I'm a rookie who's anxious to learn.

[mmb617]

I'm a retired guy with more time than money, and I've been getting a lot of enjoyment out of shooting these last couple years. I pretty much taught myself how to reload ammo for my rifles and pistols (with a lot of internet research), and that's gone well for me as I like spending time at my reloading bench.

I thought I'd like to branch out with a black powder rifle although I've never fired one and don't really know too much about it. I've looked at a few forums dedicated to muzzleloading and this one seems to be a good one so I'll hang around and see what knowledge I can soak up.

I went ahead and ordered a cheap flintlock as a starting point, but I probably won't get it for another week or two. In the meantime I'm getting together the supplies I think I'll need.

I'm sure there will be some bumps in the road as I get my feet wet but that's all part of the experience in any new endeavor.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

I'm a retired guy with more time than money, and I've been getting a lot of enjoyment out of shooting these last couple years. I pretty much taught myself how to reload ammo for my rifles and pistols (with a lot of internet research), and that's gone well for me as I like spending time at my reloading bench.

I thought I'd like to branch out with a black powder rifle although I've never fired one and don't really know too much about it. I've looked at a few forums dedicated to muzzleloading and this one seems to be a good one so I'll hang around and see what knowledge I can soak up.

I went ahead and ordered a cheap flintlock as a starting point, but I probably won't get it for another week or two. In the meantime I'm getting together the supplies I think I'll need.

I'm sure there will be some bumps in the road as I get my feet wet but that's all part of the experience in any new endeavor.

First of all, welcome to the forum. You have started with my first and foremost love in muzzleloading, the flintlock. I am not criticizing your choice to start low end. Why would someone want to put big bucks on something that might turn out on the down side of fun? Makes good sense! That said, a cheap flintlock can (did not say it will) cause you to have more ignition issues. Just know if you have a lock that is tuned with a sharp flint, the proper touch hole, it will go bang 99% of the time.
Keep us posted and ask questions. All on this forum were in your shoes at one time or another.
Larry

 

[Phil Coffins]

I concur with Larry and can add that if you can find someone or a group of muzzle loaders in your area they will help you a lot. Where about are you?

 

[mmb617]

I concur with Larry and can add that if you can find someone or a group of muzzle loaders in your area they will help you a lot. Where about are you?

I'm in Altoona PA and I'm a member of the Altoona Rifle and Pistol club, a place with multiple outdoor ranges and a large group of muzzleloader members. One of our members is an officer in the NMLRA and the club frequently holds black powder shoots. I'm sure some of those guys would be willing to help me but for now I prefer to feel my way along by myself. I'm kind of weird that way! I'll probably go to one of the shoots as a spectator as I'm sure I could learn a lot just by doing that.

I kind of expected to get slammed for buying a cheap gun to start as I've lurked on some forums where members were pretty brutal to guys who did that, saying that if they weren't spending big bucks they were just setting the stage for frustration. At least you guys didn't do that. I went through the same thing when I started trying to shoot my AR at 300 yds and was told if I wasn't spending at least four figures on my scope I was just wasting my time. I didn't let that stop me either.

I do realize it's probably easier to break into black powder with a cap and ball rifle but I wanted a flintlock. As I mentioned, I can be weird at times.

 

[deermanok]

Welcome from Oklahoma.

 

[ord sgt]

Your R/P club can provide much help and support in your new adventure. Don't be afraid to ask the black powder members any questions that you may have. They will steer you in the right direction. And then, you have this forum, for any questions that you might encounter. Life member NMLRA.

 

[Old Hawkeye]

A flintlock will provide some extra challenges for a beginner as the lock & flints are an extra level of learning in and of themselves. If you were going to be doing this solo, I was going to recommend you "start" with a percussion gun to get the basics & move to a flintlock later. However, seeing that you have a strong support structure at the Altoona Rifle & Pistol Club you should be fine. When it comes to that lock & flints & learning how to knap the flints, don't be shy about asking for help. Good luck & keep us posted as to your progress!

 

[Sparkitoff]

There's a lot of good information here in the archives and you can always ask questions and get a variety of answers. That's pretty much what I did when I first started with Flintlock. Just keep in mind that you can and maybe should continue experimenting with different methods and anecdotes until you achieve what you want.

 

[TFoley]

First thing to do, if you haven't already done it, is to invest in a good pair of safety glasses - and use them.

