Re: MtMan-List: Native use of flintlock vs. percussion guns

[Dennis Fisher <dfisher@sbceo.k12.ca.us>]

Coony35@aol.com wrote:

> As far as native use , flints were perfered. it was easier to find a piece of
> useable flint, than to get caps.

That sounds more like speculation than documentable historical fact.  The Indians and mountain men were in the arms race of the day and the choice of weapons was a life and death decision for them.  It was well documented by men of their day and discussed here previously the reasons why flintlocks came up short.  Flintlocks, while they are pretty and
nostolgic, are not all weather rifles that one would want to stake ones life on under inclimate weather conditions especially high winds and heavy rain.  I'm not saying percussion was the total answer because they were quickly replace by fixed ammunition (rimfire and centerfire).  In the days when you life depended on your ability to defend yourself or get
game, any man would want the best weapon available.  To me the often heard line about being able to pick up flint anywhere as opposed to having to bring along caps is a bunch of BS.  You darn sure are not going to find gunpowder lying around the plains any easier than percussion caps.  You had to buy powder and bring it along and keep it dry, etc.  And if you
ran out of powder it didn't much matter if you had a flint or percussion rifle.  What I'm getting at is that it was no more of a problem to obtain caps, keep them dry, etc. than it was to protect you powder and keep it dry.  Once percussion caps were commonly available flintlocks were converted or replaced by men whose life and livelyhood depended on reliable
functioning of their weapons.

                   Dennis