Conversions

[tom in nc]

I've heard lately, actually always, but often recently, talk about converting percussion guns to flintlock. I suppose partly because caps being in short supply and getting more expensive. I own 20-25 muzzleloading rifles, all RH, as well as a few revolvers. Only one of my rifles is a flintlock, a Traditions .50 caliber. I have few precut flints for it and a chunk of flint about twice the size of a softball. I have never tried knapping any flints from the big chunk, not wanting to be wasteful. Sometimes when I learn how, watching a few more videos I will give it a go. Meantime, I would consider converting some of my other rifles to flint. Some I would probably be reluctant to convert are my Thompson Centers. Others I might are CVAs and other brands. I will watch for flintlock locks that can be made to fit where typical reproduction percussion lock were used.

 

[R Ellis]

I've heard lately, actually always, but often recently, talk about converting percussion guns to flintlock. I suppose partly because caps being in short supply and getting more expensive. I own 20-25 muzzleloading rifles, all RH, as well as a few revolvers. Only one of my rifles is a flintlock, a Traditions .50 caliber. I have few precut flints for it and a chunk of flint about twice the size of a softball. I have never tried knapping any flints from the big chunk, not wanting to be wasteful. Sometimes when I learn how, watching a few more videos I will give it a go. Meantime, I would consider converting some of my other rifles to flint. Some I would probably be reluctant to convert are my Thompson Centers. Others I might are CVAs and other brands. I will watch for flintlock locks that can be made to fit where typical reproduction percussion lock were used.

Just make you own caps its no problem

 

[tom in nc]

Easier than making your own flints, huh? Are there such things as synthetic flints?

 

[William Lincoln]

Flintlocks are tradition. They are wonderful to shoot, and
you can fire-up tinder with them. They are all around
satisfying to shoot--but are climbing in cost if a good lock
is involved.

 

[ronaldrothb49]

Went to a muzzleloading market fair this weekend. got there early Friday afternoon. Couldn't find a 3/4" flint anywhere in the building. there were most other size flints running from $2.50 and up each. Musket flints were $5.45 each. Same vendor had 10, 11, and musket caps they weren't cheap but they had a good supply. Don't think it matters which way you go things are going to be in short supply and a lot more expensive when you can find them.

 

[tom in nc]

I guess it's good that I also enjoy air gun shooting. I hesitate to say it but, no "shortage" of lead pellets in .177 or .22 calibers, (yet).

 

[Grimord]

Easier than making your own flints, huh? Are there such things as synthetic flints?

At one time there was a company making flints from compressed diamond dust. These flints(?) were very hard and made great sparks. They only came in 5/8" size. I still have one that I have swapped to several different rifles over the years. I am willing to be that this flint has over 300 shots or more on it and it is still sharp. I use this flint mostly in competition shoots where you only get one hammer fall per target.