Manual
10
Loading and Practical Tips for the
Fire Storm
™
Flint Lock Rifle
Complete loading instructions are outlined in the booklet which came with your Fire Storm rifle
“Shooting Thompson/Center’s Black Powder Muzzleloading Firearms”. This booklet must be read
and fully understood before using this rifle. In addition to the information contained in the booklet,
this supplemental manual contains specific information pertaining to only the Fire Storm. It also must
be read and understood fully before attempting to use your rifle.
Never prime your Fire Storm until you are ready to fire it. Your Fire Storm should remain unprimed
(absent of any priming powder in the pan) until the instant before firing. After you prime the Fire
Storm, your full concentration should be on the target and the act of firing. FAILURE TO FOLLOW
THIS RULE CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE WHICH MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY
AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.
T/C recommends that you carry the Fire Storm with the touchhole pick inserted into the touch-
hole, the pan empty, the frizzen closed, and the hammer at half cock. Tying a thong to the touchhole
pick and attaching it to the trigger guard will prevent its loss.
Many pioneers and frontiersmen often used a feather this way; inserting the quill into the touch hole,
with the frizzen closed, holding it in place. When it was time to load, they opened the frizzen, pulled
the quill and primed the pan. Fill one-half the pan with FFFFG (4F) black powder.
Flint Installation - Reliable ignition of your Fire Storm, like any flint lock, is of utmost importance.
Many variables affect a flint lock’s ignition and need to be addressed to provide reliable ignition.
But, then again, that’s what makes using a flint lock so much fun. Here are some factors which
will affect ignition, and some tips to eliminate as many of the “demons” as possible for positive igni-
tion.
1. Insert your flint into the jaws of the hammer,
BEVEL DOWN. Make sure that the flint is cushioned
by a leather pad, surrounding the end of the flint which goes into the jaws. The flint should be held
firmly in the jaws, and, bevel down, it should come to within 1/16” to 1/8” from the face of the frizzen
when the frizzen is closed and the hammer is at half-cock. If it is inserted all the way into the jaws,
and it comes in contact with the face of the frizzen, your flint is too long. Acquire a shorter one. If it
does not come to within 1/16” to 1/8” from the frizzen when fully seated, your flint can be moved for-
ward in the jaws and then tightened securely.
Use TouchHole Pick
after each shot
to help assure
reliable ignition.