Anatomy of a Flintlock with Tim Williams

Tim's Website ➧ williamsflintlocks.com
Visit Our Website! ➧ www.townsends.us/ ➧➧
Help support the channel with Patreon ➧ / townsend ➧➧
Facebook ➧ jas.townsend
Instagram ➧ townsends_official

[@duelist1954]

Tim is one of the best rifle builders in the country, and he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.

[@cartermccauley7352]

It’s Duelist!

[@alanparadis5061]

And you Sir, are also a great muzzleloader ambassador lol your videos have been a huge help and inspiration for me, I'm new to this great tradition... and am grateful for the people like you that help keep it alive!

[@displacedredneck]

A true American craftsman. We need more men like this.

[@DougPalumbo]

Supersonic2747, indeed! Stunning craftsmanship!

[@terryharding7476]

So the gun Davy had at the alamo was not the original,just a plain bread and butter gun.?

[@chrishooge3442]

That curly maple wood is gorgeous.

[@edwarddesoignie1194]

I think they’re still out there but you have to work hard to find them. Not a whole lot of them, though.

[@johncipolletti5611]

Yes, beautiful gun. We need a craftsman like this like we need one to build more Ford Model Ts. Yes, I've made them (from kits) but it's a hobbie.

[@Tsiri09]

Each one a work of art. No wonder gunsmiths were highly respected.

[@donnance1480]

Yep, this was back when people bet their lives on their rifle instead of the govmint :)

[@kootenaiblades946]

A gunsmith in those days, we're wood workers, blacksmiths, foundrymen, machinist, and gunsmiths. Master of many crafts.

[@elkhunter8664]

As a gun guy that is one beautiful work of art. This just became my favorite video on this channel. Much appreciated.

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

York County is about 12 miles from me across the Susquehanna River in Pa. As a cabinetmaker and restorer of period furniture, one can see the little details in style even from town to town, just as the rifles. It is very interesting and the art and spirit that went into the making of the gun. If you're going to make something, why not make it as best and as appealing as possible. This is something that is often unseen today. Each maker had their own style and pattern, a special trait and identifying carving or engraving or stock shape. Each piece a work of art and prized possession. Thank You Kindly! DaveyJO in Pa.

[@GlassArtist07]

Jon and the Townsends' folks have submitted a remarkable video presentation here. While the interview focuses on that incredibly detailed reproduction of Davey Crockett's rifle, I was far more impressed by Mr. Tim Williams, and his many skills that are so evidenced in that rifle. Tim's a great example of what a genuine journeyman craftsman really is all about. While he failed to mention how long it took him to create the rifle, I'm certain his time is measured in months, if not years! Thank you Townsends - for sharing this inspiring learning experience with us, for in today's world such talented and dedicated craftspeople are few and far between!

[@daveybass655]

I figure that's maybe a thousand hour piece.

[@jacquesblaque7728]

@@daveybass655 Yup, so at any reasonable hourly rate, you'd better take out a mortgage to buy one, and take extreme care with it, like keep its innards spotless.

[@stevewilliams7852]

Hello Tim, I'm Steve Williams. My great grandpa's name was Poncho David Crockett Williams. Legend has it that David Crockett was a family friend and stayed at their house on his way to the Alamo.

[@ccg8658]

Sir, you are not only a mastercraftsman but also an artist, I have no real interest in flintlocks but could watch you in awe for hours

[@davidw1634]

Only reason I am watching this is because they are uk legal and I would love an antique firearms 😂😂😂

[@steventhomas6483]

C cG , Go out and shoot a flintlock some time and you'll be hooked. They are so much fun to shoot!

[@ChaplainPhantasm]

@@davidw1634 That's good motivation to get your hands on a piece of history, wether it is recreation or original. Have fun with it!

[@randy-9842]

As a native born Texan, I have a deep appreciation for Davy Crockett -- thank you Tennessee for raising him right! Tim, I just caught your episode on Townsend's shorts and came here for the full version. I'm glad I did. That is a magnificent replica and a beautiful firearm! Yes, it's a true piece of art as well. Thank you.

