Converting from perc. to flint?

[Jason.45]

I have a .58 Cabela's Hawken which I like, but I'm wondering if it would be possible to buy a flint lock and switch them back and forth.
This is my primary deer rifle, so I want to have the option to shoot it as a percussion gun, but I would also like to experiment with a flintlock without investing in another rifle.
Thanks,
Jason

ETA: Perhaps this: http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/724/1/LOCK-LR-05-F?PageSize=100

 

[54ball]

You will have to invest in another lock and barrel.
That's halfway to a new gun. I suggest you get a new or used flintlock rifle and keep the Hawken as percussion.

 

[Sperit de bois]

Short answer,Yes.no reason not to.
I am looking at a T/C 50cal Hawken. with both barrels and locks,$300.00 and out the door,lots less expensive than buying just the one rifle.
Then make up a custom shooting/case out of cherry for it and you are styling.
Then the half you saved on the second rifle you can put toward your hunt,,,

 

[Pacobillie]

They use different barrels. The caplock has a drum and nipple. The flintlock has no drum or nipple, but a vent liner and flashhole!!

 

[cutshurt]

The caplock hawkin rifle you have, I think has a patent breech, and you cant use a flintlock with that breech, you will need a barrel made for that type of lock.

The CVA guns have a drum and nipple, you can switch over at will with them, I just did that myself and have to say what a hoot

Darrel

 

[AJFedak]

I read an article that had a percussion nipple install in the modified frizzen. To switch between flint and caplock the frizzen was replaced as well as the cock. Primer was placed in the pan and the cap would ignite the priming powder. It also had pictures but right now I can't remember where I saw/read about it. I will keep looking. I thought it was on the ALR website.

 

[bpollock_sr]

If you want a rifle that can easily be converted back and forth fron percusion to flint,get a blue ridge .They are made by Pedersoli and sold by Cabelas.Order the flint lock, as it will save you having to remove some wood from the bottom of the mortise for the fl bridel. Then buy a Pedersoli replacement lock and drum ,and your good to go.I had one and was very happy with it.

 

[54ball]

The whole flint and percussion swap sounds good in theory but the reality may be different.

For your gun you will have to get a new bbl. and lock as already said. That would be OK but keep in mind the lock and new bbl may not be a drop in fit. They will both sight different and essentually you will have two guns that share the same stock.
There are many problems with the rifles that can swap locks and use the same bbl.
First and foremost is safety as the drum and liner are removed often, porentially wearing threads and causing poor fit of these critical components.
Secondly, even though the same bbl. is used POI will be different between the two systems requiring re sighting each time the system is changed.
Most folks I've read about who have this system usually pick one and never use the other.

 

[hanshi]

I've only had one experience with the switch option. I use to have a flint Pedersoli and bought an after market percussion lock. The lock was a simple drop in fit and I simply removed the vent liner and replaced it with the drum. I killed deer with that nice rifle in both flint and cap. Other than that one experience I'm simply not sure about other guns.

 

[CrackStock]

That snail breach will be a real pain to convert. You cannot simply bolt a flint lock on the side and expect this to work. The spark will not get past the nipple hole.

As was said above, having a second barrel and lock will cost more than buying another used rifle.

I had a friend (Jerry Willis) who owned a custom made convertible rifle and it worked very well, but he told me that he rarely used the flint set up because it shot so well with the caplock. But this rifle was built by a very skilled individual and used by one who was also very skilled.

CS

 

[MJMarkey]

Patent breech differences aside. If you have a percussion rifle that has a drum/nipple configuration, theoretically you can switch the drum for a TH Liner and make it into a flintlock by adding the lock. The main problem with this as I see it is these things are designed to be somewhat permanent and the more you switch them the more wear you're going to get to the point that it could become dangerous. Just warn the guy shooting on the lock side to keep his head down. :td:

 

[sleeperNY]

I built a longrifle in percussion using a L&R classic lock so I could just change the lock and remove the drum and install a flint liner and go shooting. I have not done it yet and don't think I will. I know from working with nuts and bolts for most of my life that the drum will start to seat in a different place in just a few swaps throwing the nipple out of alignment. It's not worth the aggravation to me.

