ALWAYS clean and re-lube the works of a flintlock, as the flash from the pan canleavesome powder fouling inside the lock-if left too long, this can cause somehorrendous rusting of springs & sears!! I usually do the same with my cap-locks too, but not every time I shoot them-usually just at theeend of the season, and so far, no real problems.

Locks are supposed to fit tight. The tighter, the better! This helps keep fouling and other dirt out of the works.

What I do to remove a tight lock is to unscrew the lock screws completely, put a piece of hard wood on the screw heads, and tap the stickslightly with a plastic screwdriver handleto dislodge the lock and push it out of its recess. Then you might have to usethe cock or hammer for a little leverage AFTER you've pushed it out of the recess as far as you can with the screws. Just be careful not to damage the stock......