Bwa ha ha ha (mad scientist laugh) another one turned to the dark side :haha:
Zonie's advice is sound, and you should heed it. As regards a 'first flintlock,' I would point you toward a Lyman or a Thompson / Center. The geometry is slightly different between the two, so I would (if at all possible) put one of each to your shoulder (wearing the clothing you'll wear when you shoot) and see which fits you best. Both will serve you well, and will last a lifetime if given proper care.
other rants:
- beware cut agate flints. they are (to paraphrase Faulkner) an anathema and apotheosis ... get black English Flints, or French amber flints if you feel like you want some bling (the amber are much more expensive than the English, but don't offer any substantial difference in performance IMHO).
- beware unnecessary gadgetry. you will need proper sized ball, lubed patches, a powder measure, a short starter, a range rod and some cleaning patches. if you cut your patches at the muzzle, you'll need a sharp knife. a 'turnkey' (what we now call a screwdriver) to tighten the cock jaws or, if your cock screw has a hole in it, and it should, IMHO, a bit of rod to tighten things down. some flints and a bit of leather for the wrap (worry about the lead vs. leather later) and you should be ready to go
- if you haven't already done so, get a copy of Dutch Schoultz' method ... here's a link
http://www.blackpowderrifleaccuracy.com/
- some targets and a staple gun
- a towel to wipe the silly grin off your face
once rocks banged have you, forever will they dominate your range time (a little green fellow told me that) :rotf:
make good smoke!