Flint sizing

[Steve Aubrey]

I'm trying to figure out the proper size for the flints for a new flintlock. Width is easy enough, I just use the width of the hammer/ frizzen. LENGTH is what I'm not so sure about.
With the hammer/ frizzen closed & the cock on half cock, I don't think the edge of the flint should be in contact w/ the face of the hammer/ frizzen. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Are. M.]

You are correct. The flint and frizzen should not touch at half-cock, though they should be close. What lock do you have?

Check this thread out for some more flint/frizzen info.
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/flint-frizzen-relationship.140886/

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

FWIW you can review the flint sizing recommendations for the various brand rifles/musket and/or lock makes over on Track of the Wolf's website. I did that and made it into a handy chart for the various locks that I use ... as sometimes the 'grey matter' upstairs fails me ...

 

[Steve Aubrey]

TY guys for the replies! I'm afraid UR gonna roll UR eyes, because it's an India pistol from Military Heritage

 

[Are. M.]

It's an India pistol from Military Heritage

Theres been some success with those pistols on here and abroad. What are you using it for? Paper punching? Hunting? Making noise?

 

[Rock Home Isle]

I’ve got a India-Made naval pistol…The current flint in the pistol is one that I made from a piece of Chert, but I do recall using the same sized flints as I use for my Large Siler Locks…

So that would be about a size 6…I think?

 

[user 49399]

TY guys for the replies! I'm afraid UR gonna roll UR eyes, because it's an India pistol from Military Heritage

Nothing wrong with India guns. I have two and they are good shooters.

 

[Steve Aubrey]

I bought it because I have little faith in the economy. I believe we are overdue for a second " great depression." I've stocked up on percussion caps and even have a little doo- hickey to make percussion caps. But flintlock...they don't require caps.

This gun is my paper puncher and snake charmer. I figure I could load it with 7 1/2 shot & wads and it should kill a rattlesnake.
I've heard a lot of hate towards these India guns, but having held one, I'm impressed. I've held originals, and these India guns have a " feel" much more towards the originals than the cnc produced guns.

Now, I'm not about to chuck my Pedersolis.

 

[BP Addict]

You are correct! Length is also important. I am fortunate enough to live near a Muzzle Loader shop. I am able to go in and measure them.

I've had some that I acquired that touched the frizzen at half-cock. They worked fine. You just don't want them pushing it open at that setting. I was told when I first switched to Flintlock that about a nickel's width gap should be present. I've noticed the longer they are, the longer they last. I've got about 80 shots on my Siler locked Issac Haines rifle and 50 on my L7R locked English pistol. Both are still sparking!

Walt

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Length is also important. I've noticed the longer they are, the longer they last.

You used the 'trick' of inserting a twig or toothpick stub behind a shorter flint to move it forward, right?

 

[BP Addict]

I have not heard of that although I do move them forward as they become shorter.

Thanks!

Walt

 

[Ohio Rusty]

Make a wooden flint. Lock it in the jaws and close the frizzen. If the wood flint isn't toughing the face of the frizzen and there is a tiny open space between the face of the frizzen and the end of your wooden flint, you found the right size.
Ohio Rusty ><>