Ditchburn lock question

[Ezra]

I have heard nothing but good things about Stan Hollenbaughs Ditchburn locks.  Would it be reasonably "period correct" to use one (large or small) on a Southern mountain rifle? I usually use Late Ketlands, but want to try something different.


Ez

[Dennis Glazener]

I like the looks of the Ditchburn lock and have heard they are good locks but I don't think it should be used on a Southern Mountain rifle. Its a Germanic style lock and 99.9999999% of the Southern Mountain rifles used English locks. Stick with the late Ketland's or maybe a Goulcher (if you can find a good one!)
Dennis
 

[Ken G]

I have yet to see a germanic lock on a Southern Mt. rifle.  There may be one out there but it for sure as rare as hens teeth.  If you just had to use one. you could English it up a bit by rounding the tail and the pan.  Steve Bookout has a good tutorial on his website for doing that. 
http://www.iowatelecom.net/~toadhall/modify_siler_lock.htm 
Late Ketland gets my vote.
Cheers,
Ken

[Ezra]

Looks like Late Ketland...Thanks guys.


Ez

[Larry Luck]

What about the R.E. Davis Late English flint lock?
http://www.redaviscompany.com/0269.html
I've never used one, but am considering this lock for a future project.
Larry Luck

[smallpatch]

EZRA,

Ditchburn locks are the best.  I've used both the large and small.

BUT, they are taken from an original Beck rifle.  Germanic styled.

Really not the right thing for a Southern rifle.

[J.D.]

Bob Roller makes an English style lock from raw L&R Manton lockplate and cock castings that is slick as snot on a swamp. It is easily as good as the Ditchburn and equally expensive. The Roller lock may be too early for a late Southern mountain rifle though.

[J. Talbert]

Larry,

I've have used one of those Davis Late English locks.  I purchased it at Friendship about ten years ago, and as I recall I looked at 2 or 3 of them and picked the one I thought looked the best.  One had a screw or two that appeared to have been a little off center.
I modified the tail somewhat for looks. 
It won't accept a real big flint, but has it functioned well in limited use.

Jeff