Flintlock questions

[Dillon W.]

Hi guys. I just ordered my first flintlock, a kit, from TVM. I’m pretty stoked about it lol. But anyways I’ve got a few questions. Where do you guys get your flints? What are the best or preferred flints? What should I watch out for?

And a silly question, am I going to melt my face off with this thing? Looks like it could potentially be a beard hazard

 

[Magungo1066]

I get my flints from Track of the Wolf. You will have no problems with melting your face off, just always wear eye protection, as shards of flint sometimes shoot in random directions when the flint strikes the frizzen

 

[Art Caputo]

Congratulations! I use the Fuller Black English Flints available from Track of the Wolf. Been shooting flintlocks for decades and never experienced any problems/mishaps from ignition(note :I did have a beard for periods of time).....no brush fires. I would recommend some study or assistance on proper techniques for loading, set-up, and safety measures. I think you will enjoy the experience!

 

[Darto]

Track of Wolf started to limit to 12 of any one size.
And look how Trading Hall is sold out of many sizes.
I don't know if the English flint supply is permanently running out, or just running low due to covid
https://store.mytradinghall.com/Flint-Black-Englishhttps://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/141/1

 

[Muddly]

Remember, you can not flinch faster than a flintlock will fire. Took me years to accept that simple truth. Now I say to myself" sights, center mass, squeeeeze...
And do not over prime! Half a pan will do nicely.
Good fortune to you

 

[Cattywompuss]

Hi guys. I just ordered my first flintlock, a kit, from TVM. I’m pretty stoked about it lol. But anyways I’ve got a few questions. Where do you guys get your flints? What are the best or preferred flints? What should I watch out for?

And a silly question, am I going to melt my face off with this thing? Looks like it could potentially be a beard hazard

Apart from all the good advice here, good visual supplemental info can be found in well produced format over on YouTube from Bob McBride at Blackpowder TV. He did a new shooter series where he covers a lot of flintlock stuff.

 

[oldwood]

Flint.........Go online to website , Stonewall Creek outfitters. They have English , and French flint. The more you order , the less they cost. .oldwood

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

TOTW, Jim Kibler and the NMLRA national shoot will have many vendors.

I prime with just 2 grains in the pan.

I have a beard and never worry about it catching fire.

Enjoy your new flintlock!

 

[Daveboone]

And keep your supporting hands fingers away from the lock! I have a very painful reminder (and thinking permanent tattoo) from my pinky being too close!

 

[Gonetocamp]

Daveboone said "And keep your supporting hands fingers away from the lock! I have a very painful reminder (and thinking permanent tattoo) from my pinky being too close!" I happen to have one of those pinky tattoos also. Cussed up a storm immediately upon firing.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Heritage products has an excellent supply of the French Amber and French Black flints.

Heritage Products - Living History Reproductions (heritage-products.com)

If or when you order flints ask for a selection of flints with the flat top and bottom, no humps.

Take the time to read the Flint Lock Tips sticky thread at the top of the page and you will find lots of information in the General Muzzle Loading Forum topics of Useful Information.

Tables, Useful Information thread links. | The Muzzleloading Forum

 

[Col. Batguano]

..
".....And do not over prime! Half a pan will do nicely.
Good fortune to you

Yeah!. Some guys put in so much priming powder that the mushroom cloud from the pan looks like it was detonated at the Los Alamos nuclear testing site!

 

[rafterob]

Make sure to measure for what size flint you need. It should measure in width from near to the barrel and equal distance to the outside of the frizzen. So if it is 1/8" inch from the frizzen to the barrel, the frizzen is 1/2 inch, add another 1/8 " your flint should be 3/4" wide. Then at half-**** measure from the jaw screw to the closed frizzen face. Deduct a little for a leather pad. At half **** the flint should be just a hair off or very barely touching the frizzen face. Flints are sold in many different sizes and your measurements should guide you in choosing the correct size.

 

[zneufeld]

I second checking out Bob McBride and BlackpowderTV on YouTube. I'm a relatively new shooter, and his videos, along with duelist1954, have helped me a lot.

 

[olskool]

as far as melting your face off, this is my TVM southern rifle in 54 cal. it has a Bob Roller lock and it lights things up! but not my face or beard, and i do not fill the pan with powder. this was about 1/2 pan of 2F my wife caught this on her cell phone at just the perfect time. this gun is lightning fast and super accurate. i get my flint from "stonewall creek" i use English. the flint are always perfect. i tried TOW flint and there is no comparison,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[olskool]

Flint.........Go online to website , Stonewall Creek outfitters. They have English , and French flint. The more you order , the less they cost. .oldwood

"the more i order the less they cost" can i keep ordering them till they are free,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[fillwa]

Welcome to the world of the flintlock rifle. You’re going to have a lot of fun!
I buy & use Tom Fuller English flints from Track Of The Wolf. I try to keep an extra dozen on hand.

Below is a good reference to get you started.
Flintlocks: How to Shoot Them

 

[jdw276]

And keep your supporting hands fingers away from the lock! I have a very painful reminder (and thinking permanent tattoo) from my pinky being too close!

Mine is ring finger.

 

[rrebuck]

My flint lock finger tatoo was on my middle finger and it felt like it had just been hit by a pretty big hammer when it happened. I went to the ER. They numbed it and let me try to pick out the black pieces. It was bleeding too much, so I didn't get much out. Should have used a rubber band tourniquet to temporarily stop the bleeding. That finger is still working properly and I can't see the black flecks in there now 20 yrs later.

 

[Rifleman1776]

As mentioned by others, there are a number of good suppliers out there. Buy as many as your budget will allow with each order. When you order specify you want 'flat' flints and no 'humpies'. If you get humpies, do complain and switch supplier for future orders. P.S.: You will love shooting flintlock.