Way cool, last time we did that we got greedy and shot way longer than we should have. My shoulder was sore for days! We had a blast, I powder burned my jacket! Hah! What an idiot, I was not thinking we were having so much fun!
Fine. The kick is really not bad at all. Jacket and vest over a flannel shirt and a t-shirt was plenty of padding. The guns balance reasonably well - a little front heavy with the bayonet. I think the game commission frowns on shooting with those - I didn't even bring it.
Oh geez.
Yup. Surely the 18th cent version of a 'firepower' weapon for the infantryman.
Yup. Surely the 18th cent version of a 'firepower' weapon.
And I'll tell you I was nowhere capable of even 3 shots a minute a today, never mind four. LOL. I just wanted to hit the target.
Lots of futzing will be needed with the lock to get it working smoother and reliably. Hole through the hammer (frizzen) isn't even square to barrel. Also I'm going to try turning down the ramrod. Kindof like repro parts for our cars - alsmost never quite as good as the originals.
At least the ones that got accepted by the royal armories worked! Some of the machining on this one is mediocre - off center and off kilters holes. The ones we had from the 1970s were generally better in that respect.
Mine's actually a Italian Pedersoli, and generally considered a fairly decent reproduction. I haven't looked into when it was made but guessing later 1980s or 90s.
I love how raw the metalwork is on the springs. Amazing that the flintlock was in active use for over 200 years.
Interesting. Looking through that book, even the last production Bess locks don't have that boss at all. The lock plate must have provided enough thickenss for the threads.
Very true. I never thought about it that way. I think I get lost in amazement at the intricate workings and fine embellishments and engraving on them - at least those made up until the 1790s or so.
I think the oldest I have is this old model 11 12 ga
