Just got into BP shooting/hunting this year with a Traditions cap lock. I was able to get a pound of Goex ffg this summer and some caps. Got bite by the BP bug and was itching for a flint lock next. Now with goex going out I feel like I missed the boat. Even with the ffg I have, I would need fffg for the pan. Should I just move on , wait it out, or go all in ?
Should I just forget about a flintlock now ?
- Thread starter kyron4
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I think you'd be OK going forward with the flintlock. FFFFg is often the last powder to be out of stock. And it'll be imported so some will be available. One pound will likely last a lifetime just used in pan.
See Grafs is out of everything but FFFFg. Expensive with Hasmat but available.
https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/17008
And, any larger granulation can be made smaller.
243winxb
Member
Unless there is a hunting season for "flintlocks only"
My T/C Hawken 45 flintlock is a fine shooting gun. But the cost of flints is crazy. Never as reliable as percussion.
Safety Note- A small chip off a flint can be propelled by gas/pressure from the flash hole. Do not stand in its path.
I was standing shooting pistol about 10 feet from the Lyman flintlock. The chip hit me just above the left eye. Caused bleeding. Could have lost an eye, if a little lower.
A freak accident.
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Armored farmer
Member
With all due respect to caplock shooters, I dispute the idea that a quality flintlock isn't as reliable as a caplock.
I have several cspguns and one flinter that is by far my favorite rifle.
Imho a properly tended flintlock is every bit as reliable as a caplock.
Eye protection is a must with either caplock or flint. Shards of caps are dangerous too.
I'm not picking on @243winxb , just have a different opinion after becoming accustomed to a flinter.
My experience with our bp club is that most ignition problems are often caused by pushing fouling into the flash channel when wiping your barrel.
If you plan on buying a cheap gun, cheap flints, using improper powder in the pan, and shooting rapid fire.....then no. Just enjoy the caplock.
I have several cspguns and one flinter that is by far my favorite rifle.
Imho a properly tended flintlock is every bit as reliable as a caplock.
Eye protection is a must with either caplock or flint. Shards of caps are dangerous too.
I'm not picking on @243winxb , just have a different opinion after becoming accustomed to a flinter.
My experience with our bp club is that most ignition problems are often caused by pushing fouling into the flash channel when wiping your barrel.
If you plan on buying a cheap gun, cheap flints, using improper powder in the pan, and shooting rapid fire.....then no. Just enjoy the caplock.
Jackrabbit1957
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Armored Farmer is right on the mark, a well tuned flintlock is both reliable and fun. You do not need 4f powder for the pan, what you carry in the horn or flask will do nicely. The Brits didn't carry priming powder during the Revolutionary War, paper cartridges were used with whatever granulation of powder was popular at the time. The end of the cartridge was torn off, a small amount of powder was put in the pan and the rest went down the barrel. I load my flinters pretty much the same way, I stopped carrying separate powders a long time ago.
mmb617
Member
I don't think the price of flints is crazy. I pay less than $2 each and one flint usually lasts for 50 shots minimum, so that would be less than 4 cents per shot. I've had one flint last for as many as 120 shots.
I've never shot a cap gun but everything I've read leads me to believe that reliability is roughly equal between them and flinters. How well the shooter knows his gun has a lot to do with it's reliability.
Powder availability going forward is a question mark though. I think there will be a drought but it will eventually end. Prices will be up when it does, but that's true with everything now.
I've never shot a cap gun but everything I've read leads me to believe that reliability is roughly equal between them and flinters. How well the shooter knows his gun has a lot to do with it's reliability.
Powder availability going forward is a question mark though. I think there will be a drought but it will eventually end. Prices will be up when it does, but that's true with everything now.
I have to agree with Jackrabbit1957 and Armored farmer. A tuned flintlock is just as reliable and a fast as a percussion lock gun. Granted there are more variables involved with loading and shooting a flint lock, and the need for real black powder, but with proper care they are very reliable. I am sure that real black powder will still be available to U.S. customers for awhile at least.
Shanghai McCoy
Member
BP shooting is very popular in Europe and I'm guessing the Swiss will ramp up in time.
The cut flints,(which are agate BTW..), are expensive and not very reliable.
Actual English black flint or French amber flints work well in a good lock and give fast ignition if all is tuned properly.
I carry 3F in the horn and use it for priming and loading all my muzzle loaders, up to 62 caliber.
The cut flints,(which are agate BTW..), are expensive and not very reliable.
Actual English black flint or French amber flints work well in a good lock and give fast ignition if all is tuned properly.
I carry 3F in the horn and use it for priming and loading all my muzzle loaders, up to 62 caliber.
Jackrabbit1957
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I think I've gotten more shots out of the cut agate rocks over the English flints, plus I can re sharpen them on a diamond wheel and get a few more shots.
