So I currently have a caplock (traditional sidelock) M/L. I have been toying with the idea of getting another maybe a kit so me and my son can both hunt M/L. When I first got my M/L years ago Flint was an unheard of and expensiv ignition source, Now it seems to be the prefered ignition type of traditionalists. So my question to those that have shot both, what are the pro's and cons?

The only pros for me is to hunt Wheeler wildlife refuge you have to use a flintlock and then the coolness factor. If I had a choice I would hunt with an inline. There is a learning curve with a flintlock. It takes some getting used to to hold on the target throughout the shot. If it's raining you really do have to keep the powder in the pan dry. I own all three and enjoy hunting with them all. I have killed deer with all three. Plus a pig with the flintlock.

Thank Dave..I have looked at the in-lines...but I just can't get myself to go that route...I like the nostalgia. I keep leaning towards staying caps for ease.

To add to what Dave said, if there were advantages to the flintlock they would not have given way to caplocks!

That said, I hope to get a flintlock before long to hunt with. Just looking for more challenge.

I have 2 Flintlocks, a Caplock and an Encore. All are Cool but if I want to put meat on the table I'll pick the Encore every time. That is unless there are restrictions where you're hunting.

I shoot a CVA inline because I use synthetic powders and I know it will go boom like a rifle. I have a friend in North Dakota who is huge into traditional cap locks and wouldn't be caught dead with an inline but he tried flintlocks and didn't like them for actual hunting. He pours all his own balls and shoots only real black powder. I had a traditions cap lock and shot it with synthetic powder and there was a noticeable delay. He tells me that you don't have that as much with black powder.

Well thanks for all the input. While the flint lock does sound cool, in a hunting situation I think the cap and ball is winning me over. Also I really like the looks of the Kentucky rifle kit and it comes as a capper. I have always wanted to build my own so now I just gotta save up a bit more. Th

another thing with flinters, is that a really good lock and properly hardened frizzen and such typically are more expensive than caplock. gonna have me one someday, an english fowler in 28 or 20 gauge ...

If y'all are interested in flints, caps and even inlines, and other traditional lore, take a look at the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association at www.nmlra.org

They have a long history, are good folks, offer competitions at state and national level, have a cool headquarters and range(s) in Friendship, Ind., and the shoots in Friendship are great places to learn more about your guns, gear, and stuff like differences in flint or why your frizzen and lock may not be syncing right to give you the best ignition. Good folks.

There used to be a NMLRA chapter here - Raccoon Mountain Longhunters, I believe - but it eventually disbanded. Anyone interested in re-starting the chapter, meeting to shoot, visiting with other chapters, etc., we'd need at least five NMLRA members to do so. I'm a life member so would just need four more.

www.NMLRA.org

I'm not a NMLRA member (don't have a muzzleloader yet), but i'd be willing to join if it helped. Where did the Raccoon Mountain Longhunters usually shoot?

-GB

Not sure. I have to get in touch with a former member and pick his brain. Might be able to get him involved again, too.

Forgot to mention that the NMLRA has a state affiliation and events are held, usually at Brierfield Historical Park.

http://nmlra.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Alabama-State-Muzzle-Loading-Association.pdf

I'll have to see if I can make it down there this year.

-GB

P.S. Clem, you have a PM

I got it, thanks. Playing catch-up after being gone a week.

so far after owning both . i believe the flint is the way to go

Well I comitted the unspeakable...there is an inline now occupying a spot in my safe. Don't worry it's not mine though, I still have my heart set on a Tennesse or Kentucky rifle. However I saw this gun at Walmart and had to tell my son about it, because it was such a steal. He used all his Christams gift cards and some allowance, but it got him a stainless steel CVA wolf for the of price $99. Plus I loaded him up on acceroies and 100 rounds of ammo and powder for $60. It was a proud moment for me to see my lil boy buy his first gun.

Awww . I just acquired my first muzzleloader, and I'm a happy camper. I'm hoping to give it a whirl this weekend (need to stop by JC's and price roundballs and a measure, if he has them)

-GB

nothing like shooting patched round balls on a flintlock . all I can say is every body should try it at least once but it want be your last of you do lol

Y'all check G-B's "Muzzle Loading Mayday" post about trying to get together and let's see if we can set a date to shoot somewhere and swap info. I'd love to get some tips and such from you veterans.