Traditional Muzzleloading Association
Traditional Firearms => Caplock Long Guns => Topic started by: Bigsmoke on May 01, 2023, 03:30:01 PM
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A few years ago, I purchased a T/C PA Hunter from Kees. He had upgraded the rifle and I really liked what he did. First and foremost, he had Bobby Hoyt rebore it to .54 caliber. Then he updated the ignition system from the stock T/C flintlock to an L & R RPL flintlock. And then, if that wasn't enough, he had Bobby Hoyt construct a 20 gauge barrel for the firearm. Man, how could it get any better? Than for some reason, he decided to sell the rifle and without even consulting with the home treasurer, I said, "Yep, I'll take it."
I don't know how many times I have done this dance before, and over the years and the times I did it, it has cost me dearly. But once again, I thought I would switch over to flintlock and be happy and satisfied with it. And, this time, I have honestly tried to accept that's what I am going to shoot. Well, sorry, but that just wasn't going to happen. I tried, I honestly tried, but it just didn't work.
So, last year I ordered an L & R RPL percussion lock for the rifle and not wanting to rush a good thing, I fiddled around until the first of April to do the modifications. It was going to be converted with a drum. Not having a mill, or even a drill press anymore, I chose to have a gunsmith make the transition. Trying to find a gunsmith that will work on a muzzleloader in central LaLaLand was a chore in itself.
Anyway, the rifle was finished yesterday and I picked it up last night. I am pretty happy with the job and glad to have a percussion rifle to shoot.
(https://i.ibb.co/m0c31vF/IMG-7635.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RNDqZh4)
And, while he was at it, I had the guy install the touch hole liner from the original barrel into the smoothbore barrel.
(https://i.ibb.co/9HT3mnS/IMG-7637.jpg) (https://ibb.co/v4PvC1R)
The good news there is it increased the diameter of the touchhole a good amount.
But, there is always some sort of problem that needs to be overcome. The hammer of the T/C RPL percussion lock is offset about a quarter of an inch. And that is not going to work all that well.
(https://i.ibb.co/jGhcTCR/IMG-7636.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7VvwX34)
So, I am thinking:
1) bend the hammer cold?
2) Heat the hammer and bend it hot?
3) Use you brain and pick up the phone.
I chose option 3 and called L & R. I talked to Tim and he suggested using the hammer off of their Leman lock which doesn't have that offset.
The solution's in the mail.
Finally, I am going to get a chance to use up some of the RWS caps and genuine GOEX tin can powder I have been stockpiling.
John
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That's a nice looking rifle! I like the looks, the history and the romance of the flintlock, and even the mechanical dance as the flint in the cock strikes the frizzen . . . but . . . I'm with you that my preference for shooting is the caplock. Additionally, it appeals to me because it is nearly at the pinnacle of muzzle loading evolution. To my thinking, the Williamson derringer system gets my vote for the best of the BP world as it could shoot both loose powder with ball, ignited by a cap, or those newfangled cartridges. I wonder if Williamson ever tried to adapt his lockwork to a small caliber rifle.
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My eyesight isn't what it used to be, but is that a washer under the nipple?
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My eyesight isn't what it used to be, but is that a washer under the nipple?
Nope. But you made me look, anyway.
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Me like ;)
Kevin
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Nope. But you made me look, anyway.
[/quote]
Now you see one of the reasons I don't shoot the postals. :Doh!
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Me like ;)
Kevin
Want to take a couple of shots with it next month?
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Well you can certainly bring it along.
Should be a good time .
Kevin
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The rifle looks quite good, IMO. Did you have any trouble with the flint lock on the rifle? I prefer flint and that's what I shoot but I still have three percussions I really like. Good shooting! :bl th up
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The rifle looks quite good, IMO. Did you have any trouble with the flint lock on the rifle? I prefer flint and that's what I shoot but I still have three percussions I really like. Good shooting! :bl th up
No, the lock works just fine, although it is a little harsh on flint wear. It seems to be hitting a little bit square on. I guess one could tweek the angle of the cock downward just a bit, but it would still be a flintlock. And I really don't care for flinters. And that's just me. I have sure tried to change my mind over the years, but that never really worked.
John (Bigsmoke)
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That was a hell of a thing to do to a good rifle! :bigsmile:
~Kees~
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Well, Kees, maybe so. Or maybe no.
I can understand your concept of my going from flint to percussion on the rifle. What a horrible thing to do.
But on the other hand, I really do not like flint rifles. So it was a wonderful thing to do.