[@donaldparlettjr3295]

You sir, is one seriously talented craftsman. That's a beautiful piece.

[@eaomonn1215]

yeah wow

[@Jettron]

@@eaomonn1215 nah, I think he's just barely good enough to produce something like this through a kit. Did he ever explain what the compartment in the stock was for? All I saw was 3 or 4 holes drilled by spade bits, no finishing. Half the time he talked about the rifle as though he made it and the other half as if someone else made it. Fraud.

[@spikespa5208]

Recommend search KZbin for "Colonial Gunsmith". A Williamsburg Gunsmith. One hour PBS program from 1969 showing a flintlock build from SCRATCH.

[@lawrencepaxton4867]

@@Jettron you sir are a bumass. called a patch box, and he explained that at least three times.

[@edwarddesoignie1396]

It is still a viable tool if needed.

[@saeidnia1689]

What a nice gentelman Tim William is he is one of greatest gunsmith and historian and policeman, Wish him all the best, love Peace Freedom from Iran

[@williammount6496]

As an Ambassador I find the reenactors to be great people .. and I was enlisted to portray a Russian Observer ...Great Fun

[@redhed9776]

Love your channel.....

[@rosemcguinn5301]

Beautiful craftsmanship.

[@copperbear8310]

Rose McGuinn oh, there you are.

[@rosemcguinn5301]

Hey there, Copper! :)

[@carlalorch8650]

Yes indeed.

[@RiverRat1953]

I wish that I ordered one of Tim’s long bows before he stopped making them. His rifle building takes up all his time. Tim is a great guy!

[@420Pikachu]

Born on a mountain top in Tennessee greenest state in the land of the free raised in the woods so he knew ev'ry tree kilt him a be 'are when he was only three Davy, Davy Crockett, king of the wild frontier!

[@noahlarch9696]

AdoptedParasyte I appreciate this comment

[@420Pikachu]

I appreciate the appreciation

[@ryankiesow8440]

@@420Pikachu I appreciate the appreciation of being appreciated.

[@felixvinogradov6415]

Thumbs up but truth is Davy was born close to the Nolichucky River in Greene County, TN. Not on a mountaintop. But, Greene County is named for Rev War hero Nathaniel Greene, who never stepped foot in that part of TN.

[@GiveMeYourNachosButthead]

KING OF THE WILD FRONTIER \,,/

[@herrunsinn774]

While your craftsmanship is beyond reproach, might I comment on your flawless execution of the English language? While remaining true to your rural southern accent and dialect, it is clear you are a well educated man. You are what is called "well spoken". Respect!

[@sartainja]

Yes, I noticed that as well.

[@felixcat9318]

What a beautiful, exquisite work of craftsmanship this remarkable rifle is! The Craftsmen himself is a fantastic narrator of detailed history and wherever one looks on his rifle there is such beautiful detail. I would nevet get bored looking at this rifle, everything about it is captivating.

[@heathgenthner6167]

Sir that's the best replica of "Old Betsey"!! Amazing art work. Great presented. Only thing you never told was the caliber you made it. The orginal rifle was a .40 cal. I want one now.

[@jaredgreen5840]

Ah yes the original 1776 assault rifle 😉👍👍

[@corn_pop6082]

Obviously the Founders didn't want citizens to have the most modern weapons of their day such as this flintlock. I heard on good authority that Nancy Pelosi believes the Second Amendment applied only to blunderbusses when the Bill of Rights were added to the Constitution.

[@stevecook413]

Assault rifle... Run .. fleee. Think of the children Oh wait. Need it to feed the children

[@raisagorbachov]

@@corn_pop6082 I heard Nancy Pelosi looked at the problem of getting TP and decided to get herself an uzi so she could raid the Andrex warehouse.

[@warpartyattheoutpost4987]

You can tell it's an "assault rifle" because it has "that thing on the side that goes up."

