First flintlock necessities?

[Col. Batguano]

The one thing I haven't seen mentioned is a vent pick. Use an old wire coat hanger and file it to a gradual sharp point. You only need 3-4". Fouled vent holes are a common cause of FTF's.

But you have the MOST important thing now; patience and a desire to learn.

 

[Briarhunter]

Second the Dixons Muzzleoader Store, Hamburg, PA has all types of real BP. I am new to flintlocks too, he had all types Goex, Swiss...ect.

Very excellent prices for all types of tools for flintlock rifles. Family owned on an old road on an old farm. Owner was as helpful to me as it gets. Took time to show me all I would need to get started and even tuned my lock.

I took the 4 hour round trip and it was worth it. It gets easier once you develop your own techniques.

 

[leam]

Wanted to let you know that another newbie is reading this and will be taking your advice in short order.

 

[Brett K]

I picked up some real 3f black powder today. I wish I would have read more and followed some directions about cleaning the barrel before assembly with carb cleaner to get the preservative off. I don't want to remove it too much. I will just use some regular Hoppes stuff I have and see how it goes. As soon as rifle season ends, I am off to the range.

 

[bpd303]

Regular Hoppes #9 is petroleum based and shouldn't be used in black powder arms for cleaning. A couple of patches with rubbing alcohol down the bore will remove any oil residue prior to loading. Then plain water with a drop of dish soap for cleaning after shooting and some gun oil to prevent rust is all you need. Then prior to shooting the next time an alcohol swab.

 

[Brett K]

Thanks for stopping me.

 

[Brett K]

A couple other things. I noticed my vent pick is too big for the hole. I guess it needs to be filed down to a sharp point to fit in there.

Also, I have another initial cleaning question. Do I take the locking plate off to clean any packaging lube? I was a little nervous about doing so. I don't want to mess up anything critical like the angle of the cocking mechanism. I need to figure out what parts need any lube after cleaning also.

I have been looking for good breakdown and cleaning and reassembly videos on YouTube and haven't found what I was looking for. I may take it back to the gun shop for a lesson.

 

[bpd303]

The pick doesn't need a sharp point, just file it down to fit. The lock should be removed and lightly oiled. If it has packing grease a tooth brush with alcohol or carburetor cleaner or WD40 will clean it then oil the contact points, sear, main spring, tumbler. It's not hard to remove the lock and you won't mess anything up. Place the cock on half cock, loosen the through screws a little and tap on the screw heads with your screw driver handle which will loosen the lock from the mortise then remove the screws and the lock should come free.

 

[leam]

I speak from only a little experience, but here is what I know.

A can of carb cleaner from the auto store will help a lot. Use it outside and make sure you wipe everything off afterwards. That means lots of patches up and down the bore. One you spray it on every last drop of lube will be gone. Might want to take the barrel our of the stock before spraying it.

In general the lock is held in place by the screws and the wood it is set into. You'd probably have to work at it to put the lock back in wrong. Lightly oil everything though. As noted, carb cleaner removes all the oil and grease.

In general, the post shoot process involves lots of hot soapy water. You could probably do well with a big coffee can, a funnel, an old cup, and lots of rags. Take the barrel out of the rifle and stick the breech end in a coffee can full of hot soapy water. Pour some down from the top and use the cleaning rod with rag attached to suction some back up the barrel. You'll spend more time cleaning that aiming!

Muzzleloaders are full of character. Muzzleloading groups are full of characters. Welcome.

 

[azmntman]

I always cut a 2 liter pepsi bottle off at the area where the neck starts getting smaller then use it, one time, as a "bucket". Works great. Saw a post on the toilet? Not quite there yet myself :shocked2: Easy clean up though?

 

[TerryK]

Brett,
Maybe I missed it, but what part of PA are you from. I am in the middle of the state, Center County.

 

[Brett K]

Northeast PA. Luzerne County