John Bailes lock for fowler?

[webradbury]

I have an L and R John Bailes flintlock and have a hankering to build a single barrel fowler. Would this lock be appropriate or should I find an english style round face lock?

[smart dog]

Hi,
First, the Bailes lock would be fine for an English fowler between 1775 and 1790 or so.  For an English fowler between 1760 and 1775 it depends on the quality of the gun.  If military, livery, or cheaper export grade, it might have a round-faced lock.  If better quality, it would have a flat lock.  From 1750 to 1760, good quality guns might have round-faced, slightly round faced, or flat-faced locks except fot military muskets.  Prior to 1750, most modest and higher quality guns had round-faced locks.

dave

[B.Habermehl]

It would seem to me, the Bailes lock, being a really small lock. The gun must have a rather small breeched barrel and be kept really skinny to look right. It would take a builder with above average skills to make a non klunky looking gun. I definitely wouldn't go bigger than 20 gage with a custom barrel. For the average beginner builder I think the Bailes lock is better suited for a late gun like a southern mountain gun or a late petite half stock. BJH

[webradbury]

Yeah Im thinking its a bit two small for a fowler now. Maybe a southern mountain rifle is next then

[Turtle]

I have a Bailes lock on my .32 squirrel rifle and its perfect. I saw a small bore(.410?) fowler with a Bailes and it looked good. I agree it's too small for a bigger fowler.

[smart dog]

Hi,
For a late 18th century and early 19th century English fowler, the Bailes lock is not too small.  It always helps to have some real data.  The Bailes lock plate is 4.7" long.  Examining my references and records for English flintlocks from the time period of the Bailes lock, the majority were <4.75" long.  English gun locks got smaller toward the end of the 18th century as the fashion turned to smaller, faster locks and patent and inset breeches to speed up ignition and increase the efficiency of the powder charge.  As the locks became smaller, you also will notice that the flat panel surrounding the lock became wider.

dave