Well I've taken Squirrel, Rabbit and Turkey with my 20ga smoothbore. So far the wily deer has not fallen to it though I have taken deer with my 40 and 58cal flinters.I was set to change this early this week. It was raining here in SE Tn when I walked to the food plot and got into the blind. On the walk in I made sure to keep the lock under my arm pit, Settled into the blind which has a small overhang and started the wait.
About 1hr later a small Doe (50lbs) came in and started feeding .About 45min later a very large Doe (150+) showed up and headed my way feeding as she walked ever closer. She was about 20yrds from me when I decided to shoot. I leveled the front sight behind her Lt front leg and pulled the trigger.
I was not rewarded as usual with a large shower of sparks and billowing smoke at the pan and muzzle. What I caught in the corner of my eye was a rather anemic spark or two. I was shocked as this lock usually sparks like a July 4th sparkler.
The two Deer stood awhile after the very loud to me Klaaaatch :shocked2: .I thought my primer may have become wet but not so as I was fumbling about to reprime I found my flint very loose!!!! :redface: I guess the Deer saw the movement and left with the notorious white flags a waving.
I reflected on this a time and realized I'd not gone completely through my ritual that morning of checking the screw on the flint along with the other things I do.I was overly concerned with "keeping my powder dry" and forgot another important Flintlock rule. Flints must be tight :surrender:
I'm sharing my misfortune and embarrassment so that others will be spared this kind of issue.For several years this SB has only failed to fire 2-3 times and always as a result of my inattention. So it was this week.
I'm taking a couple of days off then I'll be taking Miz Maureen back to the woods to redeem her and my reputation @ the hunting club
About 1hr later a small Doe (50lbs) came in and started feeding .About 45min later a very large Doe (150+) showed up and headed my way feeding as she walked ever closer. She was about 20yrds from me when I decided to shoot. I leveled the front sight behind her Lt front leg and pulled the trigger.
I was not rewarded as usual with a large shower of sparks and billowing smoke at the pan and muzzle. What I caught in the corner of my eye was a rather anemic spark or two. I was shocked as this lock usually sparks like a July 4th sparkler.
The two Deer stood awhile after the very loud to me Klaaaatch :shocked2: .I thought my primer may have become wet but not so as I was fumbling about to reprime I found my flint very loose!!!! :redface: I guess the Deer saw the movement and left with the notorious white flags a waving.
I reflected on this a time and realized I'd not gone completely through my ritual that morning of checking the screw on the flint along with the other things I do.I was overly concerned with "keeping my powder dry" and forgot another important Flintlock rule. Flints must be tight :surrender:
I'm sharing my misfortune and embarrassment so that others will be spared this kind of issue.For several years this SB has only failed to fire 2-3 times and always as a result of my inattention. So it was this week.
I'm taking a couple of days off then I'll be taking Miz Maureen back to the woods to redeem her and my reputation @ the hunting club
