AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: Bob_Johnson65 on January 01, 2025, 03:47:31 AM

Title: Pennsylvania Rifle Works - broken lock help
Post by: Bob_Johnson65 on January 01, 2025, 03:47:31 AM: Good evening all!

A co-worker has 2 percussion long rifles, both with non-functional locks. The hammer moves freely and has no spring tension on both rifles, so I assume the mainsprings are broken.

One rifle is clearly marked "Pennsylvania Rifle Works." Both rifles are small bore, I believe 31 caliber but will need to verify.

Besides the non-functional locks, both rifles have stock damage in the wrist area and will need a deep cleaning of the bore and ignition system.

Anyway, are there any recommendations for a competent gunsmith in the NE Florida or SE Georgia areas? The owner would like to get these firearms into working condition.

Alternately, I could swap out the mainsprings myself. Recommendations for reputable parts suppliers would be welcome.

Cheers to all and a Happy New Year!

(https://i.ibb.co/PN6q5FY/600079291536496405.jpg) (https://ibb.co/c1r4Nkv)
Title: Re: Pennsylvania Rifle Works - broken lock help
Post by: rich pierce on January 01, 2025, 04:50:24 AM: I do not have recommendations for a restorer, but wonder if you’ll be adding to the historical and collectible value of the guns by doing some of the work you have planned.
Title: Re: Pennsylvania Rifle Works - broken lock help
Post by: Bob_Johnson65 on January 01, 2025, 06:14:02 AM: The general thought process is that a functional firearm is more useful/collectable than a non-functioning firearm.
Title: Re: Pennsylvania Rifle Works - broken lock help
Post by: Longknife on January 01, 2025, 05:16:26 PM: If you can get an old Track of the Wolf catalog there are actual size pictures of replacement locks. Remove the main springs and match them up to the pictures....LK
Title: Re: Pennsylvania Rifle Works - broken lock help
Post by: smylee grouch on January 01, 2025, 08:36:59 PM: OR you could give Cabin Creek a call and discuss the project with them.
Title: Re: Pennsylvania Rifle Works - broken lock help
Post by: JTR on January 01, 2025, 09:52:58 PM: Take the locks off and show us a good picture of the outside and inside. Show them with a ruler to give some scale.
Might be an easy fix.
John
Title: Re: Pennsylvania Rifle Works - broken lock help
Post by: smokinbuck on January 01, 2025, 10:13:42 PM: Interesting. I have a Penn Rifle Works squirrel rifle. The rifle has a 46.5" barrel and overall is in excellent condition, including the bore. My rifle is in .32 caliber. The Penn rifle works were only in business for a very short number of years. My rifle is available, PM for more info.
Title: Re: Pennsylvania Rifle Works - broken lock help
Post by: EGG17601 on January 02, 2025, 01:44:18 AM: Quote from: smokinbuck on January 01, 2025, 10:13:42 PM
The Penn rifle works were only in business for a very short number of years.

Apparently, 1837-1858.
Title: Re: Pennsylvania Rifle Works - broken lock help
Post by: Bob_Johnson65 on January 02, 2025, 03:29:53 AM: I appreciate all the replies!

I am going to ask the owner to allow the lock plate to be removed for additional pictures.

In the mean time, I am going to email Cabin Creek and get a quote for some new springs (assuming that is the problem).

More to follow.
Title: Re: Pennsylvania Rifle Works - broken lock help
Post by: Shreckmeister on January 05, 2025, 04:03:12 AM: Interested in the rifle next to the top if it’s available.
Title: Re: Pennsylvania Rifle Works - broken lock help
Post by: Howard on January 06, 2025, 01:56:06 AM: Most springs will not work as they are all different. Good Luck!
Title: Re: Pennsylvania Rifle Works - broken lock help
Post by: WGMullens on February 04, 2025, 02:22:34 AM: Allan Sandy lives in North East Florida. Quite the builder, don't know if he would be interested.