[@stevecook413]

@@warpartyattheoutpost4987 it is not a thing the side.. . It is a thingy on the side And let us not forget about the very scary ram rod. Oops and the back powder i mean African American powder.

[@barbarahawkins7930]

Thank you for having these shows on you tube ! I love all that old history.

[@MorgansRaiders23]

Remember seeing the video of Mr. Williams a year or so ago on here. You can really tell he has a great passion for his trade. Thanks Townsends for posting!

[@clarkelliott5389]

Tim, you are fantastic at explaining everything in such detail without repetition! Tremendous craftsmanship! You should write a book on this if you haven't already! Thanks!

[@catyear75]

Beautiful rifle ... that Flintlock really is a work of art .. and functional as well ! Super informative, thank you for posting this !

[@NS-pf2zc]

What a beautiful rifle. What talent! I keep thinking of The Last of the Mohicans when he is covering the scout running!

[@rosemcguinn5301]

One of my fave parts of that film!

[@marquislouis-josephdemontc1518]

That’s one of my favorite movies.

[@redhed9776]

Actually, Tim learned from Brian LeMaster who made 2 guns for that movie......

[@mikekemper9566]

That era Daniel boone.

[@chrisstick5403]

This was very educational. Thanks for the great video. Only thing was I would have liked to see the weapon being fired.

[@Ammo08]

I have a rifle that was made for my 3rd great grandfather in 1830. It was converted to a percussion rifle sometime later. It is still working. I keep it clean, and occasionally fire a cap through it. It's missing the brass patch box on the stock. It's a 54 caliber as best I can tell. Somewhere along the line the trigger guard was broken and my brother in law had it repaired by a blacksmith in West Tennessee...neat rifle. It's a very plain Jane rifle, a working man's gun.

[@thomasbroderick961]

My question is how 36 people disliked this informative and wonderfully educational video. Beautiful work Mr. Williams. You have great passion. Thank you so much for keeping this art alive.

[@verdatum]

I've spoken to Tim before. He does absolutely beautiful work. So far, everyone I've spoken to who make modern flintlocks have been just marvelous craftsmen; passionate and knowledgeable in their field, and selecting only the very best materials for their work. In this case, the figured maple shown is simply gorgeous. This is an example of work that effortlessly survives beyond a lifetime.

[@LeLilley1]

I have always admired these beauties! The craftmanship is absolutely unbelievable!! Thanks you for sharing!!

[@aislinngraves4291]

Oh, that weapon is exquisite!

[@mikeb9396]

Tim Williams, thank you, and thank you to Townsends to put this video together; it brought back a lot of memories. Today would have been my Dad's 89th birthday. My Dad began building his own muzzleloading rifles in the late 1960's and continued doing so until his early 80's. He went from percussion to flintlock, through the various county schools, and then wound up building trade guns. Some he sold, some he kept, and some he gave away. Mine, which may have started off life as a Bedford County, is still sitting on the mantle in my Mom's basement on display for family and friends to see. Rifles of this type are absolute works of art that take many, many hours to complete. I'm pretty certain that he kept a log of the hours spent on each piece.

[@halbertking2683]

I read a book about Lewis and Clarke. It stated that their rifles were made in my hometown ,Pittsburgh ,Pa. When I was a kid I saw Clarke Gable movie. It was a mountain man movie. There was scene with a line up of mountain men in marksmanship contest. The contestant had one arm and they showed him reloading his muzzleloader. 59 Gibson Les Paul guitars had flame maple tops. Love that wood. I wish you made guitars. That rifle of yours is beyond art.

[@Otokichi786]

For those obsessed with the "Zombie Apocalypse," this is your long term survival rifle/gun. Long after the manufactured metal primers and spun brass cartridges are all gone, you can make your own gunpowder, knap your own flints, and cast your own lead balls.

