Shot a flintlock for the first time a few days ago

[BriR]

I have only fired my percussion lock rifles since starting muzzleloading 37 years ago. I decided I needed a flintlock, and had John Bergmann build this Edward Marshall rifle from Jim Chambers.



I took it out Sunday and shot this group at 50 yards with 110 gr of FFg, a .15 pillow ticking patch, TOTW mink oil, and a .570 ball. I actually had another target before this one in which I shot 3 balls into the same spot as those lower two in the photo. I'd like it to shoot a bit higher, so I plan on filing the front sight some more, but was pressed for time and wanted it good to go for the upcoming hunting season.



Having never shot a flintlock before, I'll have to admit that it took a couple of shots for me to not flinch a bit, but after a few, I got it down and concentrated on the target. My last couple of shots didn't spark enough to set off the powder in the pan, so I had to recock and fire again. Last night I changed out the flint, and initially thought I was getting only 4 or 5 sparks when I dry fired it, but I used my smart phone to record it, then went frame by frame by pausing and starting the video to get these screen shots. I'd say I've got it sparking pretty good!







I've got to say, shooting a flintlock sure is a lot of fun! There's just something really cool about using a rock to strike metal and set off a bit of powder in a pan that a percussion rifle just doesn't have!

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Rot ro ... NICE rifle and great shooting! Welcome to the 'rock' side! Now if like me ... you'll be selling your caplocks and will soon have various caliber rock locks in your collection!

 

[majg1234]

Rock locks rock :rotf: :redface:

 

[Spikebuck]

John does really nice work...looks like he did a great job on your rifle. :thumbsup:

Looking into my crystal ball, I see more flintlocks in your future!!! :grin:

 

[Silky921]

Sparks as well as it looks. Welcome to the good guys side.

 

[Ohio Joe]

Nice rifle and good shooting. :thumbsup:

 

[simonbeans]

P-guns will never catch on.

 

[Tom Compton]

FLINTLOCKS and ROUNDBALLS ..... The original 'Rock and Roll' !!!

I believe it was Patrick F. McManus who coined the phrase "A fine and pleasant misery" referring to a canoe. I find it appropriate to flinters. Enjoy.
TC

 

[Critter Getter]

Nice! Greg :wink:

 

[Alden]

Very good.

 

[don hepler]

Flints....flints.....flints, they are the ticket to consistent firing. Pick good ones that are consistent in size and shape. Keep them sharp. Keep them clean, as well as the pan and frizzen.
Keep them tight. Think in terms of shaving, the flint must shave the frizzen, just at an angle like a razor.

Looks like it's sparking good now, so take note of the flint and it's position.

I shoot regularly with 9 or 10 shooters and in the 4 or 5 meetings so far, not a single fail to fire. One meeting it rained all morning, and the only delay that I heard was once my rifle was just soupy with moist fowling, and I guess, I just didn't get it dry and clean, like I should have.

Welcome to the rock locks. Nice rifle.

 

[BriR]

Thanks guys for the kind remarks. The flint I used was a Tom Fuller English flint, 7/8 X 1", ordered from TOTW. So far I've been impressed.

The Wisconsin gun deer season opener is this Saturday morning. I've got lots of high powered rifles in bolt action, pump, semi-auto, etc. and I even purchased a 308 AR last January that shoots 1/2" MOA. But I'm pretty sure I'm going to use this rifle on Saturday!

 

[kh0456]

Very nice rifle and grouping!
You're like me... I just got my first flint this past January after building (from CVA kits) and shooting cap locks since the late 70's. Now that's all I want to shoot in the flint!

Anyway, enjoy that beautiful rifle!

 

[hanshi]

That rifle is beautiful and obviously very accurate. You are now addicted. :hatsoff:

 

[Grenadier1758]

You poor fellow. Expect to suffer through 20 to 30 years of shooting that rifle.

This is one addiction that can be quite enjoyable.

 

[MSW]

that's great shooting, and a very pretty rifle.

now you officially turned to the dark side. to paraphrase the little green star wars fellow, 'once rocks banged have you, forever will they dominate your range time.'

keep the AR-10 (you might need it) but you'll probably be selling off the other stuff to finance the new flintlock ... I'm up to, let's see, do I count the stuff 'under construction?...' one, two, and another and another... ninety nine rifle and guns on the wall, ninety nine rifles and guns, take one down, pass it around ... NO-PUT THAT BACK!!

:metoo:

 

[BriR]

I actually did a flintlock version of a 1911 "idiot mark," for those familiar with that, when I installed the flint. After I clamped the flint moderately tight, I lowered the hammer very slowly to check clearance with the barrel. Well, I had the flint just a hair too close and actually shaved a little portion of the edge of the barrel as I let it down. I guess that goes to show just how sharp a flint is!

 

[19 16 6]

flintlock version of a 1911 "idiot mark,"

I've got that mark on my rifle. :metoo: :haha:
O.

 

[texcl]

Mine as well, lol