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You can prime the pan with the same powder you use for the barrel. Remember the 18th Century soldier primed from his paper cartridge and after snapping the frizzen (battery/steel/hammer) shut, poured the remainder of the powder down the barrel.
It wasn't until the late 18th Century (1797) that you can find images of soldiers with a priming flask. They was the British riflemen of the Royal Americans 5/60 and later 95th. I certain that the German jagers from whom the 5/60 were drawn from did so too.
It wasn't until the late 18th Century (1797) that you can find images of soldiers with a priming flask. They was the British riflemen of the Royal Americans 5/60 and later 95th. I certain that the German jagers from whom the 5/60 were drawn from did so too.
Notwithstanding the (good & valuable 
) commentary above, take (wooden) rolling pin and roll/grind 2 tbs of whatever powder you have to finer granulation on piece of wood/plank.
No big deal, does ignite faster (dare I say flame front hotter?), and a staple for fast ignition
) commentary above, take (wooden) rolling pin and roll/grind 2 tbs of whatever powder you have to finer granulation on piece of wood/plank.No big deal, does ignite faster (dare I say flame front hotter?), and a staple for fast ignition
earlthegoat2
Member
I see no difference in reliable ignition, assuming the proper steps are taken for each, but I think there is faster lock time/ignition with priming powder.
That said, I don’t use it. I use 3F in everything up to the 58 cal I have and would use it in 62 as well as in the pan of flintlocks.
Mike Beliveau ( @duelist1954 ) has a good video series on flintlocks and addresses a lot of the misconceptions on flintlock reliability.
That said, I don’t use it. I use 3F in everything up to the 58 cal I have and would use it in 62 as well as in the pan of flintlocks.
Mike Beliveau ( @duelist1954 ) has a good video series on flintlocks and addresses a lot of the misconceptions on flintlock reliability.
Mike OTDP
Member
Go for the flintlock. The current powder shortage is more a result of panic buying than anything else.
JeffG
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My flintlocks are reliable and fun! I gave up caplocks years ago for them. Matter of preference, I guess. I don't use different priming powder, 3F for everything, and my ignition is plenty quick. Buy 5 pounds of powder, pay the HAZMAT and be done, no worries.
Armored farmer
Member
If you're going to shoot a flintlock, it is for the enjoyment of the sport. They are more beautiful and interesting than any other rifle to my eyes.
Armored farmer
Member
Maybe make it seven...
243winxb
Member
So true.
I used T/C flints , not the best available, so i was told. I used 3F in pan & down the tube.
Armored farmer
Member
I have always used 4f to prime with. We have an active club and someone is always placing an order, or traveling somewhere for powder or other supplies.
toivo
Member
That's some beautiful wood. What's the make and model of that flintlock?
.38 Special
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I have used just about everything for pan priming and agree that as long as it is real BP, it all works. Having said that, I have noticed significant improvement in speed and reliability with Swiss Null B and use it exclusively for pan priming. (Here is an article on the topic, for unbelievers.) It does depend somewhat upon the gun - I have noticed more improvement with lesser quality locks - but Null B has been more-or-less superior in all my guns.
The good news is that not only does a half pound bottle last forever, but it still remains available even from some suppliers who don't have anything else in stock. I personally believe that a flintlock is actually the most sensible firearm purchase during these tiresome times.
The good news is that not only does a half pound bottle last forever, but it still remains available even from some suppliers who don't have anything else in stock. I personally believe that a flintlock is actually the most sensible firearm purchase during these tiresome times.
Armored farmer
Member
That is a custom made early Lancaster style .45 it is the 62nd rifle build of my long-time friend and mentor. It is compiled of a Green Mountain barrel, Siler lock, and full length fancy curly maple blank.(lock, stock, and barrel). Various other parts were ordered by the builder from (iirc) Muzzleloader Builder's Supply.
A glimpse inside the rifle makers tiny shop
AlexanderA
Member
The powder shortage is going to be solved before the gun shortage is. If you can find a flintlock gun that you like, for a good price, buy it even if you can't get the appropriate powder. The situation will correct itself.
A properly tuned flintlock will shower sparks into the pan as soon as the flint moves the frizzen. Those sparks should ignite your prime before the cock finishes its swing. A percussion hammer needs to complete its swing before it can ignite the cap so the flintlock will actually be faster.
Kevin
Kevin
I have no clue where you get your pie in the sky optimism. Have you folks missed the fact that Hodgdon just closed the GOEX plant, ending black powder production in the US? Guess you didn't notice who's running the country either.
Dave
Rockrivr1
Member
Never underestimate someone's ability to make a dollar when there is a need in the Market. Hell, worse comes to worse you can always make your own black powder. The recipe is simple if you have the time to put it together.
As to the OPs question. Get the flintlock. They are more fun then you realize.
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