Jim

 

[Dphar]

That snail breach will be a real pain to convert. You cannot simply bolt a flint lock on the side and expect this to work. The spark will not get past the nipple hole.

As was said above, having a second barrel and lock will cost more than buying another used rifle.

I had a friend (Jerry Willis) who owned a custom made convertible rifle and it worked very well, but he told me that he rarely used the flint set up because it shot so well with the caplock. But this rifle was built by a very skilled individual and used by one who was also very skilled.

CS

Its bad idea no matter who built it or uses it.
The modern drum is prone to failure due to the material used. Its one of several things that people would rather keep swept under the rug. Like several things that are commonly done I wonder that nobody has been killed or maimed.
If you want a flintock build/buy a flintlock. If you want a percussion build/buy a percussion with a patent breech.
Since your friend never shot it much as a FL having it convertible was a waste of time and money.
Dan

 

[jrmflintlock]

Hey cut shot, where did you get a touch hole liner to match the drum size/threads??!! I have a CVA in .32 that I want to convert to flint but the touch hole liner I have is too small and not the right thread. so I was going to plug the hole and then redrill and tap for the new liner.

 

[colmoultrie]

Just today I saw a drum blow out on a Pedersoli a guy had been switching back and forth. Thank goodness he only had a 20 grain charge in it, so it didn't go too far or injure anyone.

As several have said, it's not a good idea in practice.

 

[ROB BARLOW]

I just put a flintlock on an older cva 32 cal. I also had the probem of no vent liner available....so I made one out of a hardened steel bolt. 10x1.25 metric thread,drilled the hole,beveled the inside, cut it off and put a screwdriver slot in it. I only shoot target with it so keep the powder at 15 to 20 grains. Have never failed to go off.

 

[CrackStock]

Since your friend never shot it much as a FL having it convertible was a waste of time and money.

Just because it was not used that often did not render it a waste in his eyes. He enjoyed using one rifle for competing in matches at a variety of locations. He liked to carry one rifle and use the convertible option to shoot in both cap and flint events. This lessened what he needed to carry on long trips and gave him one method of shooting for multiple events.

It was his time and money and he was quite happy with the rifle. He was careful and never had a problem.

But you seem to think that convertible rifles are somehow inherently unsafe.

I guess that you view any rifle with a drum or a touch hole liner as unsafe?

CS

 

[ebiggs1]

Mr. Phariss' views and opinions on muzzle loading are way out there. Sometime way, way out there :shocked2: and he forgets one of his own statements. :hmm:

Like several things that are commonly done I wonder that nobody has been killed or maimed.

But his statement;

Its bad idea no matter who built it or uses it.

Is correct in my opinion. It has to be a compromise, probably not the best for either ignition method. That should not stop it though, if this is what he wants in a muzzle loader. He may be willing to put up with issues like a misalignment drum or broken drum, etc, for whatever benefits he sees. I wouldn't do it! :idunno:

 

[Fox.45]

Hi to all you smoke makers. I would like to add my 2 cents to this item.
I posted this on here before , so maybe you have read it.
Many years ago when the dealers price for a T/C kit was 75.00, I bought one in percussion mode. Along with it I was able to get a seperate breech plug with a stainless steel touch hole ,and the flintlock.Oh yes i got the wrench too.
I have changed the parts many times and have had no trouble with anything including the poa. Maybe im the luckest guy with a flint / percussion conversion.
I put anti-seeze on the threads every time being careful not to get any on the face to take up space. A good wack with a hammer on the wrench loosens and tightens the breech plug and away I go..
OK ,you guys keep on keepin on and givin really good advise and ideas .I learn a lot here..
Thanks and be well ..fox.45

 

[Bear-In-Katy]

Hello,
Switching from cap to flint can be done easy on a hooked patented breach. I have a Lyman Great Plains rifle. It was a caplock. It is now a flintlock. The patented hook breech plug was replaced with one for a flintlock from Track of the Wolf. I sent them the barrel and they did the switch. It was about 4 years ago. It cost around $40.00. I purchsed the L&R lock, then $125.00, and made the switch of locks myself with only minor fitting. With the barrel & lock inplace in the stock, I only had to mark the spot to drill the touch hole. It is doable. Good luck.