New Shooter needs help

Gentlemen
On an impulse, I just ordered a Cabelas Kentucky Flintlock rifle. I have zero experience with flinters. I do hunt with an inline percussion.
I would really appreciate any help and advice you can give me as to how to care for and feed this gun.
I don't know what to expect in the way of accuracy, and what's more, I don't even know how good this thing really is. As I said, it was an impulse buy, and the price was within my budget.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Twees

 

[riarcher]

Been awhile since I had a flinter (but getting anouther,, soon).
If you have patience, you're way better off. I had a .45 Kentucky back in the mid 70's. It was converted to cap and I regretted it almost right off. Things were different then, no internet for one, and quality and properly sized flints were difficult to locate.
Look around here and on the smoothbore site and you'll get lots of info to start answering your questions. When you get to more specific areas, ask away.
I'm definately not up to date on flints like many others here (becoming a re-convert myself) but, there are many who are and have helped me on my decision.
Good luck,,,,, and enjoy.

 

It would be a good thing to weed through all of the flintlock post titles - much of the help and assistance you'll need is already here. Any further help necessary, just ask.
: Check out Track of the Wolf for tools, parts and flints. Theyv'e been good to deal with, for me.
Daryl forTrackclickhere

 

[roundball]

FYI, I've listed a number of good Internet sites / articles that might be helpful getting started.
Also, at the top of this forum there's a category called Muzzleloading Links...scroll down and you'll see a section called 'Special Interests'...there's some good ones in that section also.

http://home.att.net/~semencic/firstgun.htm

http://www.hunting101.com/gunsandbows/muzzle/the%20complete%20hunter%20muzzleloading001.htm

http://www.98.net/ibha/flint1.htm

http://members.aye.net/~bspen/flintlockfaq.html

http://blackpowderhunting.org/flint1.htm#top

http://www.mafseminars.com/Flintlock.htm

http://members.aol.com/illinewek/index.htm

 

[Zonie]

I have to agree with the others.
At this stage of the game, you need to just sit back and read the posts made during the last 6 months or so. Look for those with the word "new" or "newbie" as they usually deal with exactly your situation.

Although there are many differences between your In Line and the Flinter, the only one which really stands out in my mind is the flinter will want to burn Black Powder only.
None of the newer powders will give the almost instant ignition your new gun is fully capable of.
Yes, I know there are a lot of people who joke about how slow a flintlock is between the trigger pull and the actual firing but they have been watching too many movies or watching someone who didn't know how to prime the pan.

The "Kentucky Rifle" I'm looking at in the Cabela's catalog is a 1/48 twist. This is a compromise twist that will shoot both round balls and the shorter maxi-balls etc with fair accuracy. With a load that "your" gun likes, (each one is a little different) you should be able to get 2 inch or smaller groups at 50 yards.

I know you will not regret buying your new gun!! I wish more people would buy a flintlock on impulse.
Welcome to the world of the flintlock. If you have any questions at all be sure to post them.

 

[Oregonjohn]

Hey Tweesdad. I have a .50 Kentucky that I got in percussion from Cherry's. I changed it out for a new flint lock....t'was so easy....It even worked when I finished. Now, one thing about that Kentucky....it's got a "Roman Nose" kinda stock. Be careful of your cheek weld to stock. Don't get up over it too much or it will give you a good shot right up under the cheek with a stout load. Now, I just use mine to punch paper and the occasional trail shoot and have found that .55 grains of 3f works just fine. I also prime with 3f, use a .490 round ball patched with drill cloth from JoAnns...(think i'ts about .015 thick), lube the patch with Lehigh Lube. Again, watch yer cheek on that stock.
Good luck with makin' sparks....it's the way to have some real fun (read that ongoing challenge with many variables) but well worth it.
All the best,
John in Coos Bay

 

Thanks to you all. Now all I have to do is learn all there is to know about loading and priming the piece. This should take about a week. Yeah, right. All kidding aside, this looks like it is going to be fun. My intention is to take it deer hunting next fall, so I hope I can handle the steep learning curve. Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. If worse comes to worse, it will still look good over the fireplace.