[@RalphReagan]

Otokichi786 flint napping is hard

[@bennyvermeulen7255]

Curious, I had the same thought, you can make easily your own ammunition infinite. I saw an history episode from that time period were the people in defending their town made their bullets from their forks, knives, spoons etc by melting it and casting it into a ball mold, and made gunpowder with guano. And I would go full heavy knight armour with a sword, let’s see if they can go true that with their teeth.

[@captaincaveman8080]

You would be over run by a hoard of 2+ zombies by the time you reload that antique Haha beautiful rifle I will admit

[@MrBottlecapBill]

@@captaincaveman8080 Can't forget the bayonet on the front and the hatchet at your hip!

[@captaincaveman8080]

@@MrBottlecapBill only if you're Rick Grimes

[@clintonforney2374]

Very interesting presentation, especially your discussion about York Co. Pa. My 5th great grand father was resident there from 1740 to 1804.

[@tonybuk70]

what a lovely looking gun, and your passion comes through too :) good vid

[@jonhcarolina]

Thanks for your craftsmanship and attention to deep historical accuracy. Much appreciated.

[@chrishooge3442]

I built a .54 caliber Hawken style cap rifle in the early 1990's. My memory says I bought the kit from Dixie Gun Works in the $200 range. Good luck finding a kit gun at that price now. I've fired it many times with Pyrodex, ball, and mini-ball style bullets. I took a deer through the heart within 50 yards. Very effective rifle. It now hangs on my wall with a home-made plaque mount. She is so well balanced. I'll take her out again at some point. Edit: I highly recommend getting a kit gun and building it yourself. Very Rewarding and maybe an heirloom piece for your family.

[@stevejenkins9984]

Beautiful I made a 45cal kit I found a barrel and lock in a wall. So I made the stock of white ash and hard maple scaled on the sides. I love the craftsmanship in these old guns!

[@paulsimmons5726]

And I thought I was happy with my Colt SAA's and Winchester lever guns... It looks as though I may need to back up another 100 years and widen my collection, yet again. Simply gorgeous craftsmanship. Indeed, I see what's around the bend.

[@daviddawson1718]

I still love my wife Winchester '94,and my Colt SAA

[@GuntherRommel]

On the one hand I love when you post cooking, on the other hand, I love the interviews. You have some really well-researched and knowledgeable people in Revolutionary War LH.

[@rickyburton4642]

Absolutely awesome Tim. You always go above and beyond and your work is second to none l

[@453421abcdefg12345]

What a pleasure to watch and listen to a man that obviously knows what he is talking about, having made this excellent rifle he knows the various intricacies of it, he also comes across as a very nice person, many thanks for posting this ! I wonder what the thumbs down voters found lacking in this wonderful video ? Chris B.

[@24934637]

Thanks for showing this beautiful creation! I may not know a huge amount about flintlocks myself, but as a knifemaker, I can spot quality craftsmanship, and this is truly a work of art!

[@Kimchiboy08]

Fascinating. Love history and enjoyed listening to this gentleman explain. He himself is a walking history library I bet. I am adding “So forth” to my vocabulary. I don’t understand how anyone would unlike this video. We should cherish individuals such as this.

[@alanmackinnon3516]

Beautiful, stunning piece of work.

[@JoeMac1983]

Tim looks uncannily like Fred Bear, who brought the dead art of archery back into the mainstream. Tim is doing that for flintlocks. Beautiful craftsmanship!

[@wanderlustjake]

A fantastic piece of art! We really enjoyed the video and Mr Williams narration. Where was this episode filmed? Please do more like these.

[@bmfl5338]

Great video - please do more like this! Great stuff!

[@livvydoodles]

A beautiful rifle and an excellent instructor! Thanks for producing such an outstanding video!

[@Siren851]

What an outstanding presentation! I learned a lot. Very unassuming yet very authoritative. Object piece is a work of art.

[@willglo]

Very awesome and beautiful rifles! You're very talented! thanks so much for sharing!

[@williammills936]

Those rifles are so so beautiful! I would never be able to afford something like that. Thank you for the video and sharing those beautiful pieces of art with us.

