Flint or Percussion backup pistol?

[mark davidson]

I'm thinking about getting a .62 cal pistol made to carry along with my .62 custom full stock Hawken flintlock rifle. I mainly want the pistol for a quick backup shot or finishing shot if needed. I am kinda leaning toward making the pistol percussion instead of flintlock. Somehow I think percussion in a pistol would be easier to shoot well. Maybe I am wrong? Any of you guys carry a pistol backup where it is legal. If you could would you go with percussion or flint for the pistol?

[Mitch]

I carry a .62 flint pistol-it's a finely crafted piece, tuned lock,etc and I've not yet had a misfire....it's "on the nightstand", loaded and primed and halfcocked almost all the time(how great it would be to defend hearth and home with a flintlock!!) and I've yet to have any problems....I also spend a significant amount of time alone in the woods and here in SW Colorado we've got bear and mountain lion....whatever ignition system you decide on, make sure you pistol is as finely crafted(or better) than the long gun you carry...

[Sir Michael]

I'd say that you should use what ever technology you use use on your rifle.  If it is cap then get a cap pistol.  JMHO

If you are shying away from a flint pistol solely because you think it will be to difficult to shoot, [size=150]DON'T[/size] I got sucked into that old myth when I got started and after shooting for while converted by rifle to flint (11 years ago) and haven't looked back since.  My cap lock is still stored in my shooting box ready if needed.  I may put it on to hunt with if the weather is like the last time  

[mike rumping]

Well said Michael, well said!!
Mike

[graybeard]

I'm 78 and have hunted most autumns since I was 16.  Never needed a "backup" pistol.  I often do carry a pistol in the woods, along with my flintlock rifle, but it's just because I like to.  Carry the flintlock.  It looks better. graybeard

[vthompson]

My wife got me a Lyman Plains Pistol this past Christmas in 50cal. and it is a percussion. She got it to match  my 50cal Hawken Rifle that I use for deer hunting. I plan on using it as a backup pistol.
I haven't used it during hunting season yet but it is a sweet shooting pistol.

[Gordon H.Kemp]

You might want to check your State;s laws concerning carrying handguns durring certain hunting seasons.

[Hanshi]

I carry a flint .50 pistol in the woods.  I don't completely trust these new fangled "percussion" guns.  I want something I can depend on.  They are safer to carry primed and loaded than a cap pistol and you don't have to worry about the cap falling off.   This cap stuff is just a passing fad; it'll never catch on.

[vthompson]

Are you using the right size cap for your gun? Whenever I don't fire my rifle or pistol I have to take my knife and pry the cap off of the nipple. I have never had one fall off.

[Mitch]

vthompson-it's a joke son, a joke.....(using my best Foghorn Leghorn voice)....

[vthompson]

vthompson-it's a joke son, a joke.....(using my best Foghorn Leghorn voice)....

I am sorry that I read it the wrong way. I didn't mean to offend anyone. I didn't mean it like that.

[Mitch]

no offense amigo...as I said, It's a joke son, a joke!!

[huntinguy]

Well, I suppose it depends on what you want the back up for. If it is to provide the coup de grâce it just has to meet the local regulations for a hunting arm.

I think this year is the first year Washington state has allowed for a handgun to be used for black powder hunting.

Staunch Traditional guys may not want to read below this line.

As for me, I carry a 1862 Colt Police. Grouse don't like it much. Balls are small. Powder charge is small. It is just part of my survival gear and rides in the belt easy. But when you are packin a Renegade any hand gun needs to be light...