Flints

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I was recently watching "Master & Commander" the other night and one of the orders prior to a battle with the French was to put new flints in all the musketry.
............so, Gil, I guess if you are attacked by a 18th century French frigate, you are well prepared!

on a more serious note: how about some insight into flints for those of us who are somewhat new to flintlocks, i.e. English flints vs French flints vs amber flints, how often a flint should be changed, how many shots one should get from a flint, ect.

Interesting how such a little, insignificant piece of rock can become so important.