Smoothbore musket flint not hitting frizzen at angle !

[webb116054]

I have a problem that I can not figure out how to solve ! I purchased a Belgain smooth bore musket and the flint hits the frizzen straight on and not at an angle, which breaks the flints. Also, the sparks go over the pan instead of into the powder charge , which prevents it from firing ! How hard will it be to heat and bend the hammer about 1/8 inch to make the flint hit at an angle ?

 

[david w]

Pictures would be helpful.

 

[Flint Striker]

I’d probably try a different sized flint, or turn the flint you have now so the bevel faces the other way.

 

[Bnewberry]

I have shimmed a flint with bits of leather to get the angle needed.

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

Turn the flint over

 

[Grenadier1758]

As some have said, shim the flint. A matchstick or short piece of leather thong under the flint at the jaw screw will often lower the striking edge of the flint lower for a better striking angle. It is an easy first approach to adjusting the striking angle.

 

[Brokennock]

I have a problem that I can not figure out how to solve ! I purchased a Belgain smooth bore musket and the flint hits the frizzen straight on and not at an angle, which breaks the flints. Also, the sparks go over the pan instead of into the powder charge , which prevents it from firing ! How hard will it be to heat and bend the hammer about 1/8 inch to make the flint hit at an angle ?

Some good "band-aid" suggestions above. I've used most of them.
In more direct answer to your question, my understanding is that it is not that difficult, but full disclosure = I have not done it myself.
I do have a gun that could use a little bit of similar adjustment. Currently I am using the flint bevel down and it helps,,, but I'm not having the drastic negative results you are.
I have two questions regarding the flintcock adjustment procedure for those who have done it that keep me from trying it.
First, what is the process of rehardening the spot that was heated and bent? If any.
Second. If I bend so the edge of the flint is pointed downward more, it will hit lower on the frizzen,,, can I stretch the flintcock upward then bend the jaws to point more downward in order to account for the lower flint edge? I would assume it can be done, but I don't have confidence that I could do it without messing something else up.

And as said above, pictures of the lock in question would help. Ideally 3 pictures, one at full cock, one at half, and one fully lowered.

 

[Flint Striker]

Another thing is try a different thickness of leather in the jaws around the flint, or try a thin sheet of lead.

 

[david w]

And as said above, pictures of the lock in question would help. Ideally 3 pictures, one at full cock, one at half, and one fully lowered.

Please show the cock (hammer) with the frizzen open at rest, and the frizzen closed at half, and full cock. It should include the flint and what you are using to hold the flint.

 

[TDM]

If you can't show photos, do as @Bnewberry and @Grenadier1758 said. I've found that using a slightly longer piece of leather allows you to double over one end which will change the angle of the flint quite a bit.

 

[Tom Compton]

A shorter flint will change the angle of attack. I notch my flint leathers to allow setting the flint further back in the jaws.

 

[Jason holgate]

Shim flint or use lead for leather