Percussion to Flintlock Conversion

[Toofer1Special]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to the forum and also new to the world of muzzle loaders. I recently acquired an old percussion rifle that needs a little TLC and restoration. I was wondering if it's possible to convert from percussion to flintlock? Could I use the current lock plate that is on the rifle or would I need to get a new lock plate for conversion? I have included pics to help in figuring this out. Thank you for any info and help.

 

[necchi]

Well it's possible, but,,
A ton of work. It's not an easy swap,, there's no plug-n-play here.
You have to remove that drum and insert a "flash hole liner" or in some way make that big hole into a small one that's centered in the bore and flush with the barrel.
You will have to get a different lock plate. The "pan" of a flint lock (where you place the primer powder) is an "as cast" section of the lock plate.
You'll need something like this;
https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/724/1/LOCK-OS-FL-RH
You have to consider the geometry of the old vs new lock, will the lock sear arm be in a correct position for the existing triggers?

Then once the plate is precisely positioned to center the "flash hole" to the pan, the plate needs to be shaped to fit the lock plate mortise,, holes will need to be drilled and tapped for the existing lock plate bolts (another geometry issue as those bolts cannot interfere with the locks internal workings)
,, then that entire plate needs to be inlet so that the pan contacts the barrel,, there can be NO gap.
And then,,,,
,, get it? A ton of work,,
Thank's for checking in here, and Welcome to the forum,

 

[The Appalachian]

The upside is, it's common consensus that converting a percussion to flint is easier than the other way around. Match up a flash hole liner to your existing thread and find a lock that will give you the least amount of work to position it correctly. You need your pan and trigger assembly to work with what the liner and the trigger set dictates. It would be easier if you decide to leave it flint after the conversion. That frees you up to inlet a little larger or slightly different lock plate and not being forced to match the percussion lock plate. There are lock plate kits you can build that can be shaped as required.

My advice though, given your "new" to it circumstances. Restore that old thing in its present state of ignition and enjoy an old caplock. A stock refinish and maybe redo the metal.

Then find a flint kit and build it. A Chambers or Kibler would teach you a LOT about how they go together, and you'll be a much happier camper when you finish it up.

 

[ohio ramrod]

Can it be done? Yes! Is it worth the work? Probably not, considering all of the details and parts needed to buy. I would restore it in percusion and enjoy. Buying a Flintlock could be no more cost than converting by the time you are done.

 

[Sooty Scot]

Welcome to black powder shooting. It's an endlessly interesting rabbit hole to explore.

Since you say you are new to BP, I'll restate this important factor.
Before you plan to restore/replace the lock, answer two basic questions: 1) Is it loaded? A surprising number of old- and repro firelocks are found still loaded. 2) What is the condition of the bore. If it's deeply pitted, especially at the breech,it may not be safe to fire unless the barrel is lined.

I don't intend this to undermine your interest; only to help you avoid the deeper mud, as the other replies have.
Have fun restoring it, if only as a wall hanger. It'll be a good intro and better practice if you decide to build a kit.

 

[Feltwad]

Just restore the gun has it is a flintlock to percussion converting them back to flintlock is wrong it dismantles the history of the gun .This is done by some for one purpose that is financial gain they do not give a dam about the guns history or their heritage they are just butchers and not muzzle loaders. This reply will make a number of members comment but to them I say {We hold them in trust and a gun history for those that come after us } So leave them be
Feltwad