Bill here -- 50-something BP-bit shooter. I always loved the looks and romance of flintlocks, and finally bought a Traditions Deerhunter last year for muzzleloader season here in Ohio (I missed the deer with it).
I've been working on it hard over the last several sessions at the range. Having difficulty seeing well with the cheap sights provided, I just mounted a set of Aim Right sights, which seem much more precise, though I haven't had a chance to get back to the range (neighbors in the city frown upon simply taking it out back . . .). I have reliable ignition and I don't think I'm flinching, as I am able, with great care, to put a round offhand into the bullseye at 50 yards.
Over the weekend, I spent hours grinding away (by hand) the frizzen spring until I can flip the frizzen open and closed easily with my thumb. I also worked on the underside of the frizzen, trying to mate it more exactly with the pan, but discovered that it will not happen no way with this lock. After resurfacing the frizzen face, the flint still leaves a horizontal groove in it, though not as deep as before the spring tuning.
So I ordered from Mid-South Shooters Supply the gun I wanted in the first place, but couldn't justify last winter -- the .54 cal 1 in 60 Lyman Great Plains rifle. I'm dying to see it and shoot it. I'll keep the Traditions for playing at the range and for fair weather with the non-closable frizzen. I expect to be able to shoot a faster ball with a smaller bruise, given the heavier rifle.
Thanks for reading. Looking forward to bragging.
I've been working on it hard over the last several sessions at the range. Having difficulty seeing well with the cheap sights provided, I just mounted a set of Aim Right sights, which seem much more precise, though I haven't had a chance to get back to the range (neighbors in the city frown upon simply taking it out back . . .). I have reliable ignition and I don't think I'm flinching, as I am able, with great care, to put a round offhand into the bullseye at 50 yards.
Over the weekend, I spent hours grinding away (by hand) the frizzen spring until I can flip the frizzen open and closed easily with my thumb. I also worked on the underside of the frizzen, trying to mate it more exactly with the pan, but discovered that it will not happen no way with this lock. After resurfacing the frizzen face, the flint still leaves a horizontal groove in it, though not as deep as before the spring tuning.
So I ordered from Mid-South Shooters Supply the gun I wanted in the first place, but couldn't justify last winter -- the .54 cal 1 in 60 Lyman Great Plains rifle. I'm dying to see it and shoot it. I'll keep the Traditions for playing at the range and for fair weather with the non-closable frizzen. I expect to be able to shoot a faster ball with a smaller bruise, given the heavier rifle.
Thanks for reading. Looking forward to bragging.
