Anybody have (and hunt?) with a flint lock?

[Blimey]

I started hunting a few years ago, with bow/xbow/black powder, but ever since seeing the last of the Mohicans 25+ years ago I've had it as an itch to hunt with a flint lock. I know cleaning them is extremely important, I know powder in a pan is a hassle, I know there is a delay when pulling the trigger before the charge detonates, etc.

Last of the Mohicans, The - Internet Movie Firearms Database - Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games

I was thinking of buying a kit online to build a kentucky long rifle. I see some in the $300-range (e.g. Traditions Kentucky Rifle Kit - Flintlock). I absolutely do not want a percussion cap gun.

If you have one let me know what you did

 

[thegatman]

Talk to @Robin

 

[BDinPutnam]

Flintlock or no, I like that for (I think?) ten bucks you can extend your deer season (and get another tag, to boot). Last year I did late xbow, this year I am hoping to do muzzle using the percussion Hawkin i got from @fnfalguy.

Looking forward to seeing where this goes, @Blimey.

 

[Robin]

Blimey, So much to say that If you get the time and want an in depth conversation on the subject you should stop out, its' not that far.
Cleaning is important, as it is with any firearm, it is not the big deal most people think it is, taking my time, having a beer, and reflecting on my day at the range, it still only takes fifteen minutes with no special solvents or chemicals, less time than it takes to properly lean a centerfire rifle, which most people don't do anymore. Priming the pan is nothing and a 'proper functioning flintlock' has little delay in firing and to all but the most die hard rifleman it is almost imperceptible. Its' like bowhunting only you can reach out a little further.
There are kits ranging in price and quality from $300.00 to $1000.00 and everywhere in between. I have had some experience with the 'traditions' flintlock and don't have a very high opinion of the mechanism itself though their barrels are top quality. From the movie you cited I assume you want an American Long Rifle. I could point you in the direction of places that offer better kits, though they require some degree of handy work on your part, but when you are done you have a piece of history that will be correct in every way, and depending how much you put into it, something you would be proud to hand down to family. Good luck in your search, which is half the fun, and if you think I might be of help feel free to ask, if you want I'll PM you my phone #.
Robin

 

[ArmedCorgi]

I have the Traditions Pennsylvania rifle in flintlock. It's nice to look at on the wall but that's about it. It was accurate when it would go off, but as Robin mentioned, the lock mechanism isn't that great. The hammer barely moves the frizzen out of the way. Really have trouble getting a good spark. I lost interest in muzzle loading in my teens, so the rifle hangs on the wall.

 

[cgrutt]

Pretty cool catalog here https://www.trackofthewolf.com/pdfs/catalog/catalog18.pdf

 

[JohnD13]

I always found that I was more likely to fumble a cap than miss priming the pan. A good flintlock doesn't give up any speed of ignition to a percussion gun. There's something particularly fine about hunting with a flintlock.

 

[Blimey]

Thanks for posts. So that Traditions one may have to get skipped out. Certainly can't have something that won't go off reliably.

@Robin I will hit you up for some details when I'm closer to buying this

 

[toxophilite]

Not to hijack the thread, I think it’s very much related: What’s the sight picture using these rifles? I’m curious as to how Morgan’s riflemen hit a 7in circle at 250 paces. Google image search isn’t very good at showing the sights.

 

[Robin]

Sight configurations were different from different geographical locations, but basically the rear site was a blade with a small notch and the front sight was a blade.



This rear sight is more typical of Lehigh Valley and Bucks county style of rifles.


This rear sight is found on a more broad spectrum of styles.
The front sights shown are actually very tall compared with original guns where the sight was barely an eighth inch high from the barrel plane. The key was to have young flexible eyeballs that would pick up rear notch, front blade, and target nice and crisp. With age, you loose that, but there are things that can help ameliorate that process.
Robin

 

[toxophilite]

Thank you for taking the time @Robin This just makes those revolutionary war marksmanship feats even more amazing..