LH Flintlock shooters question

SHills · 01-01-2007, 07:54 PM

Any of youfolks who are LH Flintlock shooters own a LH rifle or a RH rifle? When shooting a flinter does it really matter if you own a LH rifle?
What are the disadvantages verses the advantages?
I already own a RH percussion TC Hawken and the only disadvantage is going to full cock if already shouldered.
Thanks in advance.
SHills

cayugad · 01-01-2007, 08:17 PM

There are a lot of left handed flintlock shooters that shoot a right handed rifle. The one problem they encounter is the pan flash infront of their dominate aiming eye. It takes a lot more concentration to avoid a flinch. Plus I suspect there might be a little danger of powder particals to the eye, but wear shooting glasses and that should not be a problem.

HEAD0001 · 01-01-2007, 09:14 PM

I am a LH shooter. It is very unwise to shoot a RH flintlock with your left hand. I have been burnt before. Just buy a Lyman and move on. Or do not shoot at all. It is that simple. Tom.

Tiogaflinter · 01-02-2007, 04:14 AM

Totally agree with Tom, I have tried RH flinters and didnt like the experience. I am a LH shooter and would not consider using a RH flinter. You can get the Lyman GPR and Deerstalker in LH flint, own both and they are good rifles, I think as good as they come for production rifles.

jboyer · 01-02-2007, 05:30 AM

I am left handed and shoot a right handed flintlock and haven't had any problems. A right hand flintlock is what I have so it's what I shoot. It doesn't take a lot of powder in the pan so the flash can be kept to a minimum.

Jeff

SHills · 01-02-2007, 05:34 PM

Thanks Guys. I can buy a new Lyman GPR @ true net net dist. cost. That is cheaper than a nice used TC or Lyman!I did look @ one @ Gander closely compared to a few other name brandsand it did have the best pan to frizzen fit. I asume that fit prevents moisture and holds the powder better. The way it snaped down was very clean too. After reading here I paid close attention to the flash hole and the finish work on all those parts. There were no TC Hawkens to compare to but all the others were not as nice as the Lyman. The only detraction was the wood selection.
Thanks, SHills

BowHuntingFool · 01-02-2007, 05:56 PM

I shoot a Lyman GPR and love the gun! I love it so much I just bought my second flinter in a year, the Lyman Deerstalker in a .54 cal!

HEAD0001 · 01-03-2007, 11:21 AM

To jboyer: Trust me, it is just a matter of time until you get burnt. I have shot many RH flinter's. I got burnt in a hunting situation when I was focusing on the buck, and not focusing on the RH flinter. Your equipment should be like your right arm. Dependable every time. Or should I have said left arm.

Please do not think that I was not paying any attention. In a hunting situation, you may find yourself in a compromised shooting stance. It is in the compromising situations that the RH flinter will get you in trouble. Regular bench and offhand shooting rarely gives a problem. Tom.

SHills · 01-03-2007, 06:53 PM

Excuse my ignorance!
The only reasonI asked about the RH/LH is it seems that if a LHer shoots a RH rifle the right eye would be to the right of the flint, pan and vent liner and upon ignition does a flash come out the vent liner hole before or after the frizzen is closed?
I would think if the timing is off it could squirt burnt debris all over and well burn your a$$.
SinceI have never shot a flinter how bad is the delay and does it make you flinch the shot and must you follow through like in skeet shooting?
Thanks for the answers,
SHills