Just bought my first flintlock. What do I need to take it out shooting, and what do I need to know to have a safe and enjoyable time.

[Bjodonnell123]

I looked at your zip code, and though you are kinda far, there is a very very good club in in Northeast Philly that I was a member of years back; Holmsburg Fish And Game. They still have a muzzleloader team I see on their website.

I drive down that way from time to time. Ill check it out. Thanks

 

[Rebel bull]

@Bjodonnell123, you will want a spout for your can of powder to dispense the powder into the measure. I'll say it again, " When shooting a flint lock, only use real black powder. The substitute powders do not work well enough to even consider." At this stage in your learning of the finer points of shooting a flint lock rifle, you can use 3Fg powder. Use 10% less than the suggested 2Fg loads. The 3Fg will also work in the pan as 4F powder or Swiss Null B can be harder to find than real black powder.

Locate a traditional muzzleloading gun club. The members will help you learn about and care for your rifle.

Search on the Forum for more information on starting out.

Don't be afraid to ask questions here on the Forum. You will get answers.

I can help you with a quality range rod, short starter, and a can cap that doubles as a 35 grain powder measure

 

[Grenadier1758]

Another video for beginners is this one from @B P Maniac Shooter.

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/...ader-guns-and-your-forum.173447/#post-2504705

While this video is focused on Percussion locks, most of the information is relevant to shooters of flint locks.

 

[Bill Bryan]

Take your time. Flintlocks are not like modern rifles that you can pick up once a year and expect to be able to shoot 10X's. Plan on spending some time putting lead down range. A muzzle loading club shooting monthly is a good idea. Bill

 

[LSLibelo]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[snakebit]

Come west on 80. I'll shoot with you. I'm no expert by any means, but I still have all my fingers.

 

[Greg Selner]

I am also a new flintlock shooter.
I did not know anyone who shot muzzleloaders so I looked for a muzzle loading club and called them.
They invited me to their club and have been very helpful in helping me get started.
If you can get in touch with a club.
It will be much easier for you when you have experienced people helping you when you run into problems.

 

[Cruzatte]

Thank you so much for your clear and thorough answer. I’ll start shopping.

The flint on the rifle now sparks well. Almost burned my pants. But I’ll pick up more.

I don’t hunt. Im not opposed, but this will be a range darling. That considered, is it worth shooting anything besides regular ball. I know I can get Minié balls, if I’m shooting at paper at 100 yards, are they worth it?

No, stick to round ball. IIRC I don't think the rifling twist is optimum for the Minié ball.

 

[ZUG]

Hey everyone, thank you for all the responses. I am in NJ. I am going to look for a club. I’ll also check out the classified

There are not many black powder only clubs in NJ. The only one that I remember was in the Sourland Mountans. I lived in NJ until my job moved me to CA in 1998. I belonged to Citizens Rifle & Revolver Club in West Windsor - nice club, and I also belonged to Central Jersey Gun Club in Jackson NICE place to shoot. You could shoot black powder guns at either club except the CRRC has limited rifle range use because of houses being built around them. Look into the wildlife management areas they have some open areas that allow you to shoot firearms and bow & arrow. Good Luck!

 

[Bjodonnell123]

There are not many black powder only clubs in NJ. The only one that I remember was in the Sourland Mountans. I lived in NJ until my job moved me to CA in 1998. I belonged to Citizens Rifle & Revolver Club in West Windsor - nice club, and I also belonged to Central Jersey Gun Club in Jackson NICE place to shoot. You could shoot black powder guns at either club except the CRRC has limited rifle range use because of houses being built around them. Look into the wildlife management areas they have some open areas that allow you to shoot firearms and bow & arrow. Good Luck!

I’ve been to Central Jersey a number of times a few years ago. I feel like that may be a place to start. Thanks

 

[snakebit]

I’ve been to Central Jersey a number of times a few years ago. I feel like that may be a place to start. Thanks

What part of NJ are you in?

 

[Bjodonnell123]

What part of NJ are you in?

Rahway. But I’m not above driving

 

[snakebit]

There are not many black powder only clubs in NJ. The only one that I remember was in the Sourland Mountans. I lived in NJ until my job moved me to CA in 1998. I belonged to Citizens Rifle & Revolver Club in West Windsor - nice club, and I also belonged to Central Jersey Gun Club in Jackson NICE place to shoot. You could shoot black powder guns at either club except the CRRC has limited rifle range use because of houses being built around them. Look into the wildlife management areas they have some open areas that allow you to shoot firearms and bow & arrow. Good Luck!

When I lived in NJ, there was a public range in Winslow. Tough to get in near hunting season, but off seasons and weekdays you pretty much had the place to yourself. The state has since closed it down citing "lead contamination". I look for them to ban lead projectiles all together soon. I read an article where lead from bullets was harming bald eagles that injected them. Me thinks they are telegraphing their move for a bullet ban.

 

[snakebit]

Rahway. But I’m not above driving

I'm about 3 hours due west of you in PA. You should be able to cross into PA and find powder. Not sure if it is legal for you to get it shipped to your house.

 

[Daveboone]

Flints are like primers....never enough.....I am sure you will be able to find out what size you need here for your specific rifle. Track of the Wolf is a reliable source, or even just check online (ebay or amazon) for a few. As was mentioned, chipped and not cut are best.

 

[snakebit]

Agree with Dave. Track Of The Wolf has a sizing chart for flints on their website. I recommend ordering them a dozen at a time (their limit), so you always have some on hand. Avoid the cut flints, they are tough on your frizzen.

 

[B P Maniac Shooter]

This will help you get started too:

 

[Doug Fay]

Been in that situation - trackofthewolf.com supplied me with lots of the things I didn't even know I needed, such as patches, lead balls, powder flasks, cleaning supplies, and lots of other stuff. Finding where to buy powder took a while. I ended up getting it through powderInc.com.

 

[Baby Huey]

If your rifle is new you may want to clean it since the barrel may have some form of preservative inside. If you purchased a used rifle check to see if it is loaded.

 

[ADK Bigfoot]

Welcome to the forum, and the dizzying world of flintlocks.

Here is a club where I shot when I lived in NJ. https://www.shooting.org/ranges/new-jersey/gibbsboro/square-circle-sportsmen

I was in the N-SSA and our team shot there.

ADK Bigfoot