Lock work for Deringer trade rifle

[rich pierce]

I’ve been building a Deringer trade rifle based mostly on one in the book “For Trade and Treaty”. The Rifle Shoppe was out of their set of castings off a Deringer so I went with a Davis Contract Rifle lock. It needed some work. I made a new sear and sear spring and did some tuning. Then a little quick polishing and engraving and then case hardening with Kasenit and a quench in a solution of potassium nitrate. It gives nice dark colors.

About time to finish this rifle up.

[flinchrocket]

Looks like your doing a nice clean job Rich.

[smart dog]

Hi Rich,
That looks great!  It is a very nice touch.  I like the shape of that frizzen spring.  It should have a nice camming action.

dave

[BarryE]

Love the look of the lock.  Please keep posting progress.

[Roger B]

MBS has the patchbox for you! That lock is pretty much a ringer for the original.
Roger B.

[rich pierce]

Thanks! I had a commercial patchbox but ditched it as I did not like the knuckles. Made my own.

[Elnathan]

What are you using for the buttplate and triggerguard?

I like those Deringer rifles, and I hope you post pictures of the completed gun.

[rich pierce]

I made the buttplate of brass sheet 0.062” thick. I did not see a guard I liked so carved a master and sent it to Mike Brooks and he had some cast for me. Based both on that Deringer in For Trade and Treaty. Castings were great.

[redheart]

Land O' Goshen Rich!
Where'd you get that cheek piece inlay?
I must have one!

[rich pierce]

Land O' Goshen Rich!
Where'd you get that cheek piece inlay?
I must have one!

My good friend Tom Curran made that inlay. I sent him a picture and a digital file and he did the rest. He made a die and pressed or stamped it. He’s still undecided I think as to whether he will make some for sale. I’d sure like 2-3 more. This is a spec gun and I’d like one for myself.

It’s very thin brass, reinforced with solder on the back.

[redheart]

Rich,
Thank you kindly for the info. I'd certainly buy a few given the chance.
With that level of skill I'd bet Tom could even make the American Eagle inlay that is common on the Derringer rifles.
That would truly be awesome!

[rich pierce]

Tom is the kind of guy who likes to be “into” a project. The American Eagle inlay looks quite complicated. Might be better cast.

Note this running deer inlay is about 25% larger than originals.

[redheart]

Rich,
I understand, I'd sure like to have an original to make a casting from.
Highly unlikely!