I am well acquainted with muzzleloaders. I have a few percussion guns. Today I finally took the plunge and got a flintlock TC Hawken in 50 cal. The serial number indicates that it was a kit gun. The steel is beautiful, the brass has a nice patina. Unfortunately there is a ding in the stock, but that isn't the end of the world. It appears to be the early hammer. Should I be planning on a new hammer or use this one as is. What should I be focusing on. I know that many advocate getting a more expensive gun, but that is not in the budget right now. Maybe if I sell a couple of the caplocks. For now I want to learn the way of the rock lock.
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Finally got a flintlock
- Thread starter Pork Chop
- Start date
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Now go shoot it.
There are a lot of tweaks you can do on your own before you start looking for new parts. First, give it a try. It may work fine as is. It may work better with a touch-hole enlargement or a certain type flint but you need to see what it does and sort of follow a map of potential areas for improvement. Best of luck!
Chop, as mentioned on here a lyman frizzen will save lots of grief. have to dremel the sides to fit it but it seems to eliminate the flint mashing on older hammer models.
It can be tweaked to become a fine shooter.
Peruse and search these forums there are many answers to your questions that you may ask.
the search function is your friend.
Enjoy SM
Twowithone
40 Cal.
Go shoot it you might not have too do anything to it.
The new style hammer is available on ebay right now. Go grab it.
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5338413729&icep_item=202570937238
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5338413729&icep_item=202570937238
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amcmullen
40 Cal.
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2013
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The new style hammers are much better. The old ones work but if you shoot a lot you will go through flints like crazy. Speaking of flints DO NOT GET THE SQUARE CUT ONES. They, in a word, suck. Get ones from Track of The Wolf.
That might be the only improvement that I did and mine will shoot great all day.
When we go to deer camp I'm always amused at how many guns dont go off. I watch you tube videos and people's guns dont go off. I'm not saying it will never happen, but I cannot remember the last time my gun didn't go off and I shoot pretty regularly.
Oh and sights, i put new sights on it. But only because the old sights wouldn't go low enough to sight in at 50 yds.
Those TC guns are awesome modern flintlocks! Enjoy!
That might be the only improvement that I did and mine will shoot great all day.
When we go to deer camp I'm always amused at how many guns dont go off. I watch you tube videos and people's guns dont go off. I'm not saying it will never happen, but I cannot remember the last time my gun didn't go off and I shoot pretty regularly.
Oh and sights, i put new sights on it. But only because the old sights wouldn't go low enough to sight in at 50 yds.
Those TC guns are awesome modern flintlocks! Enjoy!
I had one of their locks on a rifle and had 0 trouble with it. It’s not a Chambers Davis or l&r but with care it works fine. Go make some smoke.
Tom Compton
54 Cal.
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- Oct 21, 2008
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I agree amcmullen. Black English flints. Get a dozen or so as freight is a booger. Ask for flat tops on them.
Read up on 'ironing' or steaming out dents in a wood stock using an iron, works like a charm!
Black Hand
Cannon
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2005
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Shoot it as is, but you might consider getting a lock upgrade. Locks on production flint guns aren't know for sparking reliably...
YOU FOOL! SAVE YOURSELF WHILE YOU STILL CAN!
Ya see, you think, " It's just another black powder rifle, only in flintlock". AH But it's NOT!
It is an affliction, an addiction, and it will grow within you at an alarming rate.
First you will get into tinkering with the mechanism, and you'll not rest until you get it shooting just right. In the highly rare cases when fellows do give up getting their flinter to work "just right" and dispose of them..., they don't just walk away..., they get another one, a "better" one. For by then there is no known cure nor antidote,
Then comes the mastering of marksmanship with the flintlock,
in conjunction with the a accoutrements for shooting and caring for the flintlock,
Not to mention you may develop the urge to wear attire from the historic period of your favorite flintlock(s) (YES flintlock(s) with an (s) for you won't be stopped with just the one, oh nooooo…)
Decisions on vehicle purchases will begin to include, "Will the flintlock fit inside without damage to the flintlock" (screw what the flintlock does to the car interior)
Decisions on where you choose to live or if you decide to move, will begin to include previously unknown concerns. Where once you were only interested about the plumbing, electrics, and "gee honey, do you like this house?"...soon after becoming a flintlocker, you will add concerns such as,....
"How close is the nearest black powder target range?", usually followed by, "What's needed to join?" AND...,
"Is there a room that can be used for rifle work, or a garage that can be heated for same?", AND...,
"Is there space for a very tall gun safe, or something I can use to store the flintlock(s)?", AND let's not forget...,
"How close is the nearest store that sells black powder?"
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED....it's too late for the rest of us....
LD
I would add that just when you decide that you've had enough, that this addiction has brought you low enough that you know you can quit and there is a light of salvation in the tunnel of darkness that is flintlock fever, you'll have that day that is perfect. Every shot cracks with a sublime and satisfying thump on your shoulder. Every shot hits the target exactly where you wanted. The white smoke smells like Dior perfume. The trip home is fragrant with the smell of rotten eggs in your hair and clothes and you look forward to the chore of cleaning your now beloved flinter. Hooked all over again.
Pete G
76 Cal.
Au contraire, the shooting match was a very popular form of entertainment .
In context it was a shooting match. Not a flintlock shooting match. The second a better gun came along they ditched the flintlock in a hurry.
Black Hand
Cannon
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The flintlock ignition system in some form or another has been in use for nearly 400 years. You can't say that about any other ignition system. The only improvement, if you can call it that, is the centerfire (No, not the caplock ignition which was around for about 30 or so years before it was replaced)...
