Oh the dilema... Perc or Flint

[fspitzdorf]

I've always had percussion ignition BP rifles... I have a hankering as winter is approaching to put together a kit rifle or custom rifle. Question is though, I am torn whether to take the leap and go with a flintlock... or stay in the comfort zone of percussion cap.

Being that I know fairly little about napping flint or maintaining and setting up a flintlock gun I am kind of apprehensive to go this route. But on the other hand I have never been one to shy away from learning something new... The change kind of intrigues me honestly.

Anyone have some words of wisdom for me? Major differences? Good / bad?

This will be a shooting / hunting gun... PRB or light conical.

Thanks for the wisdom in advance

JR

 

[Sistema1927]

Those new fangled percussion caps will never catch on. Mercury fulminate is the devil's brew.

 

[GunTech]

Go all the way, go flint.

 

[Pancho]

You'll have all the help you'll need right here on the forum. The biggest difference you'll see when shooting a flinter is controlling your flinch when you pull the trigger.

 

[GunTech]

If you can learn tot shoot a flintlock well, percussion and modern becomes a piece of cake.

 

[kentucky bucky]

The "fun factor" is ramped up for me with a flinter. They are challenging , but to me are the "essence" of muzzleloading. Don't scrimp on the lock, barrel or trigger. You can shoot good with plain wood or no butt plate. If you can't afford a good quality kit or gun, stay with the caplock. If you are on a budget, like me, save up enough to at least get a "poor boy" type gun or kit from a good American company. Cheap flintlocks sour more folks on flinters than anything. Also, do your homework and learn everything you can about setting up the gun and loading. If you get good with a flinter, anything else seems too easy!

 

[mykeal]

Know the feeling. I've been shooting bp for 30+ years, and just ordered a Lyman Great Plains flintlock kit for a winter project. Finally just had to take the plunge. I don't know if that will meet kentucky bucky's criteria or not, but I couldn't justify a $1500 investment in something I didn't have any experience or knowledge in. I'll try to document the experience as I go along.

 

[1911 guy]

I've never knapped a flint in my life.

A lock that is set up well is virtually maintenance free, as far as knapping goes. Get a good lock, Siler is one of the best, and set the flint 1/8" off the frizzen at half cock. Is knapps itself on firing.

 

[fspitzdorf]

Thanks for all of the words of encouragement. I think I'll go flint... I need something out of the ordinary. This should be a non issue with me and a fairly easy learning curve. It's not my first hayride but it's my first hay ride being pulled by a horse

Now for the ringer and this may necessitate an entirely separate thread, but there seems to be an issue shipping a kit directly to me in Michigan. This is a Michigan law issue which I have not been able to totally decipher as far as requirements.

I don't believe my 03 FFL will allow me to receive modern reproductions of C&R firearms. Ordering locally or going through a 3rd party 01 FFL for shipping pretty much scraps any discounts that the 03 provides me at various vendors and adds hassle and cost via the 01 route.

But I'm off to decipher some more unconstitutional lawyer jargon via the MCL... wish me luck.

Thanks again eh

JR

 

[mykeal]

I too live in Michigan and have a Type 03 license. You are correct in that you cannot transfer a modern reproduction under that license.

Regarding the Michigan law, attempting to interpret the language will only get you a headache. Essentially Michigan recognizes the Federal definition of a firearm as not including black powder antiques and reproductions of antiques only insofar as the guns are used only as "wallhangers". If you possess the means to fire them (ie, powder, caps, balls, flints, etc) then they are considered to be firearms. Thus transfers must be accomplished via a Type 01 licensee as far as the state is concerned.

Good luck in your search, but be warned it has been tried by professionals without success.