Day at the range with 2 types of ignition

[Arrowstorm]

I took my flintlock longrifle and my hawkens percussion rifle to the range saturday. I thought I'd start off with the flintlock and got my first shot off right away. I get frustrated with that thing though cuz the flint has to be in the jaws just right.....   the flint has to be sharp, and I still have a little trouble with knapping. So I spent about an hour on the flintlock with only about 6 shots! Then I took the percussion cap hawkens and fired off 10 shots in a row, one right after the other. It was just a world of difference. Almost makes me wish I had bought my longrifle in percussion. But I know it just takes practice, practice and more practice. So I kept interchanging the rifles. Lol, the thing about the flintlock at least once every time I'm out there, the range officer has to wait on me for a little bit until I finally send the shot downrange before he can call the line cold.  Again, I guess it just takes practice.
 
So the percussion cap is far easier for me, but the flintlock still holds my fascination and I will continue to shoot no matter how many times it fails to ignite. My only wish is that I knew someone around where I live that could show me. I believe that would deffinitely make the difference.

[Stryker]

Arrowstorm,
 
you may want to try some different flints. Traditions' lock, is a smaller one styled after the old CVA locks. When I had my Traditions, I got the best results from Thompson Centers "agate flints". Part # 7203. They're cut agate, so you can't knap them. But I would get 80-90 shots off of one. At one range I shot at, one of the guys would take them to a diamond knife sharpener to put the edge back on when they started to dull. When I bought them they were cheap enough, I just disposed of them. Might be worth $5 or $6 to give them a try. They come in 2 packs. Check your local gun shop.

http://www.tcarms.com/catalog/pg48_cat31.jpg.php

[Arrowstorm]

I will most deffinitely look into that, man. Thanks

[Jay Edward (deceased)]

So the percussion cap is far easier for me, but the flintlock still holds my fascination and I will continue to shoot no matter how many times it fails to ignite. My only wish is that I knew someone around where I live that could show me. I believe that would deffinitely make the difference.

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Well...I'm in the Northern Rockys which probably puts me out of reach.  Your other option is a local Blackpowder Club.  Try to find one that is big on 'traditional' and you'll probably get the best help with your flinter.

I admire your tenacity and I hope you'll persevere.  We'll all paid our dues...those of us still shooting flintlocks.  After all, a lot of folks did at one time and sometimes that one shot is all they had between them and trouble...root, hog or die.

[Stryker]

Well...I'm in the Northern Rockys which probably puts me out of reach. Your other option is a local Blackpowder Club. Try to find one that is big on 'traditional' and you'll probably get the best help with your flinter.
 
I admire your tenacity and I hope you'll persevere. We'll all paid our dues...those of us still shooting flintlocks. After all, a lot of folks did at one time and sometimes that one shot is all they had between them and trouble...root, hog or die.

Great point Jay,
Arrowstorm, heres a link to tradional Blackpowder / re-enactor clubs in the U.S. Just select your state.
 
http://www.muzzleloadermag.com/club%20pages/Club_map.htm