Customized lock

[B Shipman]

Here's something I've been working on that seems timely in light of the custom locks on the contemporary blog. This lock is for a bench copy Nicholas Hawk rifle. It's entirely from the Chambers late Ketland. It's been made considerably smaller with a modified plate and pan, hammer and screw, and frizzen spring. The original lock has a replaced hammer and frizzen, and frizzen spring. The plate, marked BOULTON, is original as are the internals. Most Hawks that I've seen have rollers on the frizzen spring.

[chris laubach]

Nice!

[Ken G]

Nice makeover Bill.  Thanks for sharing the pics.  I've been wanting to convert one to a square tail but keep putting it off.  Maybe I shouldn't put it off any longer.  Nice job!
Ken

[David Rase]

I saw the lock at the Artisans show last weekend and was amazed at the transformation.  I can appreciate the hours of work and the late nights.  Can't wait to see the entire project.
DMR   

[Knob Mountain]

   Great job Bill.  I agree with Rase.  The lock and the brass furniture he made for this project is dead on. I can't wait to see the completed project.  Its going to be cool!!!!!

Dave

[smshea]

Amazing Work Bill!

[Randall Steffy]

Bill,
In my humble opinion, revising those factory screw slots a tad wider, deeper and with the traditional slight taper would further advance the effect you are achieving. Regardless, you have done a beautiful job with this lock! Your skill and creative vision always amaze me.

[rdillon]

Outstanding!  What one can do with alot of time and some patience

Just amazing!

[rich pierce]

Nice job reshaping the cock and subtle changes on the lockplate.  Going to scratch it up like the original after it's in the gun?

[tallbear]

Not only is the lock pretty neat ,The buttplate and trigger guard are just as impressive.(They were on Bill's table at Lewisburg)Maybe Bill will post them also.Goes to show what talent and lots of elbow grease can do!!!

Mitch

[JTR]

Nice job!
Are you going to add the engraving on the plate and cock as well?
Is this going to be a copy of your rifle?
I'll be looking forward to to this one!
John

[Jim Kibler]

Looks good Bill Shipman.  I predict that this Hawk rifle by you is going to be a killer.  Can't wait to see it finished.

[Acer Saccharum]

Thanks for posting this lock work, Bill.  Super nice job. Can't wait to see the finished rifle.

Tom

[J. Talbert]

Bill,

I like what you've done there!

I'm also enjoying all the customized locks on the contemporary blog.
I recognize some of them, but I'd love to see the rest of the gun for each of them.
Also, it would be interesting to know whether they are scratch made, from castings, or by altering an off-the-shelf lock

Jeff

[B Shipman]

Jeff, the answer is any and all of the above. Jack Haugh, for instance, had some oversized castings made up from which he could make a variety of things. If you can find castings without a tumbler square cut and the same throw, you can add them to commercial locks and with other modifications  make the lock hard to recognize. Rifle Shoppe sets are pretty common, and some locks are hand forged in part or totally.