Flint placement question

[Pilgrim]

My first flintlock. I have watched enough videos to feel comfortable squaring the flint to the frizzen surface. My question: Should the back of the flint rest against the jaw screw?

 

[Tom A Hawk]

I like to position my flint just off the point of contact with the frizzen at half cock. The geometry of the Deluxe Siler is a bit different which placed the flint further back but I don't think there is any advantage in butting it up against the screw.

 

[Pilgrim]

I like to position my flint just off the point of contact with the frizzen at half cock. The geometry of the Deluxe Siler is a bit different which placed the flint further back but I don't think there is any advantage in butting it up against the screw.

Thank you

 

[R Ellis]

Seems to be a lot stabler against the screw in my opinion

 

[rafterob]

Does not need to contact the screw unless you need that extra space to properly position the flint in the jaw. If that extra length is needed a cut-out in the leather pad will accommodate it.

 

[Rifleman1776]

This is another of those 'whatever works' issues. The answer will depend on the size of the flint. As said, just a hair off the frizzen at half-cock is usually the best. Whether it touches the screw will depend on the flint size. If the flint is too long cutting a slot out of your leather often moves the rock back far enough. The only reason flintlocks exist is to make ye crazy. Play with it until ye figure out wat works best for ye.

 

[Johnny Tremain]

I trip the cock, then hold the flint against the frizzen and tighten down the screw.
The flint I have go no where near the jaw screw.

 

[Pilgrim]

This is another of those 'whatever works' issues. The answer will depend on the size of the flint. As said, just a hair off the frizzen at half-cock is usually the best. Whether it touches the screw will depend on the flint size. If the flint is too long cutting a slot out of your leather often moves the rock back far enough. The only reason flintlocks exist is to make ye crazy. Play with it until ye figure out wat works best for ye.

I understand. I just wanted to make sure it wouldn't damage anything if the flint leather sits against the jaw screw and it's shot.

Thank you

 

[The Appalachian]

I cut a notch in my leather so it fits over the screw, and the flint is backed up against the screw at that notch.

 

[simonbeans]

DITTO to The Appalachian:

 

[mmb617]

I get as much use as I can out of each flint. A new flint may sit back far enough that I have to cut a notch in the leather to clear the jaw screw but as it gets used up I move it forward till there's not enough flint left for the jaws to hold securely. So in practice the flint is out of contact with the jaw screw for most of it's life.

As the flint gets short I check to make sure it's still tight in the jaws after each shot.