What common problems do older or lower quality flintlocks tend to have?
Common issues include lock plates that are not flat, bolsters that are not the same distance from or parallel to the plate, sear screws that cannot be fully tightened because the bridle pinches the sear, main springs or sear arms that rub on the plate, and large gaps between the internal parts and the plate or bridle. These problems have traditionally required a builder to hand tune the lock after purchase.