Honestly Rock Fish, I don't even notice the lock action. I was aware of it for myfirst couple of shots with the gun last year (flintlock virgin), but all awareness disappearedonce I became convinced that the lock was going to work every time and do me no harm. As Cayugad says "flintlocks are a lot simpler than people think".

Some after action notes:

(1) I really did like the pure olive oil lubed patches and plan to stick with those for now.
(2)I was using a flint from Richard Pierce, a flint knapper in St. Louis, MO.He uses a white native American stone and charged me $24 & $2 S&H for 24 flints. Whatever the rock is - it sparks really well and sure holds up well. This is the first one of his that I've used and I have thirty-something shots with it and it still looks good. I have not knapped the edge yet either.