Flint lock question

[BrittB]

I wonder if I should consider a pistol first instead of a rifle? I'd hate to drop $400-$500 to find out that it's not my thing. A couple of days ago I was looking at a rifle and passed on it because I wasn't sure what they went for. Well called today and it was sold. I don't recall the brand but it did look like a Kentucky long rifle and it was .54 cal. and they wanted $250. I should have bought it!

[Mike Irwin]

What I'm taking from Pletcher's article is that it's pretty inconsequential how the powder is oriented in the pan because the times are so close as to be insignificant. And, neither method shows a clear and distinct advantage over the other.

[Gehrhard]

Really kwhi? Show us where Pletch demonstrates your pan loading as best. What he concluded was we shouldn't be packing a touchole and essentially that the flash lights the main charge, further supporting not covering the vent. Try it and improve your lock time!

And again, disclaimer, I have a connection with the video testing you reference...

[darkgael]

If I could have but one gun, it would be a Flint.

Absolutely.
Periodically, I think that I should sell all of my other guns and just keep the Flintlocks. (I haven't done that....I like guns too much.)
If I had to pick one gun, it'd be a Flintlock fowler......a truly versatile firearm.

About speed of ignition vis a vis caplocks and flintlocks.......if we have to go to high speed photography in order to discern the difference, then for all practical purposes, there is no difference.

Pete

[Gehrhard]

darkgael;
When you get to the level where locktime matters you DO notice these things, but, I agree, it really is just part of the art of shooting that particular arm. What I don't get is people who, um, ignore the truth and say the opposite becasue, well, I don't know why -- they take it personally becasue they are invested in one thing vs. another emotionally and financially so won't admit the obvious? There are SO many examples these days.

"Tacticool" this and "cheap surplus is the best" that, etc. Shouldn't be on a blackpowder forum IMO.

You can drive down Flatbush Ave. during daylight but don't walk it after dark -- somethings are just fact no matter how much you may not want them to be for whatever reason.

[darkgael]

Gehard: I beg to differ.....

you DO notice these things

No one notices a nanosecond's worth of difference. I am pretty sure that a human cannot recognize 1/100th second difference.
As to walking on Flatbush Ave., when was the last time that you were there? It is not a terribly far walk from my home. I suppose, though, it depends on how deep into the night that you are imagining.
Pete

[Gehrhard]

Sorry man, I can totally feel the differences between flint and caplocks. Usually when shooting for score or in competition. Its Zen! Some say they can feel the difference between inline and traditional caplock vents!

As for walking Flatbush Ave. at Midnight, well, sadly, it doesn't really much matter whether it is at the Gill Hodges or Manhattan Bridge, or anywhere else in between, anymore. To argue differently is like coming back to saying there is no difference between flints and caps -- it just isn't reality.

As for the OP -- find a decent enough flintlock and try it out!

[darkgael]

it doesn't really much matter whether it is at the Gill Hodges or Manhattan Bridge, or anywhere else in between

Smile. Just checking.....i was wondering whether you were talking through your hat, as some people do; turns out that you are not.
The discussion makes me want to haul both Caps and Flints to the range - and I probably will - just to see if I can discern a difference.
Flint guns, in any case, hold more of my interest - there is more romance there - perhaps the OP will find the same.
Pete

[kwhi43]

I just love all the arm chair experts on here that have no knowledge at
all of what happens in the real world. Keep it comming. You all really crack
me up.

[darkgael]

Despite the fact that Gerhard knows about Flatbush Ave. and the Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge, I continue to have a lot of trouble believing that any difference so small that it has to be captured by high speed photography can a) be detected amidst everything else that is happening as a shot breaks and b) that a difference that small can be meaningful.
Citing "lock time" - and some locks are faster than others, of course - is not the issue here. Speed of ignition is a separate quality, ignition occurring after the lock has done it's work. It is how much after that is the subject here.
Pete

[Gehrhard]

Actually, the topic was Britt here being interested in exploring the flintlock rifle aspect of the safe shooting sports hobby which I encourage more than changing train lines at Atlantic Avenue any time of any day...

...trust me dark, I know of what I speak!

As for khwi, Negative Nancys like him are why the best and brightest had to prove it thru the tests done.

[mykeal]

And people who call other people names establish their own lack of credibility.

[darkgael]

I apologize in advance for this hijack but....

which I encourage more than changing train lines at Atlantic Avenue any time of any day...

Huh? Which version of Brooklyn do you live in? For 30 years, I have been in and out, changed trains at that station. Never a problem.
When you say things like that, you do damage your credibility.

Pete

[Gehrhard]

Sorry again Darkgeal, Atlantic Ave. Station is the highest single robbery location in THE COUNTRY. It is known as Muggers Alley by the MTA for all the twisty, turney, connecting tunnels (some of which end up nowhere) between lines as well as the LIRR.

Alternatively, a flintlock is a thing of beauty and a joy forever Britt. Another big plus is they don't smell like urine 24/7/365. Enjoy!

[Mike Irwin]

We're not a subway/LIRR review forum. Let's keep it on topic, please.

[darkgael]

Mike: Yessir. Sorry...shoulda controlled myself.

Pete