Advantages of a Flintlock
Muzzle-loader.
1)
Ammo is less
expensive than a modern equivalent calibre firearm.
2)
The smoothbore
is very versatile, being able to digest round ball, bird shot, & buckshot,
or any combination of two of these (can also use minies/conical slugs).
3)
The fusil is
lighter to carry than a modern equivalent sized gun.
4)
You can vary the
load if needs be.
5)
The smoothbore
will digest other projectiles besides lead.
6)
Lead can be retrieved
from downed game & remoulded with a simple mould & lead ladle. This
means that you can carry less lead, & more of the lighter gunpowder.
7)
You can make
your own gunpowder.
8)
You can use the
lock to make fire without using gunpowder.
9)
You can use
gunpowder for gunpowder tinder fire lighting if needs be.
10)
IF the lock should malfunction (these are very
robust & it is not likely) you can easily repair it if you are carrying a
few spare springs & a few simple tools.
11)
If you do not
have any spare parts & the lock malfunctions, you can easily convert it to
a tinderlock or matchlock & continue using it.
12)
You do not need
a reloader, brass shells, caps, or primers. The latter have been known to break
down in damp conditions or if they are stored for too long.
13)
Wadding for ball or shot is available from
natural plant materials or homemade leather or rawhide.
14)
Less chance of
being affected by future ammunition control legislation.
15)
Gunpowder is
easily obtainable providing you have a muzzle-loader registered in your name
regardless of calibre (NSW).
16)
A .32 caliber flintlock rifle is more powerful
than a .22 rimfire, less expensive to feed, more accurate over a greater
distance, able to take small & medium sized game, & other than not
being able to use shot (unless it is smoothbore), it has all the attributes of
the other flintlocks. For larger game you can load with conical slugs, which of
course you can make yourself in the field.
17)
Damage from a
.62 calibre or .70 calibre pistol or long arm is in the extreme. Wounded prey
is unlikely to escape.
18)
By using buck & ball you are unlikely to
miss your target. This load is capable of taking out more than one target.
19)
There is less kick-back to a muzzle-loading
gun.
20)
Antique Flintlock muzzle-loading guns do not
require a license, registration, or a permit to purchase in NSW Australia.
