Tompion or Barrel plug

 I have read a few post this season on the question, is it better to unload your flintlock or fire it off when finished for the day or to leave it loaded to hunt the next day or week. Some say yes some say no.

I have never had an issue leaving one loaded whether bring it in the cabin or outside in camp. I do three things to insure it will go off. One: I use a Wooden tompion to plug the barrel, Two: brush out the pan of any prim, Three: plugging the touch hole with a round toothpick or a quill of a feather. Doing both will prevent moisture from dampening the powder charge.

I all so use the tompion as a warning that my fowler is loaded and not to be handled by anyone. I carry one in my shot bag at all time. Both the wooden plug and a piece of wool wrapped a round a undersized ball work great.