Correct lock for Southern / Tennessee rifles

[oldtravler61]

 Which modern lock maker makes a correct style lock for these guns. Without a lot of modifications? Curious to know from the custom gun makers view point. Thanks for any serious input.    Oldtravler

[Mike Brooks]

For flint guns Chambers late Ketland or Davis has a late flint period lock....can't remember what they call it. I have used both of these locks and they are excellent.

[galudwig]

For flint guns Chambers late Ketland or Davis has a late flint period lock....can't remember what they call it. I have used both of these locks and they are excellent.

I second Mike's recommendation; I've used both locks as well. The R.E. Davis lock is called the "Late English." Might be easier to get one of the R.E. Davis locks these days as a lot of the Chambers Late Ketlands are going to Jim Kibler's kit guns. Last one I got came after about a 3 month wait (it was worth it though!).

[Hungry Horse]

I agree as well.

  Hungry Horse

[Dennis Glazener]

I use the Chambers late Ketland on my SMR, I sometimes grind the little teat off the back of the lock to make it a round tail lock so often seen on SMR's.
Dennis

[galudwig]

I use the Chambers late Ketland on my SMR, I sometimes grind the little teat off the back of the lock to make it a round tail lock so often seen on SMR's.
Dennis

I've done that too. The R.E. Davis has a "square" tail that gives a SMR a different look.

[Dennis Glazener]

Years ago I built a Gillespie with a customer provided Davis lock. While building the rifle the sear chipped but Davis promptly replaced it for free. The main spring felt really weak (compared to late Ketland) and I was concerned about miss fires. Customer said it was a consistent firing lock. I like the looks of the lock.
Dennis

[galudwig]

The main spring felt really weak (compared to late Ketland) and I was concerned about miss fires. Customer said it was a consistent firing lock. I like the looks of the lock.
Dennis

I agree with you on how the Chambers and the R.E. Davis locks "feel.'' The R.E. Davis lock on this gun feels the same way, but it sparks really well and has not been a problem. I seem to recall that the main spring felt stiffer before I relieved it some to avoid the barrel during the lock inlet. That may or may not have had any affect.

[oldtravler61]

  Thanks to everyone for the much appreciated feed back!! Time to beat the piggy bank up an order the lock. Oldtravler

[Bob Roller]

Years ago I built a Gillespie with a customer provided Davis lock. While building the rifle the sear chipped but Davis promptly replaced it for free. The main spring felt really weak (compared to late Ketland) and I was concerned about miss fires. Customer said it was a consistent firing lock. I like the looks of the lock.
Dennis

I recently made up one of these for a friend.They have real potential with a precision
mechanism and a forged mainspring.When Ron Long made this lock I got several sets
of these parts in a trade and he told me to lay in an extra frizzen spring because of
the thin style of the one shown.In my opion,the Chambers late Ketland is the best
production lock and it's good looks no doubt influenced Jim Kibler's use of it on his
kits along with good performace. I have made up several locks using the external parts
of this lock and it is a pleasure to work with. VERY fine quality parts.

Bob Roller

[galudwig]

Thanks for the insight Bob!