TRR said:
. . .
My question is: Is there anything I can still do to get my gun to shoot consistantly and if so would it be cost effective? Someone suggested a "White Lighting" vent liner may help? I really don't have the cash to invest in a quality firearm right now and I really have enjoyed shooting (when it goes off). Any thoughts?
I got in on this late and went back to your original question so I wouldnt's waste your time. Since your lock flashes and your barrel doesn't ignite, the vent hole is the likely problem. I don't think anyone asked where it is located. Conventional wisdon says it should not be too low. Most folks like them level with the pan top. If your vent is lower than that, you need to be certain that you don't cover it when adding priming powder.
Traditions did not use a liner so you have a straight cylinder hole unless a previous owner played with this. That means a fairly long vent hole. Since you are looking for a fix that isn't expensive, here are a few things to try.
1. vent diameter -- take a 1/16" and try it in the hole. You may need to remove the lock to do this especially if the hole is low. If a 1/16 bit is tight or won't fit, you have found a good bit of the problem. A 5/64" bit is an easy size to get, is probably as large as I'd try; in fact there are numbered bits available inbetween 1/16 and 5/64. A trip to the local hardware can get you a couple. I'd enlarge the hole gradually and fire the rifle between each try. My experience is that around .070" (no. 50 bit) you will find good ignition. Go to 5/64 if it is necessary, but work up to it. The vertical location of the vent may make the 5/64 unnecessary.
2. long vent -- The larger hole will help; maybe that's all you need. However, an exterior cone will shorten the vent without any expensive modification. A plain counter sink will work. Take a little at a time.
3. Keeping the vent clean -- there are many answers here. Some shooters use a vent pick; I like using a pipe cleaner before reloading. My reason for this goes back to an experience I had when timing vent holes for MuzzleBlasts in 2000. I had a cleanout screw in my test barrel directly opposite the vent. Between sessions I was cleaning the barrel, when I looked through the cleanout and saw a huge piece of crud lodged in the vent. I went after it with a vent pick while looking through the cleanout. The pick pushed the crud out of the vent and into the barrel. But---when the pick was withdrwan, the crud was redeposited back in the vent. I went to a pipe cleaner since then.
Suggestions about using a pick after loading have been offered. I've gone both ways on this. I'd suggest finding what your gun likes. I don't want to give an opinion picks because I can't back it with numbers.
These mods should make a big difference in igniting the barrel. You didn't mention having trouble with the lock, so I will only say that paying attention to the little things will pay off as you learn the gun. Each is different and you will learn what your gun likes. Shooting a flint gun well is a continous learning experience.
The above is offered, looking toward an inexpensive solution. Installing a vent liner casts a little more but could be less frustrating.
Regards,
Pletch