|
|
Post by berkscoflinter1 on Aug 1, 2007 17:29:02 GMT -4
Many newcomers to the flintlock have difficulty overcoming the flash that occurs in front of their face, thus causing a flinch. This can make accurate off hand shooting a real problem.
I am left-handed and started 30 years ago with a T/C Hawken that I picked up at an auction. I was clueless about flintlocks and had flinching problems shooting this righty rifle from the start. I've since purchase left-handed flinters, and I'm finally comfortable with the flash/flinch problem.
If you are having a flinching problem, maybe we can help here. There are some pretty simple things that you can do to lessen the problem.
|
|
|
|
Post by justiceforall on Aug 2, 2007 16:31:38 GMT -4
berks you nailed it left on the head ,thats my problem also ....born to a family of right handed hunters and getting the handme downs because I was the youngest as well I learned to use righty guns but never adjusted well to them but flinters is a whole nother thing,,,,,,,,,,I`m listening
|
|
|
|
Post by berkscoflinter1 on Aug 2, 2007 18:16:06 GMT -4
I knew there had to be at least one other flintlock shooter besides me that experiences that old, "flash-in-the-pan" flinch.
First, protect your eyes with safety glasses. I wear glasses, and knowing that a hot spark or a shard of flint isn't going to make in into my eye helps me keep my attention on the target and front sight.
Next, practice dry firing your flintlock without a flint. Replace it with a wedge of wood (clothes pin end works), or half of one of those old typewriter erasers with the bevel ends. Practice aiming at a spot on the wall, ignoring the lock and concentrating on the spot and your front sight. Five to ten minutes every day or two will work wonders. S-q-u-e-e-z-e the trigger to the point that it surprises you when it goes off.
Finally, take this practice to the range. Without a powder charge in the barrel, put some primer in the pan and do the same dry firing procedure a few times, ignoring the hammer fall and concentrating on the target and front sight. Then, load up and continue squeezing the trigger with total concentration on the target and front sight as before.
Getting rid of a flinching problem won't happen over night, but these suggestions might help with practice. When the time is right, get yourself a lefty flintlock. Good luck and good shooting. Berks
|
|
|
|
Post by loggy on Aug 3, 2007 17:54:59 GMT -4
Some great tips there bcf!! Wish I had those pointers when i started out!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by berkscoflinter1 on Aug 14, 2007 18:11:13 GMT -4
Now, it's out there, Loggy, on the world-wide web! You, justice, and me are the only flintlock "flinchers" in Pennsylvania! In the future,I'll have to think more about these threads I start!
|
|
|
|
Post by loggy on Aug 14, 2007 18:19:13 GMT -4
Now, it's out there, Loggy, on the world-wide web! You, justice, and me are the only flintlock "flinchers" in Pennsylvania! In the future,I'll have to think more about these threads I start! I just hope all of our TN Hog Hunt guy's have read this!!! Dont want any flinching with a pissed off 300 Lb Wild Boar inside the 50 yard line. Could solve the problem though being your last flinch!!! ;D ;D |
|
|
|
Post by berkscoflinter1 on Aug 14, 2007 18:52:23 GMT -4
E-X-A-C-T-L-Y!
|
|
|
|
Post by loggy on Aug 14, 2007 19:36:27 GMT -4
Maybe we otta have the Brunch/BBQ early in the hunt...just in case!!! ;D I just hope I can get my Brad Emig PA Mountain Rifle shootin to my satisfaction in time (flinchin or no flinchin)!!! ;D |
|
|
|
Post by dickert54cal on Aug 14, 2007 21:32:03 GMT -4
Hey is another tip----have a friend load or pretend to load the gun----aim and squeeze. Its his choice each time as to hand you a loaded gun or empty. Please always practice good common sense at the range.
|
|
|
|
Post by soupe on Aug 15, 2007 9:34:03 GMT -4
I don't think I flinch. Next time I shoot I'll keep my eyes open just to make sure.
|
|
onager
lodge member
Posts: 244
|
Post by onager on Aug 15, 2007 9:40:22 GMT -4
I don't need a friend to pretend to load my gun. Since I haven't mastered getting a good spark to the pan(see my thread on loose flints). It is still a surprise to me when the gun fires. ?Can hogs attack you when they are laughing?
|
|
|
|
Post by berkscoflinter1 on Aug 15, 2007 16:59:56 GMT -4
soupe, I think you have something there. If you can't see the flash there is no reason to flinch. Or, do like the musket soldiers did during the battles of the Am. Revolution,... "ready",... "aim", and then turn your face sideways on,... "fire" so you don't get a face full of sparks and burning powder from the musket beside you. I really think we've solved the flinching problem!
|
|
|
|
Post by dickert54cal on Aug 15, 2007 21:21:49 GMT -4
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by loggy on Aug 20, 2007 17:46:26 GMT -4
I don't need a friend to pretend to load my gun. Since I haven't mastered getting a good spark to the pan(see my thread on loose flints). It is still a surprise to me when the gun fires. ?Can hogs attack you when they are laughing? Ken, i only had one misfire(a #11 cap) while hog hunting & they ran the other way. Likely dogs will havem bayed-up and they aint worried much about you tryin to get a spark! ;D |
|
|
|
Post by boxie30 on Aug 20, 2007 20:08:25 GMT -4
Thanks bcf for the info
I just bought a used hawkens flintlock last year for 100 bucks to get into the sport. I found out real quick you need someone with experience to help you through the breaking in period giving you solid advice.
this is advice I'll trully administer in my practicing. As i do have a flinch problem.
although at 50 yrds i can hit a 6" pie plate i hit low and to the right there is room for improvement and that is my intent.
I thank you once again for the advice you have shared. This is truley what helps a beginer become profisant.
|
|
