New to flintlocks, would like information and advice!

[stroud_21]

Hello, first time on the forum, I'm here because I'm a history nut, most notably the napoleonic wars, and fuedal Japanese history. I've always loved flintlocks, and never had any inclination towards modern firearms, my only shooting experience being weekends camping shooting a friends old bolt action .22 from the 30's. I've been thinking about purchasing and learning to operate a flintlock, and have been browsing through various muskets and pistols on http://militaryheritage.com/muskets.htm

I'm a rather big royal navy nut so I have been leaning towards the royal navy sea service musket. http://militaryheritage.com/musket12.htm

I have a couple basic questions, I live in British columbia on vancouver island, what kind of license do I need to aquire for these, I'm aware the vent hole isn't drilled but Ill be buying it with the intention to use it.

Secondly, I've been watching a number of video's, I realize these are smooth bore weapons, but they seem to toss a ball quite a ways for such old technology, what is the effective penetrating range of the average brown bess? I'm talking a range where you can still hit a target from rest position maybe the size of a person, 50 yards? 80 yards?

Where can I figure out the proper measurements and the type of powder to use? Will a place like island outfitters sell the proper old style powder or do I need to order it from somewhere?

Thanks for your help gentlemen, I'm making a bit of a leap here, I've been practicing Japanese swordsmanship since I was 14, and have more than my fair share of decent Katana, so a foray into firearms might broaden my horizons a bit!

Cheers, Ryan

 

[Loyalist Dave]

IF you are in Canada, you should approach these folks. Loyalist Arms and Repairs
Here is an exerpt from a reply to my email that I sent them last week...,
"They are fully functioning firearms made to fire live ammo ( ball and black powder), the touch whole is drilled. The frizzens have excellent spark.. Replacement parts are available. We warranty all moving parts for 6 months free replacement & labour, and all springs are warranted for one year."

LD

 

[Grullaguy]

Getting powder here in the Island can be a challenge. Some small shops sell it but storage and transportation is a problem so many stores do not carry it.
In the past our bp club bought GOEX in bulk from a Victoria blasting supplier and then divided it up among the members.
As well, a few months ago I was able to buy 22 lbs in a private deal at an excellent price. I then sold most of that powder to my muzzle loading club.
New, even more restrictive Canadian regulations are coming out this year which are sure to negatively affect the price and availability of real black powder even further. :td:
Depending on where you live, I am sure one or more of the Vancouver Island black powder shooters can help get you started. If you are mid-island, I am will be happy to help you out.

 

[Bob E]

Ryan, Smoothbores are a lot of fun to shoot. Dont underestimate thier performance either. I am an N-SSA shooter and we have team competitions with smoothbores, most commonly percussion and flints converted to percussion. At 25yds we are expected to be able to hit 4" breakable targets from the offhand position. At 50 yds the size increases to 6", still offhand. I personally am not in the upper echellon of shooters but I do get my share. These firearms are capable of consistently hitting infantrymen at 150 yds., especially in massed formations.
I would save my money until I could afford a quality gun that has been vented and proved. I realize that the price is right on the Indian made guns but you really do get what you pay for in safety and reliability. Just my opinion. Good Luck!! Bob E

 

[Zoar]

Laws on flintlock RIFLES / LONG GUNS and black powder is not bad at all in Canada. See here:

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/powder-poudre-eng.htm

I would not buy a flintlock rifle/ long gun made in India.

There are some great and truly quality flintlocks available from many other sources. Tennessee Valley Muzzleloading (TVM); Track Of The Wolf (.com); StonewallCreek Outfitters (.com) ...

There are so many shops that make or will sell you a KIT for a very nice flintlock rifle / long gun.

I would shop these online companies first before you pull the trigger on an India made rifle / long gun that needs to be drilled.

Go to Track Of The Wolf (where they have excellent photography and VAST selection) and start to drool over the really fine looking RIFLES / LONG GUNS they have.

A FLINTLOCK RIFLE or LONG GUN in Canada is not as big of a tadooo as some will make you believe. CARTRIDGE rifles and long guns / shotguns have a whole other set of challenges. Flintlocks as long as they are long guns--not bad at all.

Welcome to this forum! Your quest into FLINTLOCK Long Guns has just begun. Enjoy!

My advice---either build a RIFLE/SMOOTHBORE RIFLE from a KIT from above sources or have them build you one or buy one of their rifles that are built already.

 

[hanshi]

I'm with Zoar on this subject. There's no need to buy an Indian made flinter when the sources he gives are just exponentially better.

 

[Zoar]

Thanks hanshi!!!

Also---Ken, you can have any of those sources install the breech plug for you and even tap and install a vent then you will have some relatively easy work to do to make your own flintlock from a KIT and save money and get a great flintlock long gun.

Since you are into NAVY stuff why not start with a 4 gauge BLUNDERBUSS??? hahahahaaaaaaaaaaaa!

...just kidding... but a BROWN BESS will probably be right up your alley!

 

[Dean2]

Check out "The Shootist" from St Albert Alberta. He has a website and has a couple of decent flintlocks at reasonable prices. I bought a very nice custoem left hand one in 32 caliber from him and it shoots very well. He had right hand Lyman and one other Flinter last time I was in there.

 

[Zoar]

Hey stroud! What did you decide and/or where you are you at now with your thoughts on getting a flintlock after reading through the posts and seeing the links we all sent you to try to help you in your path?