To pick or not to Pick

[HuntAway]

Your vent hole on a flintlock. I came across an interesting disscussion on another site and thought it would be interesting to see wht you guy's do.

I pick my vent when I don't I get F.I.P.'s. I think it helps keep the liner clean thus ensuring a spark transfer from the pan to the charge. I also bank the powder to the outside of the pan. Basic geometry dictates that would be the preferred place for the prime IMO.

I did a little youtubing and found this Siler lock demo in slow motion. Be patient it is in Super Slow Mo
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=GzgVnH6uEP0&feature=related

and another
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=mLLHXwoClyo&feature=related

[gleason.chapman]

ORIGINAL: HuntAway

Your vent hole on a flintlock. I came across an interesting disscussion on another site and thought it would be interesting to see wht you guy's do.

I pick my vent when I don't I get F.I.P.'s. I think it helps keep the liner clean thus ensuring a spark transfer from the pan to the charge. I also bank the powder to the outside of the pan. Basic geometry dictates that would be the preferred place for the prime IMO.

I did a little youtubing and found this Siler lock demo in slow motion. Be patient it is in Super Slow Mo
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=GzgVnH6uEP0&feature=related

and another
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=mLLHXwoClyo&feature=related

Very cool. Thanks Chap Gleason

[wabi]

When I shot a flintlock I stuck a round toothpick in the vent while I dropped the charge & seated the ball. That kept the powder from being right up against the vent where a single kernel of powder could plug the vent. ThenI'd pull the toothpick out and prime the pan about1/3 full, but keeeping the prime charge well below the vent and to the outside of the pan. Ignition was often as fast as my caplocks.

[Mossie]

I pick.