Quote:Something tells me my first forays will be anything but successful. XD
When using a flintlock be careful to a) not put too much powder in the flash pan and b) do NOT tilt it so that it is piled against the vent hole. I know that b) is counter-intuitive but what happens is that you can end up with what amounts to a "fuse situation." You want the powder in the pan to ignite and flash...not burn.
Second if using a percussion rifle or a flintlock wrap a piece of leather around the firing mechanism to protect it from moisture. Also, keep the weapon at half-cock until ready to fire.