Cheap Flintlocks work?

[crockett]

There are some of the lower end kits available in cap or flint. How well do the flintlocks operate?

 

[azmntman]

My traditions works so-so, I believe its moreme than the lock (need to drill it out still). Boss had a CVA, NEVER did fire it, wouldnt spark.

 

[Black Hand]

There are some of the lower end kits available in cap or flint. How well do the flintlocks operate?

I am of the opinion (which appears to be supported by evidence) that cheap flintlocks are the reason why many think flintlocks are junk/unreliable (at best)...

 

[Kansas Jake]

I have an old second had jukar/cva pistol that is reliable. 40 years ago I had a CVA kit gun where the frizzen was soft and wouldn't harden. At about the same time I purchased a flint pistol kit and the lock worked like a champ. I think it is a hit or miss thing.

 

[tenngun]

I have one of those cheap Japanese Tower pistols. 65 caliber hoot to shoot. Got the whole gun used for $35 back in the 80s a good lock was about $80-90 then. The frizzen spring was weak and I replaced it. The tumbler is unfitted for a bridal. But as long as I have a good flint it sparks ever time.
I had a navy arms Kentucky rifle back in the 70s. First five or six shots would go off with out a hitch, then I would start getting klaches in one in three or four. It was my first fainter so I don’t know how much was the lock and how much was me.

 

[trent/OH]

A bad flint lock can save you a LOT of time. You can join the Navy, make a career of it, spend 10-15 years to make Chief Petty Officer, and then you'll be a master at cussing. Or you can buy a bad flint lock and try to use it. In just a few months you'll be able to cuss like any Chief. And you'll have saved yourself many years in doing so.

Not every cheap flint lock is bad, but every bad flint lock should be deep six'ed or somehow else made so that it can never hurt anyone else ever again.

 

[Adui]

:rotf: :rotf: I LOVE it!!

BUT; that same bad flintlock just cost you an adventure! Remember the navy recruiting slogan, "Its not just a job..." Yep, I fell for it too.. 'cept I got out after only 5 and a half years..

 

[Artificer]

A bad flint lock can save you a LOT of time. You can join the Navy, make a career of it, spend 10-15 years to make Chief Petty Officer, and then you'll be a master at cussing. Or you can buy a bad flint lock and try to use it. In just a few months you'll be able to cuss like any Chief. And you'll have saved yourself many years in doing so.

AND you won't have to learn how to expect/drink/prefer coffee that can't be stirred with a spoon!!
:rotf: :rotf: :thumbsup: :rotf: :rotf:

Gus

 

[hanshi]

Lower end flinters are a flip-of-the-coin; they can work splendidly or cause headaches. However with capguns I've always had terrific reliability and service. Percussion locks are simple and easy to fabricate; but not so flint locks.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Percussion locks are an example of the triumph of technology over art. The same springs that are often found in a poor functioning flint lock will be quite reliable in a caplock.

Skill is required to perform the artistry to balance a flint to get good sparks and get those sparks directed into the pan. Just have to have the hammer strike a cap. No art needed.

 

[stubshaft]

There are no "bad" flintlocks. Just preassembled flintlock styled kits

 

[zimmerstutzen]

My first flinter was a CVA kentucky pistol kit, I purchased in 1973. The rifling was barely scratches in the bore and there was no touch hole liner, and despite the 5 lb trigger pull, the lock functioned everytime it was supposed to, unless I broke the flint or forgot prime powder. Because of the lack of touch hole liner, it actually fired about a second after the flint fell, but I never had a problem with the lock. Part of the problem, with many cheaper flint locks was the fact that sporting goods stores sold people cut agate flints and they sparked poorly in such locks. Good dark gray English flints always threw a shower of sparks for me.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Lower end flinters are a flip-of-the-coin; they can work splendidly or cause headaches. However with capguns I've always had terrific reliability and service. Percussion locks are simple and easy to fabricate; but not so flint locks

Yes, even some of the top-end caplock rifle manufacturing companies, produced/produce so-so finters (TC and Traditions come to mind). There are a lot of tiny variables that come into play with a flint lock compared to a cap lock.

Lower end flintlock guns DO have one very valuable function...,

They teach the user that opting for a much better flint lock on a flintlock piece is well worth the money. :wink:

LD

 

[wattlebuster]

You get what you pay for. Cheap is gonna be trouble from the git go. Save your money an get quality the first time an your grandkids will be shooting it after you check out. Its just that simple

 

[crockett]

Thanks everyone for the honest experiences, helps point me the the right direction.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

I think many says it pays to get a good lock.

There are replacements American locks of excellent make available if you already bought one of the cheap Euro guns.