Unloaded my Flintlock

[BEP]

All of my firearms are loaded all the time. That's the mindset that I have. Even if I have an unmentionable opened up. that gun is loaded! My Dad drummed that into me from the time I was old enough to understand and from then on. Fortunately I listened to him. Even when I was in my teens and knew everything and he was questionable at best, I listened to him on that one subject. Leave them loaded, don't leave them loaded, it doesn't matter. They're all loaded.

 

[Trailblazer451]

One season I left my .54 cal. GPR loaded for a five day hunt in my deer blind. Unfortunately, I was using my very comfortable LP gas heater during daylight hours, and shut it off at night. At the end of the five day hunt, when I tried to fire it to empty, no bang. I wound up having to have help to pull the ball, and clean black powder sludge. I can only assume condensation got me from cold/warm/cold temp. changes. I now unload (fire) at the end of each day. The only good news was I never saw the big guy shooter with a gun that wouldn't shoot.

Condensation/moisture from LP heaters is legendary in the ice fishing community. Drying out poorly insulated shanties is a real issue, and dripping moisture can be a problem. More likely the heater than temperature cycling.

 

[N.Y. Yankee]

FIREARMS SAFETY RULE #1 : TREAT EVERY GUN AS IF IT IS LOADED! If everyone would just heed that rule, There wouldn't be very many accidental shootings.

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

I discharge at the end of each outing. Start each day with a clean bore and fresh powder. The problem I have is that if I leave it loaded no one else knows. All my stuff will be going to my Nephew in law should I be called Home. He would not know what I did with it last time I used it. And he also has young kids. Better off leaving a clean and ready to load flinter in storage. Its not like we face hostiles on a daily basis even then ball and powder would be a last resort. At times where I have fouled out do to in-climate weather It is taken home flushed out oiled and put away . Yup it has happened in spite of most careful efforts. I have used this practice and 99% percent of the time it barks when needed.
Just my 2Cnts....SM

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

Some say if you discharge at the end of the Day in your spot the deer will know your there. well I think that they know anyhow........

 

[mushka]

I'm with BEP on this one. I was taught from the git go that all guns are always loaded. I teach this mantra also. As for unloading a MZ gun on a hunting trip that is up to the hunter.

 

[rpatmuck]

I like to go to gun shows here in Texas and my interest is always in muzzle loaders. They are hard to sell and are bought at bargain prices most of the times. I bought a Thompson Center that had no ramrod and found out it was loaded when I checked it at home. I pulled the sabot and cleaned out all the powder and the bore was not hurt. I should have had a rod to check it. I carry one with me now!

 

[Sidney Smith]

A firearm is as dangerous as the shooter is cautious. The wise shooter leaves a marker such as a quill or toothpick or pipe cleaner in the flash hole, and or covers the frizzen. Some visual indicator of a loaded weapon. The dummy simply puts the gun away then forgets. Its as simple as that.

Once loaded my gun never comes back into the house. I leave it cased in our unheated garage on a table. This way no condensation forms from temperarure changes. Plus the fact that the gun is out there is an indicator in itself of a loaded firearm.

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

One can always use a mini tie wrap around the hammer leg as a visual reminder. When done cut it off.

 

[Archer 756]

No a smart shooter ALWAYS CHECKS a WEPON IS LOADED UNTILL PROVEN DIFFRENT

 

[Archer 756]

I must not speck English "THE FIRST RULE" One always assumes a fire arm is loaded until proven that is not LOADED

 

[sawyer04]

I wonder what they did back then

Held up hand in a greeting so the enemy would wait until pilgrim could get loaded. Big deal though,, the grizzly never learned hand language.

 

[Grumpa]

How much corrosion formed at the breech or is it erosion?

If the gun is loaded clean, no corrosion will form. If the gun is loaded after having been shot, then the residue from the previously burned blackpowder will draw moisture and corrosion. In the latter case, the gun will be fired, and cleaned, at the end of the day.

When the loaded flintlock is in the house, the ramrod is in the barrel, indicating the gun is loaded. There is a wooden pick in the vent hole.
First Rule of Gun Safety: "All guns are loaded, until you determine otherwise."

Richard/Grumpa

 

[Sen36cal]

Always unload the muzzle loader clean up and ready for the next time habitat I guess!!

 

[Brokennock]

A un loaded gun is a safe gun unless you use it has a club,

Exactly, an unloaded gun is useless, except as a club. All guns are loaded, and are to be treated as such, period.

So leaving it loaded is no more dangerous than leaving your kitchen knives in an unlocked drawer or gas in one's chainsaw.
If someone is going to do something stupid,,,,, let 'em, there are too many stupid people...

 

[Art Caputo]

Mine are left loaded during the season unless the rifle is subjected to moisture. A feather is placed in the touch hole when retired and left in a loaded state.

 

[Feltwad]

Exactly, an unloaded gun is useless, except as a club. All guns are loaded, and are to be treated as such, period.

So leaving it loaded is no more dangerous than leaving your kitchen knives in an unlocked drawer or gas in one's chainsaw.
If someone is going to do something stupid,,,,, screw it, let 'em, there are too many stupid people...

Sir I am not stupid and there is no way I would leave a gun loaded
Feltwad

 

[Sidney Smith]

Let me know where you idiots that leave your guns loaded are hunting and I'll stay away .I'm sure you guys will do other dumb stuff.

Do you have a self defense firearm in your home? Guess you leave that unloaded too!

Think me an idiot all you want. I dont care what you think of me.

 

[SOLANCO]

Everything is unloaded except for the 1911 by my bed and the bb gun we use to discourage squirrels at the bird feeders.
When the grandkids come the 1911 goes in a safe and they get lessons with the bb gun.

 

[PathfinderNC]

A lot of insults flying around in this thread. Folks need to try being more polite. This is our community for sharing not attacking.