Flintlock or percussion for a first purchase?

[Nabonidus62]

Yes, as a practical matter the supply issue would dictate my choice.

If caps are spotty then Flintlock, as you won't need them

If real black powder is short, then caplock if caps are around, as a flintlock will not work with substitutes for holy black.

If neither is available or both can be cut off, then the flintlock is the obvious choice as given simple and usually readily available or makeable Sulphur, saltpeter and charcoal, you can make your own powder if legal to do so there. Making caps is a bit more problematic.

Flintlock would be my personal first choice as it possesses a more "self-sufficient" feel and is historically linked and romanticized with the creation of my country.

Either requires some adaptations from cartridge guns, but one is no more difficult to master than the other, given quality locks, and you should be fine with Pedersoli in that aspect.


Round the world there are far more percussion guns than flint, as it is more modern and ignition is less of a problem, largely due to their ability to use substitutes like Pyrodex, which are all that is available in some places. In remote places where caps and substitute powders are at a premium, then flints rule.

I have a couple of Lee Enfields myself and have found them an accurate and interesting rifle, especially in their historic significance.

From a self sufficiency perspective its actually easier to make percussion caps in NZ because as far as I know there is no naturally occurring flint in the country. It all had to be imported from England originally.

I don't think it's illegal to make your own black powder here although I'd need to check up on it. Could be a good option.

I do love my enfield, definitely one of the most iconic firearms from history. It's also probably one of the most advanced guns it's still legal to own in new zealand.

 

[Nabonidus62]

When I compare the two types of ignition systems, I always refer to the flint lock as being the art of traditional muzzleloading. The percussion lock is the triumph of technology to make an easier to manufacture and more reliable ignition system.

A percussion lock can be reliable as it comes from the factory. I have not come across any flint lock that doesn't benefit from tuning the lock for smooth functioning. This is as simple as smoothing all the burrs off the rubbing parts or as complex as smoothing the mating parts and balancing the springs to flattening the pan cover of the frizzen to the pan and adjusting the cock for a better scraping strike angle on the frizzen face. Getting one's flint lock properly tuned is one of the reasons that a percussion lock system is often better for beginning the traditional muzzleloading experience.

Thanks for the advice. I personally would prefer a more reliable piece right off the bat since it will be my first one and I'm also in my early 20s and it's already a bit of an investment for me financially.