[@fukemnukem1525]

I absolutely love this channel. I can get lost for hours here..... Thank You.

[@mountainman.4478]

That's one of my grandfather's flintlock , he did all the carving and design himself I have some of the same flintlocks in storage! Amazing to see his legacy!

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Great overview of the rifle… great introduction. I think arms making is an art form, and overtime it has evolved to be highly automated. There’s something very special about older, handcrafted weapons 💯

[@ptonpc]

Beautiful. Tim's skill and passion shine through.

[@dereklucero7832]

I have learned more about history from the Townsend’s than I paid for in 4 years of higher education! Mr. Williams skills can never be replaced!

[@freidelkyle]

Perfect presentation! Love to see more videos like this from you guys!

[@DavidJohnson-wj5zk]

Excellent presentation. A beautiful piece.

[@davidschmidt6013]

I've never had the pleasure of listening to a gentleman speak both so knowledgeably and eloquently about flintlock rifles. What's also interesting is that by the end of the vid, you feel as if this gentleman were your friend. Great vid! Mr. Townsends, thank you for sharing, and if possible please pass on my greetings and respects to Mr. Williams.

[@lskiller1903]

I had a boss man one time tell me he was going to fire me. I told him hell go ahead, I've been fired more times than Davey Crockett's rifle.

[@flipflopsguy8868]

You win the internet today sir !

[@exexpat11]

@@rockyfolley1511 His name was Rockford Folley the Third. He never went by "Rocky".

[@lskiller1903]

@@rockyfolley1511 Well how in the hell do you know who I'm talking about then.

[@lskiller1903]

@@exexpat11 😂👍😂👍😂👍

[@DvlHownd]

Just wow. You, Sir, are an artisan. Your explanations of "why" and "how" in the video are articulate and understandable. The craftsmanship is awe inspiring. What you have done is truly a lost art and a fantastic link to our pioneer heritage history. The way you handle the firearm so deftly displays the easy balance of why this type of rifle was so well liked in it's day. The craftsmanship and attention to detail of such a fine firearm that it is made in the same manner as our forefathers is very commendable. The rifle that you make, is not only a work of art, it is a piece of American history. Kudos to you Sir. Bravo Zulu.

[@edfaringer8671]

Fantastic presentation of a beautiful rifle. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@victorcontreras9138]

Thanks for such a great video! I like your knowledge and expertise. It is a real good thing to know there are people like you that have a profound dedication for such items that bring back history. Keep up the great work!

[@kalelanphere7215]

Beautiful pieces you have there

[@charlesdriggers199]

I appreciate this. Being a gunsmith I have an affinity for old and new firearms.

[@jonapleseid7393]

This guy is an incredible artist

[@robertfaught5174]

Great video, great speaker and craftsman.

[@stephensmith4480]

What fantastic craftsmanship. It must be a real labor of love to make fine pieces of what I consider to be Practical Art. Superb.

[@joeaardvark9214]

Dude this is amazing. That weapon is absolutely a gorgeous work of art, and Tim is not only a master of his craft and extremely passionate, knowledgeable, and well-spoken, but he also LOOKS like a guy you'd meet in a cabin out in the woods who hunts, traps, and builds rifles.

[@mr.thickey1820]

"Ach du lieber, mein schatz"!!! One of the most GEORGEOUS rifles I've ever seen! But to me the most beautiful thing is the very very beautiful dark reddish brown wood stain & finish. It's an "eye popper"! Not only is this rifle a gorgeous piece of sculpture but it can actually shoot, as in giant clouds of wonderful schmoke!! Wish we could have seen it perform. I own a very beautiful .54 custom made J.P.Beck Lancaster style rifle made by Monte Mandarino with a wooden patchbox. No AR15 type black rifle can come close to the pleasure of shooting these wonderful rifles. "Gifs goot feelingk"!!!!!

[@steventhomas6483]

going out shooting an AR15 ,is going out shooting. Shooting a good flintlock is an experience. Given a choice, I'd rather shoot my flintlock than my AR every time.

