Flinching?

[Steve Wagner]

And squeeeeeeze the trigger. Let the rife surprise you when it goes off

Did you ever hunt quail or woodcock?

When I do what you described, it’s because I jerked the trigger instead of lightly squeezing…..

These two are huge along with breathing control. I take a moderate breath, releasing about a 3rd and hold. The shot needs to be taken in no more than 3-4 seconds. If not, relax and start over. If you shoot while wanting another breath, you are already toast. SW

 

[deerstalkert]

one thing i can think of is if the pan flash does start to make you flinch, reduce the amount of prime.
most folks use way too much prime. me included. when i start to get particle splash from the pan in my face i know i am priming too much.

 

[muskethunter1109]

I’ve begun sighting in my recently-completed Traditions Kentucky flintlock kit rifle. Front sight doesn’t look 100% centered, but it was close enough to give it a go. As photo shows, all shots hit right of bull. (Target was at about 40 yds-max range for my eyesight, and plenty for woodland deer hunting.) My question is, if & when people flinch, is there a usual direction of the flinch? I’m a left-hand shooter, but am using right-handed rifle. I don’t think I flinch, but I DO notice the flame/whoosh/BOOM! Do I need to work on my sights or my shooting?

As silly as it sounds, I practice shooting the flintlock a lot when I’m not even on the range. Just in the garage or basement with the pan open, cock the firelock, focus on the front sight, control breathing, squeeze the trigger. Do this for a while, then when you’re in a safe area add some powder to the pan, and repeat- focus on front site, control breathing, squeeze trigger. After that you can try shooting with just powder down the barrel for blanks and eventually add ball into the mix. You won’t be seeing any color but the backstop on the target soon enough!

 

[Pete G]

Do NOT dry fire with the pan open. To do so will damage your lock. Use a wooden flint and always close the pan.