However...
I did retain the flint lock and will use it with the smooth bore barrel. So, it's still a flinter, kinda. And, the touch hole liner off the rifle barrel is now installed on the smoothbore barrel, so its ignition should be better.
And, L & R did send the hammer off the Leman style lock right out and I installed it Thursday. It lines up just fine now. So, all is well.
John (Bigsmoke)
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Another question: does the drum have the same diameter & threads where it screws into the barrel as the touch hole liner had? In that case all is not lost, for if you want to shoot it flint you could just unscrew the drum and reinstall the liner and flint lock. Dixie used to sell one of their rifles that way so you could have the best of both worlds.
~Kees~
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Kees,
No, we went from 1/4-28 up to 5/16-18 (I think). I figured it would be better to have a little more meat on the threads.
IIRC, I seem to recall that touch hole liners are available in that size also, but I also recall hearing that it is not a good idea to change back and forth as over time, it would alter where the drum stops when tight.
John (Bigsmoke)
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So, here it is all put together with the new hammer.
(https://i.ibb.co/Yhbgq3C/IMG-7638.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7Kbh6Xf)
And a front on view of the position of the new hammer relative to the nipple.
(https://i.ibb.co/k1BjsBG/IMG-7639.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5F4mg41)
Much better, I think.
John (Bigsmoke)
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Looks good, John! :hairy Now you have to get out and burn some powder, then report back on how she does.
~Kees~
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Reporting back.
Last Sunday, I took the rifle down the road to the local black powder club's monthly shoot.
Of course, I got there late and missed one relay, but I really wasn't there for the competition, I just wanted to see how the rifle worked with the percussion setup.
Observations:
With RWS rifle caps and MSM Spitfire nipples, the ignition was crisp with no hangfires, misfires or other pesky problems.
Obviously, I had no problems with worn out flints, either.
Although the Leman hammer didn't line up with the nipple perfectly, it didn't seem to make any difference.
A torn rotator cuff does not make for a steady hold. I think at 100 yards, I could shoot at the center of a 2' culvert and some of the shots would still land outside of it.
I am liking this and I think if I do some shooting off a bench, I should be able to get the load worked in and then adjust the sights for the new ignition.
John (Bigsmoke)
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Better get at it John, rendezvous is only a few weeks away .
Pretty sure the snows gone up there now.
Kevin
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I didn't think you'd have any trouble with the Nipple alinement John. I've seen this before with other Percussion ML's - and they seemed to fire just fine. Are your RWS caps the "Hot" ones? Even if they aren't, I just don't think it would be a problem as that jet of fire is long gone down that nipple tube when it ignites into the channel to the charge. :bl th up
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Joe,
The CCI caps are regular and "Magnum".
RWS Red Label Caps are a bit hotter than the CCI Magnums. I have heard that their green label caps are a bit warmer than the red label ones. They are also a bit longer for use on revolvers, so they won't fall off the nipples. It's been years since I had any of those. Considering they are a slow seller, most places won't even stock them. That's OK, because they are hard to get. When I was selling RWS caps, I would typically bring in the Red Label and the 4 wing and 6 wing musket caps. Maybe every third order I would order 5K of the greenies.
John (Bigsmoke)
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I use the RWS No. 1075 Plus Caps, and I like them a lot! I use to use the CCI Caps, but when it came time to get more caps - my supplier was out of the CCI's - but he had the RWS caps. IMHO it worked out for me. I simply can not recall ever having an under powered dud with an RWS Cap. :bl th up
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How is the source for caps out there? I haven't seen any in a long time; I'm down to probably 100 or less, not that I shoot the caplock much; may need to rectify that. I do have the kit to make my own, made 25 or so and since then it's been sitting. Hmm, maybe another Winter project...
~Kees~
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Kees,, With the amount of shooting I do, I probably have a lifetime supply of both caps and powder. It has been close to forever since I went into a gun shop and bought caps. Or anything, really. Before we sold our business, I made sure I had a good supply of most anything I would need. As far as powder goes, I have been pretty lucky at the last rendezvous' I went to and bought several pounds, probably all at $15 - $20 a pound. The last time I went to a monthly local shooting match, they were selling GOEX for $25. But I didn't need any then.
John
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Powder I have, flints I have, lead I have, pillow ticking I have. Also several types of patch lube, besides saliva. But caps, that is where I am lacking. I want to take the Bobcat out and see how I do with it, and that is doable for a while, but then I will be out of caps.... :Doh! :o