[Sentry44]

Gents,
I've got all manner of rifles, including an in-line smoker, but I'm new to flintlock, and curious to hear feedback on good range ettiquette (beyond the obvious that applies to all guns).

I've belonged to my range for 13 years, and they have a section on the far side of the 50/100 specifically denoted for muzzleloaders. So I called and asked about 'going cold' procedure, and no one knew...that's how long it's been since serious flint guys have been active. The place is only ever crawling with 'tactical pants' dudes shooting black plastic Barbie guns.

So maybe you all can give me a primer on what 'good safe' is?

Just thinking logically, if the gun were pointed upward, with the frizzen wide open, should that do? I THINK I may have spotted some kind of rack down there. Does that make sense?

Im trying to head off the "where's your yellow flag" commentary...

Appreciate some comments.

Sentry44

 

[Bumble Bea]

As long as you have it pointed in normal directions for loading you should be safe because you would either be pointing down range or straight up.
You wouldn't prime your gun until you had it on the bench pointing down range at which point it would be considered loaded.
I've made guys wait if I was too close to shooting to give them a clear.

 

[tundragriz]

...(beyond the obvious that applies to all guns)....

Powder in the pan is considered loaded...
Half cock is safety on...

Remove the ramrod from the barrel before you shoot if someone is on either side of you!

 

[Pa Poorboy]

Also if flintlock make sure no one is close by on the pan side when firing .

 

[soup1279]

On the bench or rack, pan empty and barrel unloaded is how we have the guns when we go down range. No one ever questions us. We always shoot the gun empty prior to going down range.

They make flash guards if you're shooting close. We use those as well.

 

[Steeltrap]

Never have someone go down range if there is a charge in the barrel. Pan powder doesn't matter. I've had my flintlock go off with no powder in the pan. (Rainy day after hunting...kept cleaning out the pan\flashhole, muzzle in a safe direction, was checking for flint spark. Man...was I surprised!!)

If you have a charge in the barrel, and cannot get the firearm to discharge, put the rifle in a rack that points the muzzle straight up. The rack should secure the firearm so that it will not fall. The prefered method is no charge in the barrel. This straight up "procedure" only if you cannot discharge the firearm before people are going to go down range. (You know...you can't get the gun to discharge for a variety of reasons)

 

[Sentry44]

Thx for adding this, Steeltrap. My range does have a rack against which you can 'lean' vertically. I guess I need a thick rubber strip to put down between my nice blued but plate and concrete.

Sentry44

 

[canadahollywood]

Don't think the gun is safe just because there is no powder is in the pan.....my biggest surprise was having my gun go off without any powder in the pan. I was checking the spark after changing the flint.....BOOOOOM. Gun was pointed down range.....but surprised me.