Flint size

[ronnie_kennedy]

I have just purchased a model 1780 .69 caliber flintlock pistol. It came with a funny looking "flint" in it, but it looks more plastic than flint, if that makes any sense Either way it is not sparking, it is more hitting the frizzen straight on. To correct this problem, do i need to just move the flint further back into the hammer or is the flint the wrong size? If so, does anyone have an idea of what size flint goes into this gun.

Another problem with it, is it is not fully pushing the frizzen forward when it is fired. Again, could this be because it is the wrong type of flint? :idunno: Thanks for any help!

 

[garry robinson]

sounds like it might be hitting at the wrong angle maybe . mine has to have a 1/2 inch square flint and only works good after i knapp off a little from that . that flint sounds like the white looking cut flints you get with a lyman rifle . i know one thing tho theres some shooters here that can set you strait real fast on it

 

[ronnie_kennedy]

Thanks Garry...i thought the same thing about the angle of the flint. And yes the flint that is in it is white and really doesn't look like it would spark either way. Idk. Hopefully someone sees this that has the same pistol and can tell me one way or the other.

 

[ronnie_kennedy]

Does anyone know what size flint i should use in a model 1870 .69 caliber sea service pistol, or a website that might could give me the information needed?

 

[ohio ramrod]

Simple way to dertmine size needed. Width -between the width of cock jaws and frizzen width. Length- place wooden piece in jaws with same wrap as you use on flint and length from screw at back of jaws to within 1/8 inch of closed frizzen at half cock. I find this works well for me others may have other methods. :idunno:

 

[ronnie_kennedy]

Thanks buddy! Very simple way to find out. Been bugging me since i got this gun...i've been dying to shoot it! :thumbsup:

 

[roundball]

It can actually depend on the lock manufacturer too...not all locks fit the 1/8" at half cock rule of thumb.
Foe example, medium size T/C locks do just fine with that approach, but with Chambers Deluxe Silers, the cock is sitting reared back a good bit further at half cock so it doesn't apply...there may be other locks as well...just have to try it and see.

Bottom line, regardless of where a flint might be at half cock, my goal is to adjust its position to have the leading edge of the flint strike the frizzen at an ever so slight downward angle at the time of impact in the hammers arc...

 

[ronnie_kennedy]

This is a tower lock. It seems to be a fairly large lock in my opinion. Any opinion on what type of flint to use. I have heard that english flints are the best.

 

[nilo52]

English flints are good, if a little pricey. Rich Pierce sells flints at a very reasonable cost and I have used his and am very happy with them. He is a member of the forum and an honest man. I cant remember his email adress but im sure others here will know it. Enjoy your flinter :thumbsup:
nilo52

 

[ronnie_kennedy]

Well i tried the method that ohio ramrod gave me with measureing the dimension of the cock jaws and length to frizzen. Didn't work out so well, or either i measured wrong. Flint looks like it is way too big and still doesn't spark :surrender: