Great source for tuning bum rocklocks...

[Alaskagrizz]

 I just wanted to share my experience with having had serious problems with 2 firelocks "without the fire" (among other issues), and have found a great source for someone that truly knows how to get a flintlock to operate reliably and dependably. In discussing my problems with Jon Rider at Kingsbury Arms, he assured me he could correct any issues and tune them for peak performance...so off they went.

 First, I had recently acquired a gorgeous early transitional .62 rifle built by the late Dick Bingham back in 2009, that had never been fired and only saw duty as a long term wall hanger. The Chambers New England fowler lock had some corrosion issues from neglect and lack of any oil in its life on the wall, along with an extremely heavy frizzen spring! I cleaned it up and lubed it as best I could without total disassembly and got it to fire a grand total of 9 times (with a whole lot of drama in between loud noises), before it pretty much gave up the ghost! Very weak spark, 2 broken flints and not at all up to that locks reputation as one of the most reliable production flintlocks made today.

Second, I had also recently acquired a nearly new Pedersoli Charleville 1763 musket, that also had a frizzen spring that was way too strong. It had pretty much the same weak or no spark issues, along with quickly devouring 2 new flints. After sending Jon both my problem children, I could not be happier with the result! He tuned and turned them both into real flame throwers by rehardening both frizzen springs, deburred all pivot points, polished all bearing surfaces, then lubed them up and had them back to me in Alaska in just 2 weeks and at a very fair price.

 I'm very happy to report that they both are better than any zippo I ever had, and have now made a fair bit of smoke...without the slightest hiccup, and much easier on flints too!! Thank you so much, Jon!

 So, if anyone reading has a familiar issue...give Jon at Kingsbury Arms a call in Holliston, Mass. at (339) 222-7336. He'll have you back makin big smoke in no time! He is also a very talented and accomplished gunmaker with incredible engraving and wood carving skills...check out his breathtaking creations in the gallery on his website at kingsburyarms.com

[Mike Brooks]

I would have sent the Chambers lock to Chambers pronto!. He probably would have fixed it for free. I personally have never come across a chambers lock that wouldn't work, and I have used hundreds of them.

[Kingsburyarms]

Grizz,

Thanks for the kind words, and I am thrilled that both locks are working to your satisfaction. Mike, since he was having trouble with both locks, I offered to take a look at them, even though you are correct that Mr. Chambers would absolutely support his products and help as needed, it was easier for me to take care of both locks (sort of a one stop shop). The Chambers lock was fine other than (as Grizz said) was on a wall for 10 years, was dry and stiff, and needed a tune up. The other lock was in a different shape, and needed some additional TLC.  The cost was basically shipping and insurance.

[Mike Brooks]

I completely understand.