flintlock not discarging

[lumleychad]

I took my grandfathers old Tompson Center flintlock out the other night and when i went to fire all i got was a flash (from the flash powder) but not enough spark to discharge my gun powder and the bullet.Any suggestions on what the problem is how can i fix it.

thanx

[horst]

When you lay the powder in the pan make sure you run it the entire length of the pan, dont push it up in front of the flash hole.This acts like a fuse funneling the spark into the hole, if its bunched up you just blow the charge out of the pan when it ignites and nothing goes into the hole.

Also make sure the hole itselfs cleaned out, if its plugged youll never get it to fire.

[PA_Spike_King]

My father and I also have some older flintlocks, to help them to get better ignition we bought a newer flash hole liner and it's like night and day on how they go off.

[PA_RIDGE_RUNNER]

Having hunted with a flintlock since the mid 70s I do have a little experience with them. I have never hunted with a TC but have used a Lyman, Investarms, and currently an RMC accusporter. First as already said don't overfill the pan. Flashpans are designed to direct the flame at the flashhole. Pa Spike King is my son and I firmly believe the flashhole you remove with an allen wrench is much more positive than the ones that you use a screwdriver on. Once you load the barrel run a safety pin or an opened paper clip in the hole to be sure it is clear. Do this on each shot and you should get much more positive ignition.

[Guest POPS]

Flinter Ignition

Have been using a "BELL" kentucky flinter(looks like a traditions) for the last 6or 7 months .very poor ignition until i opened up the touch hole with a 5/64"drill. polished the pan and opened up one side until the touch hole was centered.went from 4F to 3F for my pan as well as main charge(.50cal. prb) .found 4F flew back in my face.I open a hole thru the touchto the charge with a piece of copper wire and have not had a miss fire (EXCEPT FOR THE TIME I FORGOT THE MAIN CHARGE AT A SHOOT). i don't RAM the ball home, but tap it home snuggly. a good english flint tops it off.(order mine fromPALOUISE TRADING COMPANY in IDAHO ) . ALMOST SOLD THE FLINTER UNTILI MADE THESE MODS. ENJOY. POPS on the "OTHER" big island.

[PA_RIDGE_RUNNER]

Hey there Pops you and I are well on our way to being real black powder shooters. Around here they say you ain't a real black powder shooter till you have first loaded the rifle without powder and second have shot your ramrod at least once. I like you are halfway there as I have loaded several times over the years without powder but have yet to be so excited that I shot my ramrod. I bought a replacement vent liner, the one you use an allen wrench to remove. This seems to have a bit larger hole and I get good ignition. A couple of years ago I bought a locally made flinter called the RMC Accusporter. It has a green mt barrel and an L&R Lock. What a difference a quality lock makes.