thank you so much for the response to my query, WOW, NOW THE PRICES!!. toot.
If it fits within your budget, you won't regret it. Here are some things to keep in mind.
The flintlock pistol has a hooked breech. So the barrel is easy to take off and clean on the outside as well as the inside.
The percussion lock pistol does not have a hooked breech. So the fouling on the exterior of the barrel between stock and lock are a little more challenging to remove.
The single set triggers will go off if you breathe on them. Okay, I'm exaggerating. However, they are so light that they fail to register any weight on my trigger scale.
The technique for firing with the single set trigger is a little difficult to describe so I beg your indulgence.
When I grasp the pistol, for firing, I put the finger well away from the trigger until it is set. Don't even think about getting it close or touching it.
Next, I take my non-firing thumb and push on the back of the trigger to set it. Remember to keep that trigger finger away from the trigger!
Then I use the non-firing hand to cock the hammer back. Keep that trigger finger away from the trigger!
This is the part that takes practice, patience and concentration. Position your trigger finger to that the top-side is rubbing up against the wood underneath the pistol.
The object is to drag the upper portion of your finger against the wood as you are starting to pull the trigger. This accomplishes two things.
(1) It prevents you from moving the trigger finger too fast and prematurely setting the gun off until your sights are aligned with the target.
(2) It prevents you from exerting too much pressure on the trigger causing you to "jerk" it to set the gun off.
You can practice this technique with the pistol unloaded and the hammer down. The hammer does not need to be cocked to set the trigger.
There are probably better techniques and obviously better shooters than me. However, this is the technique that works for me.
If I had to pick a favorite over the other, I think I would choose the flintlock. The reward for hitting the target with a primitive fire control system is one that cannot be described with mere words.
I have a pistol dueling tree but cannot find anyone to "duel" with me on the tree.
In other words, two competitors stand about 10-20 paces from the dueling tree. all you need are two plates.
Both competitors stand facing the tree. The pistols are held at an angle toward the target for safety. The competitors may choose to set their triggers or not.
At the command to cock their pistols the shooters will keep the pistols angled down and facing the target. Then they will cock the pistols.
The next commands will obviously be followed; ready - aim - fire.
If either or both plates are hit, the first shooter's plate to swing to the other side is the winner.
If they both miss, they will be asked if satisfaction has been met and they can go on their way. I cannot imagine anyone on this forum being satisfied till the steel plate has swung to the other side
If there is one drawback on these pistols it is that the front sights are too low. This results in a point of impact that is too high. However, I'm told that my technique for holding the pistol is incorrect. I should be holding it higher on the grip. So I still have work to do.
Oh well, that means I'll just have to shoot the pistol more!
BTW, I only use a 15 grain charge of FFFG. You don't need much. I've also coned the muzzles with Joe Wood's coning tool. Kiss the ball starter goodbye. Accuracy hasn't been affected.
FOR SALE - Muzzle Coning Tool
