Beginners Guide to Flintlocks - Duelist1954
In case you are new to flintlocks, Duelist1954 released a great "Beginners Guide to Flintlocks" on YouTube.
This 4+ part series is the best, most concise guide to flintlocks I've seen in modern media. I recommenced it to anyone new to flintlocks, and as a refresher to veteran flintlock shooters as a reference point for how to share flintlocks with new muzzle loading enthusiasts.
Part one of Mike Beliveau’s Guide covers the flintlock rifle itself, choosing one and the characteristics of a good flintlock. Overall, part one helps guide you as you look for your next or first flintlock as well as the tips to picking a good one.
In part two, Mike covers the flintlock loading basics and goes into detail about the loading components. He discusses roundball brands and sizes, patching materials and thicknesses, and blackpowder, it’s brands and granulation.
Part three of Mike’s series goes in depth into blackpowder, where to get it (even from the mail). Duelist 1954 also details the accoutrements reccommended and needed to keep you shooting your flintlock. He covers tools like vent picks, knapping hammers, and short starters, but he also discusses cleaning solutions and patches.
The most important part of this series, I think, is the fact that Mike lays out what he reccommends, and then he tells you where to get the supplies from a reputable source.
Continuing with the series, Mike breaks down the loading procedure for a flintlock muzzleloader in it’s own video as a quick reference guide.
To top the series off, Mike responds to some viewer questions about how he installs the flint in his flintlock. It may seem like a simple concept to many grey beards, but for a newcomer to flintlocks, getting the flint in right can be troublesome.
This is my go to reference point for new flintlock shooters. Mike provides a great service to the community and has for many years now. As one of the original youtube creators featuring muzzleloaders, he’s a pioneer for getting the hobby and sport in front of hundreds of thousands of people over the last 10 years.
