear. :wink:

 

[jethro224]

,,your general run of the mill,wife's kitchen draw screwdriver,wont work.

That's 'cause IT'S a butter knife! :haha:

 

[wcontratto]

Range rod, range box(loaded with tools and your shooting stuff) a jag, extra patches. Rubbing alcohol(best stuff I have found that breaks down carbon) lube and extra targets!

Get the 90% strength (less water, evaporates quicker). Readily available, but you need to check the labels.

 

[HellBound]

Test any thing you use on your gun. Some innocent looking cleaners will eat bluing or browning instantly. P.A.

 

[Swede50]

You can add me to that list.
Windex works like a champ!

Yep works great and don't leave a lot of wet crud in your barrel like other solutions may.