[@trsnomis6471]

Excellent workmanship and excellent presentation.

[@smithwesson3771]

Amazing and beautiful just awesome the pride in making such artwork not just a firearm!!

[@_WillemEdwarddeGraal]

Impressive work of art! And an amazing piece of machinery! Packed with history.

[@Bucklerbjorn]

What a beautiful flintlock and what an amazing craftmanship. Wow!

[@robertcorradi8573]

Beautiful piece of work sir. Beautiful and so skillfully executed ... Art in its truest sense.

[@jalspach9215]

Tim Williams is truly a master craftsman. I was completely enthralled with his informative and quite pleasant presentation. One thing struck me though. When he opened the patch box my heart sank. Or perhaps, more precisely, my mind just went ??? oh, my, dear me why? I just don't comprehend doing such beautiful meticulous work and then leave modern Forstner bit scars evident in the bottom of the box's stock maple wood. If those are period "brace & bit" marks I apologize. Seems to me though even those masters back then would have done the same as I do with modern bits; run shallow to hog material & chisel finish clean including the bottom. I'll even "sacrifice" a Forstner by grinding off the point if need be. Exquisite work. Almost, but not quite God Level. Over all, great vid.

[@familytreenutshistorygenealogy]

Really enjoyed this one. Excellent shots of the how to load and of the rifle itself. I learned a bit on this one.

[@GardensLadyBug]

This is the closest view I've ever had to one. What beautiful and detailed work went into this.

[@MrCombatmedic00]

Simply beautiful, I love the patch box, very iconic

[@captainamerica6525]

Kudos to you my good man for keeping the knowledge of our history alive.

[@kirkmarrie8060]

Awesome demonstration! Historically Cool! Thank you. Keep 'em coming!

[@steelwitness]

I appreciate this a lot. I grew up in Tennessee and Davie Crockett was my hero i always said id be like him. I couldnt imagine owning such an awesome replica of Ol' Betsy much less being the guy that made the replica.

[@genegarren833]

Incredible detail and professional work.

[@jonathanholland8133]

Wow! A true work of art and an great presentation. Thank you.

[@michaelfuller2153]

Nicely done! There is a 1969 film on KZbin featuring Wallace Gussler at Colonial Williamsburg, hammering a barrel...and a lock from a piece of wrought iron. Rifling the barrel on a Colonial rifling machine. Fascinating to watch. Narrated by David Brinkley.

[@karmaclanton5544]

Beautiful handcrafted art!!!

[@robrussell5911]

Beautiful work!

[@GoldenClays1]

Such a great video and explanation of a Crockett rifle. You do beautiful work.

[@blank557]

A thing of beauty is a joy forever. This man and his work is superb.

[@brettkramer]

Wow, whoever shot and edited this video, knows their stuff. Nice work !!

[@5035551212]

Very informative and as earlier commenters have said,presented incredibly well. Thank you and,more please?

[@drewwilliams1337]

Very interesting video! What an informative chap.

[@anthonypoole6901]

That’s a beautiful rifle! I love these old flintlocks just absolutely a stunning piece of eye candy.

[@jarrettmetz4346]

How crazy is it that this guy made this rifle and others. The man had an incredible gift. God bless him he’s a genius

[@michaelpthompson]

What a beautiful piece of art! Thank you.

[@RedcoatsReturn]

Masterful art and craft! Heartening to see such great American knowledge and skills are still to be found 🙂

[@blueridgebushcraft8294]

That is an awesome piece of craftsmanship and artistry.

[@OBXN]

A beautiful piece of art made by a master. You can almost tell how it feels and balances by the look of it. Would be pleasure to fire it just once.

[@garyhiggins4315]

That is incredible! A real work of art! I can't begin to imagine how many hours go into work like that? I am just reworking the wood grip on my bow including checkering! That's difficult enough! Thanks for posting!

[@ourtechwriter]

More like this, please! Excellent!