Convertible

[ken]

If one builds a convertible rifle flint to perc. or vice vers. is the point of aim changed duo to the differance in preasure in vent to nipple? I have never tested this and have know clue   Thanks for any input      KEN

[hanshi]

No it is not.  I had a flinter that was frequently switched back and forth from percussion to flint and vice versa (depending on my mood that day) and it shot the same, both locks.

[Daryl]

Ken - would depend on nipple flash hole size compared to the vent size and bore size could also matter. Too- main spring weight could also weigh in. 

It is easy to have a difference of 100 to 150fps in a flintlock - by comparing a new .056" vent as opposed to a worn vent at .075".  That 150fps can create up to 2" of difference in elevation with windage as well, at 50 yards.

  Now, compare that worn vent with a new nipple in a cap-lock, with it's tiny flash hole and as well, a heavy mainspring holding the hammer down hard on the cap for very minute loss there.  The difference would be much more.

[ken]

Well this is beginning to make sence to me . The person wanting the build  should sight  the perc. first then test the flint and adjust from there . Is that what you are suggesting?    By the way thank you

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I don't like the idea of convertible guns.  Screwing the drum and the vent liner in and out moves a little metal each time until gas cutting starts to rear its ugly head.  Then you're asking for a blow out...I don't like it.  A gun is a flinter, or it is a percussion gun...just me.

[bob in the woods]

I know this isn't normal, but then we are a rather strange bunch up here!  Saw at our club one day, a "convertible" with a flintlock on the right and a percussion lock on the left. One barrel.
You could decide which one you wanted to go with at any  time  Looked strange, but worked.

[Daryl]

I agree with Taylor on his stand on convertable guns,  unless, like my pistol, you have 2 barrels.  The .54 cal barrel, round with wedding bands, ahs a vent and uses the flint lock.  The octagonal barrel is a fast twist .45 cal. for precision shooting and uses an interchangable cap lock and is percussion.

[Dphariss]

I too agree with Taylor.
Build a GOOD percussion and use it that way.
Build a GOOD flintlock and use it that way.

Or take Daryl's barrel and lock swap idea, but I still don't like the drum and nipple.

Dan

[northmn]

I cannot help but agree with Taylor for the reasons he mentioned.  I install a drum and solder it in place.  I do not use vents that you can screw out.  Were I to build a convertable it would be with two barrels.  I was looking at the thought of building a smoothbore with a matching rifle barrel.  Makes some sense as a convertable.

DP

[Roger Fisher]

Been there and done that, not happy with it at all.  Would have had to work up a seperate charge for each.  Abandoned the idea.  Still have the flintlock, lock.

Been shooting the nipple thingee ever since.

[Al Lapp]

I have a convertable gun, but after reading previous posts on the subject I screwed the liner in attached the flintlock and left it like that.   Al

[SR James]

I have one convertible and it has two barrels, with barrel keys and a hooked breech.  Switching it over is pretty easy but I leave it flint most of the time.