First Flinter

[uno676]

I shoot my first Flinter yesterday. :grin: I bought a LH cva St. Louis rifle and finally got out and shot it. It is a little different than percussion. I found that I need a few things too priming horn/flask. I also experimented with 777 in the flash pan even though everybody here said it didn't work. Needless to say everybody was correct. But I like experimenting.

 

I also experimented with 777 in the flash pan even though everybody here said it didn't work. Needless to say everybody was correct. But I like experimenting.

If you hit your thumb with a hammer it will hurt, but you try it and see how it is for you. :wink:

 

[coloradoclyde]

I have a friend like that...Always asks my advice, always does the opposite......Always regrets it.... :haha:

 

[uno676]

Well I knew it wouldn't hurt like a hammer :surrender:

 

[Dean2]

Well I knew it wouldn't hurt like a hammer :surrender:

You will soon learn to never admit to a mistake on this board because the pile on factor is truly awesome.

From y perspective, welcome to the world of Rock guns. They truly are unique and a great deal of fun. I am also left handed so like you the selection of guns is a little limited, but there is still a great deal of interesting stuff available and they are all fun to shoot. All the best with the new hobby.

 

[azmntman]

I shoot my first Flinter yesterday. :grin: I bought a LH cva St. Louis rifle and finally got out and shot it. It is a little different than percussion. I found that I need a few things too priming horn/flask. I also experimented with 777 in the flash pan even though everybody here said it didn't work. Needless to say everybody was correct. But I like experimenting.

That the one on deer creek? I am considering it strongly. How did it shoot (groups?) Please advise.

 

[MSW]

welcome to rock banging ... no, you are truly turned to flint, and there is no turning back ... to paraphrase the little green star wars fellow, "once rocks banged have you, forever will they dominate your range time..."

long ago and far away, I also tried to get the "sub" powders to go off in my flinter, and I had the same result as you did ... (funny how that works out...) that's the only downside of flint - you really have to have real black powder ... regrettably, this stuff is classed as an 'explosive' so the shipping and storage restrictions become a huge disincentive for retail sellers ... I try to make it a point to have plenty around, and i'll let others chime in on the best way to store BP ... (I just keep mine dry and cool, on a shelf ... pretty much the same conditions you'd use to store sugar, flour, or dry dog food)

goo luck and

Make Good Smoke! :grin:

 

[Grumpa]

Good on ye. You will come to love the flintlock. And keep up the experimenting. :thumbsup: (I assume you had the 777 on hand, and are not out anything for it.)

I've used lead and leather for the flint, prime with my 2Fg or 4Fg, cut patches at the muzzle or use pre-cut,...that's how we learn. Once in a rare while, everyone else is doing it "wrong"! :haha:

Oh! And keep sharing your "mistakes" with us, that's how we all learn.

 

[kodiakmarine]

I just keep my bp in drawer i use for ml stuff, but then I only keep 2-3 lbs on hand. I have to have the unique fragrance of sulfer and soot clogging up my nostrils. If the house ever catches fire we will be blown to kingdom come, but wth. It's still better than sniffing glue. :wink: - John

 

[MSW]

Grumpa's right - it's an empirical thing: you have to try it for yourself ... avoid the siren song of the latest gadget and thing-a-ma-bob (most of which serve no other function except to separate you from you hard earned, God-entrusted, overtaxed dollars) ... try stuff out and see which works best.

to this end, I would offer two bits of advice:

(1) never go the range without paper and pencil: take notes on what works and what fails and what makes no difference, and (of course) only change one variable at a time.

(2) get a copy of Dutch Schoultz' method (here's a link) http://www.blackpowderrifleaccuracy.com/ this will allow you to fully understand what's going on, and if you follow his method, your groups will shrink: guaranteed. In my mind, this is probably the best shooting accessory you can get.

free advice (and doubtless well worth the cost!)

 

[uno676]

Yes it was from Deer Creek. It shot well but it needed some clean up when I got it. The brass had some severe tarnish. It was new in box but the box had been handled. Mine was 2000 date of mfg. All that said the price was worth it. It also had a broken screw head on the patch box but they promptly sent me a replacement screw. As far as grouping I was shooting pop cans only 20yards. I was hitting them lol

 

[SgtErv]

Welcome to flintlocks. You'll find a wealth of information here in the forum, and you will have a ton of fun learning at the range. Lots of variables at work with these things, which to me is part of the fun. Enjoy yourself and be safe! We're always around to answer questions and such

 

[biliff]

Well, you can always experiment on the English Vs. French flint controversy.

 

[mooman76]

I also experimented with 777 in the flash pan even though everybody here said it didn't work. Needless to say everybody was correct. But I like experimenting.

If you hit your thumb with a hammer it will hurt, but you try it and see how it is for you. :wink:

Allot of people have said and still do that can't or shouldn't shoot hard lead RBs out of a ML because they don't shoot worth a crap too but guess what? They actually can shoot very well.

 

[Walks with fire]

Glad to see you joined the party. I for one would not even shoot a muzzleloader if it weren't for flinters. Nope; can't explain it either. Never could warm up to a capper.

 

[Crewdawg445]

If its not a firelock, its not a gun in my book! :grin:

Welcome to your new addiction!

 

[uno676]

I really like all types of muzzleloader s. I have tried. I have been shooting percussion since 1996. I liked the idea of shooting flinter for awhile I wanted to build one but not enough funds. My goal is to hunt with mine when I'm proficient.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

There is some merit in some instances to be able to say, I know that doesn't work, instead of, I read that doesn't work...., but as you have seen be wary of letting the writers know you appeared to doubt their information. :haha:


Welcome to the club, it is very odd that black powder and especially flinters become an obsession, but they do.

LD

 

[MSW]

Well, you can always experiment on the English Vs. French flint controversy.

and then, just when he decided it's safe to go back to the range, we can get going on the lead vs. leather flint wrap...

bwahahaha (mad scientist laugh)

 

[uno676]

Thanks for the link :hatsoff: He had some good stuff on the web page. So does the book have alot more info than whats on his web page?