Guide to Muzzleloaders

Flintlock vs Percussion

The flintlock, introduced in France in the early 17th century, was the first practical method of firing a gunpowder weapon without using a burning match. It used a piece of flint held in a set of jaws called a cock, striking a piece of steel called a frizzen, igniting a small powder charge in a flash pan. This would then ignite the main charge.

Flintlock mechanism - reproduction Brown Bess musket

The percussion lock, otherwise known as a caplock, was introduced in England and American in the 1820s. It used a hammer striking a fulminate of mercury cap on a nipple, the flame of which would then ignite the main charge. This was significantly simpler, faster and more reliable than the flintlock.

Percussion lock mechanism - Nepalese-made Enfield Pattern 1853