I bought a half stock cap lock rifle in the early 1970’s. The lock has an engraving of “North Star Arms” encircling a five pointed star. Anyone have any history on that lock. Thanks, Bill
Here is what I found on an old Gunauction listing:
"Hello, I saw your rifle on auctionarms, and thought I could give you a little history on it. I'm quite sure that it was made by a local gunsmith in Western Minnesota in a small town called Ortonville, just 5 miles from my house. I've got one just like it, and know of several other local people here that also have them. The gunsmith's shop is known as "North Star Arms", and I purchase my muzzleloading supplies through him. I bought one of his plainsman rifles at an auction in a neighboring town. I recognized it as one of his, so I took it to him to get some history on mine. He removed the barrel and the serial number on the bottom side of the breech end was 80. He told me that he would have put #80 together in the early 60's. He also said that he made many of them for Dixie Gun Works in the 60's. I believe he told me he made somewhere around 900 of them in all. Mine shoots very good, but it was in very good condition when I bought it about 6 years ago, and I keep it that way. I really like the lock on mine. It is quiet, crisp and smooth. Much better than any Thompson Center, Lyman, or CVA locks on my other muzzleloaders. Thought you'd like some history. If you take off the barrel and get the serial number, I could check with him to find out the approximate year that he put it together.
