RE: Flintlocks
/sigh, wish I was able to comment on this earlier.
Sharp: I have been shooting a flintlock for a few months now. There is bit of a learning curve in getting it to fire consistently. However once over that, flintlocks are a lot of fun.
One warning though: be prepared for a lot of attention at the range. Guys have seen percussion weapons so those are not a big deal. But flintlocks? Never. I have had strangers/on-lookers stand right beside me while loading and shooting. If you are prepared for it and can take the questions/attention in stride, it is not too big a deal.
Best of luck.
~Robert