Thread: Anyone out there into Muzzleloading?

Originally Posted by fyrfyter43

By the way, despite what a lot of folks think about muzzleloaders (and specifically flintlocks), they are very reliable. I've hunted in all kinds of weather from September squirrels - mid February late deer season, including rain, snow, sleet, and freezing rain with a flintlock. I've only had one misfire, and that was my own fault. I brought my gun inside the warm house overnight with a charge in the barrel. The change in temperature caused condensation in the bore, which wet my powder.

fyrfyter,

While I was at first joking... your photo really has ignited a bit of a spark for me to start looking at this more seriously. Several close friends are hunters, though most with bow or "standard" rifle, so I'm learning what I can about flintlocks and percussion rifles mostly via online articles. If I pull the trigger (pun intended), the look of the traditional muzzleloader really appeals to me.

First, I have to ask - is that photo transposed or is that actually a left-handed flinklock? (I'm a southpaw) Was it custom-made or is it an heirloom?

Second, as new-production models go, do you or anyone on this post have experience with the Traditions DeerHunter Flinklock series? From the reviews I've been reading, they seem like a good quality rifle, but you imagine the reviews were written by someone who just purchased one, so there may be some bias involved. Any other recommendations for a new-to-muzzleloading-into-tradition fellow to look at?

Originally Posted by MrDavid

fyrfyter,

While I was at first joking... your photo really has ignited a bit of a spark for me to start looking at this more seriously. Several close friends are hunters, though most with bow or "standard" rifle, so I'm learning what I can about flintlocks and percussion rifles mostly via online articles. If I pull the trigger (pun intended), the look of the traditional muzzleloader really appeals to me.

First, I have to ask - is that photo transposed or is that actually a left-handed flinklock? (I'm a southpaw) Was it custom-made or is it an heirloom?

Second, as new-production models go, do you or anyone on this post have experience with the Traditions DeerHunter Flinklock series? From the reviews I've been reading, they seem like a good quality rifle, but you imagine the reviews were written by someone who just purchased one, so there may be some bias involved. Any other recommendations for a new-to-muzzleloading-into-tradition fellow to look at?

Yes, that is a left-handed flintlock. It was built by Matt Avance of Tennessee Valley Muzzleloading. Their website is http://www.avsia.com/tvm/

Flintlocks can be a little finicky, and that's why I tell folks that if they can afford it, a semi-custom such as one of TVM's offerings is a great way to go. They are a bit more pricey than most production guns, but the builder is staking his reputation on the quality of his work. IIRC, my fowling piece set me back about $1100, and I had about a 6 month wait (which is actually quite short as far as a custom build goes).

A great affordable option for a flintlock is the Lyman Great Plains Rifle. It was my first flintlock, and my son bought his own about a year ago. It is available in left hand, and has a 1:60 twist, which is great for shooting patched roundball. A lot of people upgrade the trigger to a Davis trigger, but I would say to try it as is, and upgrade if you think it's necessary. The problem is, most production guns come with "lawyer" triggers. And I would definitely recommend replacing the factory vent liner with one from RMC Sports. The factory liner is poorly designed, causing a delay in ignition. The RMC liner runs about $5.

I don't have any experience with Traditions flintlocks, so I really can't comment. But I will say that a poor quality flintlock can lead to a lot of frustration, and are the source of many of the myths so prevalent about flintlocks and poor ignition.

A great website with a wealth of information is www.muzzleloadingforum.com Also, if you're anywhere near eastern Pennsylvania, there is a shop in Kempton called Dixon's Muzzleloading. Chuck and Greg Dixon are more than happy to help somebody out. And their annual Gunmaker's Fair is a pilgrimmage for anybody interested in traditional muzzleloading, with folks coming from around the country.

Thanks for the info. I'll look into the Lyman, as I think I'm at the point where I'd like to give it a try and see if it's something I enjoy. If I'm not enjoying it, then dropping $1100 on a custom rifle would make me feel rather foolish, not to mention that I would have taken the time of a craftsman away from making a weapon for someone who would gain more enjoyment from it.

If you can pardon the ignorant question... Are precussion rifles and flintlock's two completely different worlds? Would it be advisable for a novice to learn to load, etc. on a percussion rifle before moving to a flintlock?

And, of course, thank you for the information that you have shared. It illustrates how much I have to learn!

The Lyman rifles are indeed a great way to get started, and can be had for around $500. You can also often find used rifles, both production and custom for good prices.

Flintlocks and percussion rifles are very similar in function. The only real difference is the ignition source. Quite a few people start out with percussion, but I don't think it's necessary. If a flintlock is what really catches your fancy, then go for it. You can learn the basics of flintlocks in your living room, just working the lock. If you dry fire and have a shower of sparks land in the pan, then you did everything right.

One of the most important things with a flintlock is to use good quality flints, rather than the sawn agate that comes with every production rifle. You can get black English flints from Track of the Wolf, or there is a gentleman by the name of Rich Pierce who sells hand-knapped chert for a very reasonable price. IIRC, Rich actually lives fairly close to you. Heck, he may even be willing to spend some time at the range with you to help you get started. Traditional muzzleloaders are a lot like straight razor shavers in that we're a pretty friendly and helpful bunch.

A flintlock does take a bit of tinkering to get everything right. You may have to adjust flint position for reliability and flint life. The flint should slice steel off the frizzen to create sparks, not bash into the frizzen. Ideally, the flint should strike at about a 60 degree angle to the frizzen.

Also, with flintlocks, real black powder is a must. The substitute powders commonly sold in the big box stores ignite at a much higher temperature than black powder, making it unreliable in a flintlock. You may have somebody nearby that sells black powder...a lot of Bass Pro Shops stores carry it. However, it will not be openly displayed due to the federally-mandated storage requirements. You will have to ask for it. Personally, I order my powder from one of many online/mail order retailers. Shop around, as the price varies. But beware that there is a $20 haz-mat fee charged per order for shipping.

Wow; so much to learn! Again, many thanks for all the information!!!

Originally Posted by MrDavid

Wow; so much to learn! Again, many thanks for all the information!!!

You're quite welcome! As you can tell, traditional muzzleloaders are a passion of mine. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Muzzleloading is a real blast! Introduces some more challenges and I just love the smell!!

Last time I shot a muzzle loader was about 25 years ago at a summer camp. They were letting everybody shoot different types of guns and I was talking crap about how I could shoot anything and shoot it accurately. Then the guy pulled out an old four bore with a rifled barrel. Seperated my shoulder and broke my tailbone in one shot. Never felt the need to shoot another muzzle loader.

Wow. This has been an informative read. Thanks for all the stuff I'm learning. I've been wanting a muzzleloader for a few years but just haven't gotten around to getting one. The 209 ignition systems seem pretty much like an amazing single shot rifle. I was talking with my father the other day telling him I'd like a muzzeloader as it would give me another two weeks of deer season so I'm hoping heay let e purchase his old cap and ball off of him.

My dream is to find a flintlock pistol (i'd like a matched brace but I'd rather one good one than two junkers). Much like the time and processes of the straight shave I can see myself enjoying range time with muzzleloading pistols.

My old W.C.Scott and son 10g. double.....