 

[thomas]

Welcome to the forum.
Thomas

 

[user 49399]

There’s a ton of information already posted around on this forum for beginners. Spend a little time reading and asking questions. Folks on here can be very helpful.
Also, check out Bob McBrides Black Powder TV videos on YouTube. A lot of good information there too.
I’m one of the guys that shoots the “cheap “ muzzleloaders, flintlock and percussion. They work just fine for me.

 

[Ponderosaman]

Welcome from AZ. Flintlocks look real fun, maybe some day.

 

[Crow-Feather]

I'm a retired guy with more time than money, and I've been getting a lot of enjoyment out of shooting these last couple years. I pretty much taught myself how to reload ammo for my rifles and pistols (with a lot of internet research), and that's gone well for me as I like spending time at my reloading bench.

I thought I'd like to branch out with a black powder rifle although I've never fired one and don't really know too much about it. I've looked at a few forums dedicated to muzzleloading and this one seems to be a good one so I'll hang around and see what knowledge I can soak up.

I went ahead and ordered a cheap flintlock as a starting point, but I probably won't get it for another week or two. In the meantime I'm getting together the supplies I think I'll need.

I'm sure there will be some bumps in the road as I get my feet wet but that's all part of the experience in any new endeavor.

That first shot is the "hooked ya" shot. The flash of the pan, the soft recoil of the rifle and the thought that this is the way your great great granddaddy brought meat to the table will lock you into the sport. You don't have to hit anything.

The reason that some people give up is because they don't ask questions. There are plenty of shooters here that have done every mistake you could think of and they know how to fix it, just ask.

I welcome you to the group and wish you success. I was hooked 40 years or so ago and I and my wife truly love the sport.

 

[Old Timer 48]

Welcome!

 

[Daryl Crawford]

Welcome from the east side of PA. I concur that finding folks around you can help, but you're an apt learner so Black Powder TV on YouTube is a great place to get some info. There are a few channels that can give solid info and this forum is a great place to bounce ideas around. Glad you found the place.

 

[N.Y. Yankee]

Remember, First pour the powder, THEN load the ball.

 

[MIOutdoorsman]

Welcome to the group. You'll find a lot of knowledge on this forum. You didn't tell us what you're starting off with yet. Some of the lower cost flintlocks do just fine, while others are hit and miss. If you struggle with yours, guys on this forum will be able to get you heading in the right direction. Stick with it, but be warned, this is very addicting!

 

[Eutycus]

Howdy and Welcome from Texas!

 

[dkasprzak]

I'm a retired guy with more time than money, and I've been getting a lot of enjoyment out of shooting these last couple years. I pretty much taught myself how to reload ammo for my rifles and pistols (with a lot of internet research), and that's gone well for me as I like spending time at my reloading bench.

I thought I'd like to branch out with a black powder rifle although I've never fired one and don't really know too much about it. I've looked at a few forums dedicated to muzzleloading and this one seems to be a good one so I'll hang around and see what knowledge I can soak up.

I went ahead and ordered a cheap flintlock as a starting point, but I probably won't get it for another week or two. In the meantime I'm getting together the supplies I think I'll need.

I'm sure there will be some bumps in the road as I get my feet wet but that's all part of the experience in any new endeavor.

Welcome to the forum and to BP!

If I can offer one bit of advice that I learned “after the fact”. When you get your new flintlock remember there are two parts to shooting accurately with a muzzleloader. FIRST AND FOREMOST find your most accurate load! It doesn’t matter where on the target you hit as long as your point of aim is always the same. Once you have found the load your gun likes, THEN you can start adjusting the sights to move the group to the point of impact you are looking for.

Wish I had known this a long time ago, would have saved a lot of frustration, powder, balls etc. And as others have stated....after that first shot you may be addicted!

~DK

 

[Eutycus]

Not a thing wrong with starting out with an ''economical" model. It should still give many hours of enjoyment and it will take you on some learning experiences. And if and when you decide to step up to a more costly model, say like a custom made rifle, I would bet this lower-cost rifle will still have an honored place in your gun rack. Because it will have been your first.
It was mentioned how addicting this hobby is and you will soon see.Part of blackpowder shooting is the making of accessories, like bags, powder horns,nipple wrenchs etc. Even for people who couldn't ever make anything but a mess will soon find themselves making things. It's like this hobby brings out a sort of "can-do" something in you. Enjoy!