Old Lock new Gun

[Old Ford2]

Question?
I pose this question to the more defined builders on this forum.
Would you consider building a rifle around an old ( great shape/condition) lock, or barrel ( Remington perhaps)
or always start with new parts?
The concern of old parts is replacement and breakage, but with a good gunsmith that is not a great concern.
How do you guys feel?
Fred

[Dave B]

I like the idea of keeping old parts where they can be appreciated. What better way than restocking them so they don't get thrown out by the grand kids that have no interest in Grampaws old boxes of miscellaneous old gun parts. I think the more important question should be what are you going to be using it for. I picture taking the parts and building back up an authentic piece that could be used for show and tell but never shot. display only. The barrel quality now days far surpasses the old stuff.
save old locks for restoring old guns. The same for the original barrels. Thats what I think.

[Blacksmoke]

OldFord2:  You proposed a great question - should you use an old gun part on a new gun?  This was a very common practice in the old days.  Both barrels and locks were salvaged and used again for new builds.  Of course it stands to reason in a time when supplies were hard to get and scarce.   I would hesitate when it comes to an old barrel though.  Safety comes in to play with that scenario.  However when it comes to an old lock that is in excellent condition that is another story.  I would say that if it is not going to be used a whole lot like a competition gun then it might be acceptable.  I did one once back in the 70's - I built a gun around an old "backaction" lock that needed minimal restoration and to date I don't think that the gun has fired more than several hundred rounds.  (See photo)
   

[T.C.Albert]

Can a careful evaluation of the economics decide?
Is the old lock more valuable than a new one? The plate alone can be worth plenty to restorers, and in fact may be essential to them.

Does the old barrel need re-cutting and a new breech? Most likely so. That may cost you, but if its a hand hammered barrel it might be well worth re-cutting and using, and a fine thing to build a new gun around...a typical mass produced Remington barrel may not be worth the cost?

Or are the parts personally sentimental to you? All are different motivators I would guess...
 
I will be curious to know what you decide and what thoughts led to the decision.
tca
 

[Old Ford2]

Thank you all for the replies.
The charm of a fine old lock is unbeaten, in the sound, structure and style.
Just keeping the lock plate is a great idea, and installing new lock parts where possible.
A fine old barrel, with a brand new strong liner is the better way to go for sure.
Even capturing the look and feel of original hardware, like trigger guard, and butt plate.
The theory here is not to save a dime, but to capture the look of metal 100+ years old, and also to confuse students of the art of gunmaking in years to come.
Fred

[LynnC]

Old Ford,
I would and have used all sorts of antique parts to build a new rifle.  I planned to and would have used a brand new antique percussion pistol lock on my grand daughters southern mountain rifle if Flintriflesmith had not advertised for original locks and traded me a Siler flintlock for it.  Her rifle has an original wrought iron barrel that I smooth reamed and rifled myself.  I have recycled furniture on guns i have built.   I say unless the part is historically significant or totally worn out, Use It!

JMHO.............Lynn

[Rasch Chronicles]

The theory here is not to save a dime, but to capture the look of metal 100+ years old, and also to confuse students of the art of gunmaking in years to come.

Now that is a worthy goal! LOL!

Best regards,
Albert

[Avlrc]

Yeah, I would never use an old barrel. Think how many of them have had pieces added. Most of the time these pieces of barrels are added just to make an old rifle look better or how it was originally, not a good enough job to ensure safe firing.. Just think if the dummies on Pawn Stars ever get hold of a antique rifle that had a piece of barrel added. I can imagine that they are a huge number of Antique Kentuckies have had this done in the last 40 years or so.