Henry Rifle Forums

I shot my new firestick...now the target is nothing to write home about at all, maybe the worst one I've shot in a long time, but this is the first time I've shot a flintlock and I got on the paper.

However, my new Pedersoli Frontier went off every time, no issues at all. I have already corrected the front sight (it was off center a fraction, hence the left hook on the target). So the next time will be centered better and I just have to hold longer.

50 yds off hand. It feels heavier than the caplock, the maple wood maybe? And the ramrod bottoms out a little sooner than the caplock notch on it. Maybe 1/4". Both are Frontier rifles. It balances in the middle in a different spot than the caplock too, difference in locks I guess. Might need a little shaved off the front sight too, I know I was not holding long enough though.

This is 60 grains of Schutzen 3fg. .490 ball and .010 patch. I am used to shooting Triple 7 in my caplock so I had to swab a little more today. I can get off 8 or 10 shots with T7 but swabbed after every 3 shots or so today, just to make it easier to get the ball down the barrel.
I think I have a good lock on this rifle though, sparks and go off every time, never a hint of hesitation. It's not as fast as the caplock obviously but darn near. I was also very proud of myself for no flinching!!!

Speaking of T7, I tried a little experiment before cleaning. Poured a little 3fg in the pan and shot it....flashed instantly. BIG flash. A white flash though not like a black powder fire flash. But it went off no problem. Thinking if it goes off that easy in the pan, it should go off in the barrel.
Why even consider it the Holy Black crowd asks? It's readily available, I have lots of it and can order it online here unlike real BP. That = more range time and no shortage worries. However, that's an argument for another day.

I love this rifle, and cannot wait to shoot it again! This is definitely as much fun as you can have with your buckskins on.
RR

You sure have a good photographer.

Its Badger he is really good with that camera. Nice smoke there Keith good shot. Im glad you like it all the enabling I did getting you to a rock lock

Congrats on the new toy RR, liked the shooting photo.
Never shot a flinter, myself.

RP

I've only ever watched people shooting a flintlock, but never tried one. Has to be the ultimate traditional ML experience and all the more so with such a beautiful rifle. Not surprised to hear this version balances differently, what with the different wood and lock. Have no doubt you'll be shooting it just like the cap lock version, though. That's still a very respectable target, anyway.

Thanks! Might back off the powder charge a little too. Too much just for targets.

That theyre looks gude to me!
Jake

I’m glad the lock is good. You can see in the photo there is still smoke from the pan flash as the cloud comes out the muzzle. Will try with 2f powder too next time. I’m glad I can prime and charge from same horn. Old school!

Very nice RR. I'd say you're =off to a very good start with that ML. Now with a time and some practice learning that flinter you'll be on the money like the cap lock.

Paul

Looking good, getting on paper is always a good start with any new firearm.

Like that little fireball in the picture! I am sure you will find the sweet spot with that spark and boom stick RR!

In my excitement and haste the other night when changing out the factory front sight to brass it was not quite centered, but I also found the factory rear sight not quite centered as well tonight so fixed both and now you'll see the difference on the target next time. Any elevation issues today were 100% me. First time I ever shot a flintlock and there's no doubt it's different than anything else. Regular shooting has lots of variables, but the addition of the flint angles, lock speed, not to mention an explosion in front of your face all adds additional challenges for sure.

That's great shooting for your first flintlock experience. I like your description here. It's very similar to what a friend described shooting a flintlock vs. anything else.

"Regular shooting has lots of variables, but the addition of the flint angles, lock speed, not to mention an explosion in front of your face all adds additional challenges for sure." -RanchRoper

Well said sir!

Great shot of it going off. I’m sure you will master it soon.

That's a great mountain man outfit. Do you ever go to Rendezvous's? At the ones I went to everyone would bring a item and after the shooting the shooter with the best score would select his prize first and then on down the line. I was usually near the center of the pack but I think you would probably be near the top.

There is an Alberta black powder club but I am not a member yet. They may get back to doing weekend rendezvous stuff now that the virus stuff is done.

They are great fun. Most of the Rendezvous's I went to were primitive but there was one big one that had primitive and modern. Two of the best shooters in my club shot flintlocks. I shot my friend's flintlock several times and did OK. It was actually easier to hold steady than mine as it had a swamped barrel. I wanted to put one on my rifle but never did get around to it.

Great shooting and excellent pics!!!

I shot one twice and the delay seemed an eternity. Years ago I had some WWI string powder 303 British and the hang time was sometimes several seconds.

My hat is off to any that can shoot it accurately.

April 15th: target not worthy of it's own range report but here it is:

50 yds off hand in a nasty cross wind today. 60 grains Schutzen 3fg powder. .490 ball. Got 3 of 5 in the 10" circle, elevation a little better, but not one I'd write home about. Learning curve for sure, I expect the flintlock to shoot like my caplock but it's not the same animal at all. Had a couple of misfires due to the flash hole not clear, part of the in-between shot routine I am working on.