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General discussion => Black Powder Shooting => Topic started by: hortonstn on December 08, 2025, 03:01:00 AM

Title: Tips on Flintlock performance
Post by: hortonstn on December 08, 2025, 03:01:00 AM

I've got several large lh siler Flintlocks I think they are pretty fast is there any tips on improving them?
Thanks

Title: Re: Tips on Flintlock performance
Post by: Jeff Murray on December 08, 2025, 04:14:31 AM

Make sure the bearing surfaces on the inside parts of the lock are polished smooth and lubricated.  (I use graphite)  Use very sharp flints and keep them sharp.

Title: Re: Tips on Flintlock performance
Post by: Birddog6 on December 08, 2025, 02:36:16 PM

Quote from: hortonstn on December 08, 2025, 03:01:00 AM

I've got several large lh siler Flintlocks I think they are pretty fast is there any tips on improving them?
Thanks

I polish the slide & bearing surfaces with a Dremel took with jewelers rouge on it. Buff to a mirror
shine & also same in the flashpan, buffed to a mirror shine.. Wipes clean that way.
Any scuffs on the bare lock plate when you have torn it down ?  those are Drag Marks from places
that need attention & polished.
Main spring dragging ? Tumbler dragging ? Any skid or rough marks need polished. Where the end
of the main spring sits on the tumbler, polish that shoe area & polish the end of the main spring.
POLISH, not grind.
Put grease on the wear areas, especially under the main spring/tumbler shoes fit.
When you cock it, FEEL for a grind or jump.  If it Grinds or feels like it is gritty,  you have a issue
 that needs attention.
 

Title: Re: Tips on Flintlock performance
Post by: Don Steele on December 08, 2025, 03:40:20 PM

Excellent tutorial, Keith..!
Thank you.

Title: Re: Tips on Flintlock performance
Post by: hortonstn on December 08, 2025, 04:35:41 PM

Thanks for your help

Title: Re: Tips on Flintlock performance
Post by: Daryl on December 08, 2025, 10:11:19 PM

I lubricate once a year with Synthetic axle grease. It stays plyable in the winter time ans doesn't wash off when I clean the lock in water.

Title: Re: Tips on Flintlock performance
Post by: Steeltrap on December 09, 2025, 03:15:50 PM

Flitz

Title: Re: Tips on Flintlock performance
Post by: recurve on December 09, 2025, 06:12:31 PM

or send it to Brad at cabin creek he will tune and polish and if necessary will adjust the angles of the cock and frizzen.

(https://i.ibb.co/zVqg519x/111111.jpg) (https://ibb.co/b5cV3xwm)

(https://i.ibb.co/sp0rBvKz/allen-martin-lock.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5XNV7Wrw)

(https://i.ibb.co/20NhFgYR/DSC02748.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wZsgdMr8)

(https://i.ibb.co/hxfBhq3Y/IMG-0592-6931.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DPp9sq0r)

(https://i.ibb.co/HTtwm8vr/toms-build-lock.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SwtYqCTK)
all got the Brad treatment  and had Brad buy a lock from Barbie(RIP) last gun makers fair and tune it for this years build

Title: Re: Tips on Flintlock performance
Post by: Steeltrap on December 10, 2025, 04:43:40 PM

Here's a very detailed PDF file on flintlock performance.

https://www.feuerwaffen.ch/index_htm_files/Draw_20_Flintlock.pdf (https://www.feuerwaffen.ch/index_htm_files/Draw_20_Flintlock.pdf)