I have always found the flintlock to be more distracting than the caplock when it comes to firing a muzzleloader. Not sure if I was introducing new shooters to muzzleloading I would use a flintlock. On second thought, maybe I would. My .32 cal Seneca is a flintlock, and would probably be a better choice than either of my .54 cal caplocks.

While I have no desire to hunt bear in any way, I would not use a flintlock for it. I have had more misfires while hunting small game with my Seneca than I have had with my caplocks while hunting deer, hogs and turkeys.

Just my 2 cents