Flints & Humidity? (more frustration)

[Mr. 16 gauge]

O.K., I've done EVERYTHING that I can think of to get this stupid trade musket to spark reliably....I've been checking it periodically throughout the year, and every time I try it, I get a nice shower of sparks to the pan.
Took it out on Sunday to get some practice with it, and.....same old problem I've been having since I got it! I get one or two shots with the thing, and then it misfires (no sparks) or, if I'm "lucky", I'll get a flash in the pan.

I'm about ready to swear off flinters, sell the damn thing, and by a caplock shotgun.....I can make those go "BOOM" fairly reliably.

My question is: Most days I shoot in the summer end up being unbearably hot and humid.....will high humidity affect the sparking ability of a flint?

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

Sometimes when I get little spark after 2 or 3 shots, I find that BP residue has built up on the flint and frizzen and is acting like a lubricant. I wipe off the flint and frizzen with a damp cloth I keep on the bench in a ziplock bag followed by a dry cloth. It works for me. Hope this helps.

Adam

[Johnny Reb]

Sounds like real good advise Adam. I think I will start doing that too.

[Adam Helmer]

Johnny Reb,

After a few shots with a flintlock, look closely at the flint; it is coated with pan residue because it sits in the pan when the priming cooks off. That residue is a gray film that does not help with sparking. Wipe it off and then shoot some more.

Adam

[quigleysharps4570]

I carry patches and alcohol in my possibles bag...wipe off frizzen, pan and flint after every shot. Don't matter if I'm hunting or plinking.