Getting started with flintlock

[Kanzenbach1]

I've been looking at getting into something different, and that something that stuck out was flintlock shooting. But I already ran into some problems the more knowledgeable would be able to help out with. The musket I've been looking at is the Model 1777 French musket (I think). Though when I look for replicas how can I be sure that a replica is a "working" replica and not a "wall hanger"? Could someone point me in the right direction?
And on a second note, what exactly are all the accessories needed to get started, minus the rifle? Thanks.

 

[BCRider]

If it's made in India, Pakistan or some other south or southeast Asian country then it's likely that it comes to you without the touch hole drilled. And from all I've learned it is better left that way if you want to shoot actual lead out of it.

The other stuff is OK for low charges shooting paper wads for re-enactment. But even then they are generally roughly made. I've seen a couple in person and they are best hung over a fire place.

What supplier and firearm brand are you considering? That might help us help you far more quickly and with better assurance.

Reading the black powder sticky at the top of the forum has a lot of good stuff as well on the kit you'll need. If it's not in there come back and ask.

Something to keep in mind that I picked up from the folks I shoot BP rifles with is that smoothbore accuracy to some extent relies on moving that ball out FAST! So they tend to use larger charges of powder than the rifled bores. No light charges possible for anyone that is recoil shy unless you want to see the pattern spread out. For example I believe that one smoothbore guy said he was using 90 or 100 gns for a .67 bore with patched round ball. It's been a while though so I may be mistaken on the amount.

Myself I've been having a blast and recently got my second rifled flintlock. The new one is a delight to shoulder with the swamped barrel and shoots pretty accurately for a first time out without any chance to test for optimum patch thickness or powder charge yet.

 

[Malachi Leviticus Blue]

Pedersoli is one of the better mass marketed options
They are meant to be fired and generally attempt to be historically accurate. They are better than average and plentiful.

 

[MEHavey]

Are you [the OP] deliberately aiming for a revolutionary war/Brown
Bess contemporary smoothbore, or is a flintlock rifle an option ?

A flint rifle tends to be a lot more flexible, and far less of a hog for both powder & lead.

to wit:
- My 50 cal rifle uses a 180gr ball and ~61gr 3Fg. Range: 100yds/3" groups
- My 75 cal Brown Bess ball runs 600gr, and doesn't wake up under a 100gr of 2Fg. Range: 50yds/5-6"groups and pretty much falls apart after that.


In either case, you need a priming flask ($13), powder can cap with valve ($12), ball starter, Creedmore steel cleaning rod, proper cleaning jag, 15 gauge solid copper/aluminum wire for vent hole pick, and a starter-dozen Tom Fuller flints. (See Trackofthewolf.com) ... and oh yes, real black powder.

 

[Kanzenbach1]

Thanks for the info BCRider. I am checking out the Model 1777 French infantry musket from the website 'militaryheritage.com'. And this one appears to not have its vent hole drilled yet.

 

[MEHavey]

Move over to Pedersoli:
http://www.davide-pedersoli.com/tipologia-prodotti.asp/l_en/idt_47/rifles-1777-revolutionnaire.html

Nothing, absolutely nothing, will frustrate you more than a poor shooting-quality flintlock.
You will tear your hair out.

 

[Mike OTDP]

Yup. A good flintlock is a delight...a bad one is a nightmare. This isn't a good time to go for the lowest bidder.

 

[BCRider]

I know that their prices are tempting. But you're likely going to get a VERY bad taste from such firearms that'll sour you on the experience.

Traditions seems to have a reputation for being about the lowest cost option that is reasonably reliable when it comes to flinters. Going upscale you find Lyman's Great Plains Rifle. And from there the sky is just about the limit. Pedersoli makes nice stuff for sure. And then there's the domestic companies that sell kits or completed arms such as Track of the Wolf. I'd like to offer other options but they are not coming up on Google for me. But folks here have listed them in the past so I'm sure they'll be along in a moment or three.

Given the site you're looking at I'm also going to take a stab at guessing that you're in Canada like me. If so then Marstar carries a number of the Pedersoli guns. And I've seen Epps listing the Lyman rifles in both percussion and flint before as well.

 

[Patocazador]

Even a good flintlock with a quality lock and barrel can have idiosyncracies that sometimes frustrates a shooter.
A piece of Indian junk is just that .. JUNK. Stay away. Save your money until you can afford a good one, preferably by a custom maker.

 

[another pake]

Kazenbach1, the world of black powder and primitive shooting sports certainly qualifies as something different. Once you walk through that door, watch out, you might never come back.

There is a wealth of help available to you as well. On line groups dedicated to that specific area of interest are numerous and welcome newcomers. And local clubs exist in nearly every area of this country. Nothing beats hands on learning. Those folks enthusiastically share their acquired knowledge with others. So whether you're into historical re-enactment, bp shooting, or even learning to build your own smoke pole, help is available.

Good Luck... and "keep your powder dry."

 

[Kanzenbach1]

Thanks a lot for the info guys, I guess ill saddle up and save a little bit more for the Pedersoli. Now I just need to find someone who sells these muskets in the US...

 

[Loyalist Dave]

They are sold by Dixie Gun works, and Cabelas.

When it comes to the stuff made in India, there are some good ones, and not so good ones. If they come without a touch hole, I don't like them because You are the one converting them over to firing condition. I much prefer them coming ready to shoot... and the ones that I have fired, shoot well and function well.

Now, a flintlock musket, even if you have it custom made from parts from the Rifle Shoppe.... is a spear that is designed to shoot. No, really, the idea behind them was the bayonet was the primary use, and shooting was secondary...soften up the enemy, then charge. So they devour powder and lead, and are OK out to 50 yards...after lots of practice and working a long time with loads, you might get one that will give you hunting accuracy out to 70 yards... and a huge price tag if you go Italian.....

So, you probably want a rifle. Lyman makes the Great Plains Rifle, in flint, which is in a half-stock, plains rifle style. Another option is the Cabelas' Blue Ridge Hunter, made by Pedersoli, which is available in a flintlock, and it's a longrifle style. I'd recommend either in .54, and the use of a patched, round ball. (iirc) Either one can be had for under $700. More accuracy, longer range, less cost per shot, and 1/2 the price of the musket from Pedersoli....

LD

 

[MEHavey]

However if you've just "got" to have a smoothbore....

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5907893&postcount=1

Every ten years or so I get a wild hare ....