Building a new upland game fowler

[Dennis Glazener]

Just on the off chance that someone might mention a lock that I have not thought about I would like to hear folks thoughts on what flintlock would best meet my needs.

My goal is to build a fast handling upland game fowler. The barrel I will use is patterned after a early English 16 bore. I will probably use all English hardware but will use either curly maple or black walnut wood. Picture it as a new American fowler with re-cycled English fowler parts built sometime after the Revolution.

My current 16 bore uses a Chambers round faced lock and its very dependable and the only complaint I have with it is compared to the Late Ketlands that I normally use on my Gillespie rifles its slow! Probably not much slower but it sure seems to take forever for the flint to strike the frizzen.

Thought I had this but must have lost it when system timed out.
Another concern is for my old arthritic hands when approaching a dog about to flush a bird. I have gun on half cock, finger in trigger guard, hand around wrist and stretching thumb up and around cock. After a bit of this my hand really cramps up. I think a smaller lock might be more comfortable.
Dennis

[Swampwalker]

Have you thought about using the Twigg lock?  I've heard it's quite fast.  Also, the Late Ketland represents a lock of approx. 1790, is very similar to a late 1700's early 1800's trade lock - perhaps it would work, and as you said, it's a great lock (I've used it in 4 rifles).

[Acer Saccharum]

I have an L&R Bailes lock on a .45target rifle, and it is very fast, a medium sized lock.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Late Ketland or Late English Davis lock.  I find the Davis easier to cock when hunting as you describe and just as fast as my small Siler..... Icant wait to try out this Late Ketland that I am working on now.

[BJH]

Keep the gun super skinny and use the Late Ketland.  Unless you can get one of Bob Roller's Twiggs.  BJH