Author Topic: Flint 101 (Read 744 times)

Turtle · « **on:** February 07, 2006, 05:46:52 AM »

After several years of shooting my .54 percussion Hawken , I fulfilled my passion for a flinter. Ended up with a good used A&H .50 cal and as expected, I just love this thing but have a lot to learn.
After about 10 shots, I noticed the amount of spark from the flint reduced quit a bit, even to the point of not igniting the 4f goex in the pan a couple of times.
Do I need to adjust the flint out, replace the flint or what are the steps for restoring a good flash of sparks into the pan?
Thank you for your help.

- Turtle -

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2006, 11:59:44 AM »

Tired flint = needs knap :-D

I made a funny!!!

The edge of the flint has gotten dull and needs resharpening.

BLATANT PLAGERISM:

http://fp.enter.net/~kirschbaum/muzzledixon.htm#Ignition

"Flint knapping is a simple process of chipping back the beveled edge of the flint. Since the flint literally scrapes steel (sparks) from the frizzen, the beveled edge becomes dull and/or filled with steel. A flint may be knapped many times to extend its usage.

One never thinks of knapping the flint until the gun misfires; that is, the powder in the pan fails to flash. When this happens, you have the choice of either knapping the flint or changing it. Remember, the rifle is loaded and a spark from knapping could bounce into the touchhole and thus set off the charge. For a right-handed person with a right hand lock, hold the rifle so the left hand wraps around the lock in a position so that the index finger is placed against the touchhole. With the next two fingers, support the hammer, especially if it is on full-cock. On some locks, the hammer may go back for enough on half-cock to allow knapping in this position. With the back of the patch knife or a knapping hammer, lightly strike at a slight downward angle. This knapping process will break off very small pieces of flint and any small pieces of steel that were causing the flint to ride over the frizzen."

The position described above seemed a little strange so I tried to follow the instructions, I couldn't do it. I cradle the rifle in my left arm, support cock and flint with left index finger. I use my brass short starter and tap downward on the edge of the flint till I get a new straight sharp edge.

captchee · « **Reply #2 on:** February 07, 2006, 12:36:49 PM »

lmao :-D yep the poor thing is gettin sleepy just like buttler said

slayer · « **Reply #3 on:** February 07, 2006, 01:09:25 PM »

What kind of flint is it-English or German Agate or? Jack.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #4 on:** February 07, 2006, 01:23:39 PM »

My flint knapping tool made from a file. Touch hole must be plugged to use it when the firearm is charged. I've tried brass but they don't last long, a file or tool steel works best. Just place the small diameter tip on the front edge of the flint with the ledge against the top edge and tap it downward, it will remove a tiny spawl from the edge of the flint leaving a nice sharp edge.

Turtle · « **Reply #5 on:** February 08, 2006, 05:18:21 AM »

Thank you guys for the great information.
In response to Slayer...I believe they are English flints. I'm not sure of this, just trying to remember what the seller told me. He gave me 10 flints with the gun and said these were the ones that he had the best luck with. What kind of flints do you recommend?
One thing I noticed since I posted, is the flint looks to be too far to the left (this is a right handed rifle) and looks to have hit the touchhole and barrel area at one time or another.
Where should the flint be positioned in relationship to the barrel (left to right) ? I would imagine towards the center but can't imagine it should come in contact with the barrel.
Finally, is there a guideline for adjusting the flint from front to back? In other words, the clearance or adjustment from the flint to the frizzen.
Thank you again for all your help and input good shootin' to ya.

-Turtle -

Turtle · « **Reply #6 on:** February 08, 2006, 05:21:12 AM »

Thank you guys for the great information.
In response to Slayer...I believe they are English flints. I'm not sure of this, just trying to remember what the seller told me. He gave me 10 flints with the gun and said these were the ones that he had the best luck with. What kind of flints do you recommend?
One thing I noticed since I posted, is the flint looks to be too far to the left (this is a right handed rifle) and looks to have hit the touchhole and barrel area at one time or another.
Where should the flint be positioned in relationship to the barrel (left to right) ? I would imagine towards the center but can't imagine it should come in contact with the barrel.
Finally, is there a guideline for adjusting the flint from front to back? In other words, the clearance or adjustment from the flint to the frizzen.
Thank you again for all your help and input good shootin' to ya.

-Turtle -

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 08, 2006, 11:54:02 AM »

Turtle, you now have a homework assignment.

http://members.aye.net/~bspen/flintlockfaq.html

When you have been all the way through Bob's site, if you still have questions com'on back. There are some really knowledgable folks that pass through this forum.

Turtle · « **Reply #8 on:** February 08, 2006, 12:30:14 PM »

I'm on it and thank you again. I agree there are some very knowledable folks that pass thru this site.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

-Turtle -

slayer · « **Reply #9 on:** February 14, 2006, 01:45:43 PM »

If you don`t want to knap flints man, just get the hard German Agate flints. I like them much better than the English. Jack.