Flintlock ignition….

[Smo]

I'm glad too see more Guys showing interest in flintlocks.

I've said before they are not for everyone, but I thought I'd post what really happens once the flint strikes the frizzen…

The pics show in slow progression what's really going on just a few inches I front of you're very own eyes…..

This shot was a slight hang fire which is corrected with a properly tuned lock , placement & amount powder in the pan , making sure the flint is sharp and the pan and frizzen are wiped clean and the vent too the main charge is clear.

In reality this all happens very, very quickly with practice & a good flintlock

I'm sure others can add too this, but follow thru is of upmost importance…

 

[mike243]

Thanks for the pictures, I learned early on to follow thru with the shot, I am sure it made me a better shot with any weapon also. lotta fun shooting the old style guns but it aint easy lol

 

[Wobblyshot1]

I can't seem to find it now, but somewhere I've read that, under controlled conditions, the average caplock ignition time is indeed faster than that of the flintlock. The hitch is that the difference is measured in milliseconds which are impossible for the human mind to discern. I'm thinking it might be in Larry Pletcher's very excellent work seen here on his web page( https://www.blackpowdermag.com/ ).

Below is a target I shot quite a few years ago when I was much more "on my game". It was at 100 yards offhand, open iron sights and with my Jack Garner .54 caliber flintlock. This is quite possible with a quality well tuned gun using basic markmanship skills....never noticed the pan flash.

 

[Smo]

Brother! That's some fine off hand shooting!

But even in my limited experience I will fully agree with your statement.

Mr. Jack made some good shooting guns..
And there's still quite a few still shooting good.

He didn't make it too the clubs fish fry this year, but it was held in June..not as hot as usual, but still moist…

My Mississippi shooting Buddy always says…this is a sport that rewards practice.

Fine target

Pletch I do believe is the one.. and too my old ears they seem as quick as any cap lock if tuned right and maintained correctly.