What's the attraction

[hanshi]

I shoot and have done a great deal of hunting with cap locks. I own four. I prefer flints and enjoy complete success with them; I'm as confident hunting with one as I use to be with CF rifles. Truthfully, you either like them or you don't. Most do. I like having both but there is just "more" of the rifleman involved in setting up and shooting a flint lock. It take more attention to details, and more thought in the selection of shooting materials and equipment. Nothing wrong with having and liking both. There's a place and time for both.

 

[Grey Hawk]

My reasons are as follows: Caps and CF cartridges are finite, once they are expended the rifle or pistol is a club at best. HOWEVER, with a significant amount of flint chards in the raw form, (you must learn to knap), I can make sparks all day long. Then there is the powder (I will not be talking as to how much powder stock you should have on hand, thats your own call) then there is the lead (learn to cast your own balls and bullets) and the patch material in bulk from Wallyworld or your favorite fabric store. Basically I am saying I will always be able to make lead come out of my barrel. To challenge the most dangerous stump, or the wiley deer or elk.

I do own several cappers in both Rifle and Pistol form. But I also own several stone slappers as well and all in .50 or .54

My 2 cents

Grey Hawk

 

[Pete Gaimari]

I know what you're saying, but I can buy 1000 caps way faster than you can knap your flints. :grin: :grin:

I've always wanted to knap a flint. I like the little details like that.

 

[David W.]

Yes, but there's no HAZMAT on flints! :blah:

 

[Pete Gaimari]

You got me there. :surrender:

 

[dckcrk]

The challenge for me is that after 35 years of competitive shooting requiring the latest space gun each year the guns have become so perfect that there is very little challenge and nothing I can do but try to keep up with the expense. I needed something I could tinker with, something that would fail occasionally, something that was a challenge to get right. What I'm trying to say is I need that sense of accomplishment that hitting the target brings. It's just to darn easy with the modern rifles. Bring back the fun!

 

[luieb45]

For me it was the historical factor mostly and how a flintlock looks completely different than a modern gun. The caplock was only used briefly but flinters had been used for well over a hundred years. With all the caplock hawkens around even though from what I understand the mountain men didn't use caplocks much.

 

[Danbo]

Got two nipples, don't need any more.

 

[ebiggs1]

You sure got some rambling answers here so I will try to add another.
I think flintlock shooters love guns. Look at how many start with center fire, than percussion than flintlocks. They pretty much stay with flintlocks. I don't think many start with a flintlock (unless you are 200 years old) but possibly there are some. I think it has a lot to do with their looks. They are simply interesting. I also think you need to love the hunt for the hunt itself and not the ends. If I were on my way to Cortez soon, I would stop by and let you shoot one and “you would know!”

 

[Pete Gaimari]

For me it was the historical factor mostly and how a flintlock looks completely different than a modern gun. The caplock was only used briefly but flinters had been used for well over a hundred years. With all the caplock hawkens around even though from what I understand the mountain men didn't use caplocks much.

What do you call briefly?

 

[hanshi]

Got two nipples, don't need any more.

AHEM!

 

[David W.]

For me it was the historical factor mostly and how a flintlock looks completely different than a modern gun. The caplock was only used briefly but flinters had been used for well over a hundred years. With all the caplock hawkens around even though from what I understand the mountain men didn't use caplocks much.

What do you call briefly?

I think I'll answer that on Luie's behalf. The flintlock was around for about 200 years, whereas the cap lock from circa 1820 to no later than 1890. I would call that a breif period as compared to the flintlock.

 

[Pete Gaimari]

I guess i've only been on earth briefly? It sure feels like a long time.

 

[David W.]

Let's face it Capper. You're older than dirt, and so am I! :rotf:

 

[Pete Gaimari]

I'd take your age again with pleasure.

Wait until you see what happens to you in the next 10 years.

 

[David W.]

Thanks. I always look forward to statements like that.

Gene

 

[Pete Gaimari]

Glad to help out.

 

[August West]

I'm beginning to understand. My plans still include building my own gun. Flint or cap is a decision I still haven't made yet.

Let me say one thing unpopular.

It seems one thing in common with flint shooters is the challenge. The satisfaction of doing it the hard way and getting it right. I understand that, but in my life I like to carry that thought to everything. If you're trying to do everything the old way. If you're trying to hunt and shoot as it was done in the era of the gun you're shooting.

You won't hunt from a tree stand. Spot and stalk should be the way you hunt.

I'm just saying. :idunno:

Woods and game aren't the same as they were when flintlocks ruled. No more virgin forests and huge herds of deer, hunt on the ground if that is what pleases you but in the southeast your liable to not eat much venison.

I enjoy my flintlock but I enjoy my capbusters also. Truth to be told, my double 20 caplock gets used more than any of my other guns. Chris

 

[David W.]

I'm beginning to understand. My plans still include building my own gun. Flint or cap is a decision I still haven't made yet.

Let me say one thing unpopular.

It seems one thing in common with flint shooters is the challenge. The satisfaction of doing it the hard way and getting it right. I understand that, but in my life I like to carry that thought to everything. If you're trying to do everything the old way. If you're trying to hunt and shoot as it was done in the era of the gun you're shooting.

You won't hunt from a tree stand. Spot and stalk should be the way you hunt.

I'm just saying. :idunno:

Woods and game aren't the same as they were when flintlocks ruled. No more virgin forests and huge herds of deer, hunt on the ground if that is what pleases you but in the southeast your liable to not eat much venison.

I enjoy my flintlock but I enjoy my capbusters also. Truth to be told, my double 20 caplock gets used more than any of my other guns. Chris

Every deer I ever shot in Arkansas was shot by stalking (still hunting). I never saw the need for a deer stand or totin' it along. Just extra weight to carry. Maybe if I had my own private land and could leave the stand up all the time. Depending on what you call huge heards, I have seen 30 to 40 at one time.

 

[August West]

Sounds like I need to move to Arkansas. Chris