Flintlock mechanism issue - lack of frizzen full open

[Standing Bear]

Good eye, Mark.

[John SMOthermon]

I would still flip the flint over bevel down.... it’ll throw more sparks due to the longer strike along the frizzen face.

[Daryl]

I would still flip the flint over bevel down.... it’ll throw more sparks due to the longer strike along the frizzen face.

Ditto - I like my flint to sweep the entire face of the frizzen, or as much as possible.

[Pukka Bundook]

Definitely, Smo, Daryl.

[jrubin]

Having tightened the screw to fix the problem Ive provided the video and slow motion of the action.

[OldMtnMan]

Sparks good now. What a difference in looking at it in slow motion.

[Flint62Smoothie]

According to TVM, using the Chamber Siler lock, the flint size is correct at 3/4 x 7/8.

Be aware that those flint sizes are for the NEWER Siler LH lock, as the recommended flint size for the OLDER Siler LH lock is 3/4” square one, so shorter.

FWIW I recently purchased a new-to-me older LH custom flint rifle and tried to get her to fire using the longer flint and I had similar issues, even though the flint edge is off the frizzen at half cock. I switched to the shorter flint - that looks TOO short - and installed it bevel down ... and the reliability is 100%!

The flint edge is a good 1/8” off the frizzen face at half cock ... which proves that flintlocks are like women ... ya gotta find out what THEY like! It is quite possible that TVM had an new-old-stock LH Siler on hand ...

[John SMOthermon]

Your getting good sparks in the pan it appears....



Now try it with the flint flipped over and see what that looks like.

It should give you a longer frizzen strike .

The flint still looks a little short and stubby. Could be just the photo angle.

[Pukka Bundook]

Smo,
Your picture not showing but agree, turn flint over and see.

[John SMOthermon]

I’m seeing the picture ,  the edge of the flint appears rounded too me .
 
But could just be the photo angle.

But I would flip it and try it just for sheets and jiggles .....

[Mike_StL]

Smo, you can see the picture, but we can't.  All I see is the image not found display.

Posting pictures can be quite frustrating.

The Siler locks were noted as having a longer throw.  There have been changes as new Siler locks from Chambers are marketed as deluxe Siler locks.  Both versions are good.

Use the thicker leather wrap.  Some lock manufacturers won't honor the lock warranty if lead is used as the wrap.  Lead will get battered and loosen in the lock requiring frequent retightening of the lock jaws. 

Even a good lock can use a little bit of tuning when new to polish up the parts that are in contact.  Ease the side of the frizzen where it is rubbing against the barrel.  Look for rubs on the inside of the lock plate.  Afiter a hundred or so shots, the lock will function much better.

[Dave R]

To help determine if the frizzen opens completely put a little oil on what I call the frizzen foot and trip the lock and observe if the oily foot left a spot on the frizzen spring, If it did it is rebounding.