ignition problem

[dylan]

Hey guys
A friend of mine recently bought a ardesa patriot .45 flint pistol. I own the percussion version, when we tried his pistol for the first time it did not want to fire. We picked the flash hole and reprimed about 8 times but still no go. I eventually took the flash hole goody out and used a lighter to ignite the powder to get the ball out. The flint is igniting the priming powder but it wont set off the main charge. Please please please can some one help.

 

[Packdog]

What is the size of the vent hole?

What type powder are you using? If it's a BP substitute, they do not work well in a flintlock.

PD

 

[Stumpkiller]

Things to check.

Vent might need to be opened up a bit. Some locks work best with a 1/16" or even 5/64" diameter hole.

Vent must be oil free and clean. Before loading the gun wipe the bore with alcohol and afterwards use a dry pipe cleaner to clear the vent.

Use enough priming powder (FFFFg if you've got it) to fill the pan to just below the vent.

Use a copper wire or feather to poke into the powder from the vent to give the flash good access to the main charge.

 

[roundball]

And also for our convenience, there's a permanent post at the top of this Flintlock category named "Flintlock Shooting Tips" that contains a comprehensive list of all sorts of Flintlock related things to check when having problems like this