Return of the Bob Ditchburn / JP Beck Lock!

[Jim Kibler]

Another thought…. I would bet a very large sum of money that you would not be able to tell the difference between an equally shaped cast, machined or forged spring.  The modulus of elasticity is so close I feel very confident the difference wouldn’t be discernible between any.

I think people sometimes get ideas, but often have little to support them.

Jim Kibler
Metallurgist

[Chris Evrard]

Jim,

I guess I should be flattered that you care so much what I think.

I am totally okay with you having your own build philosophy.  In this case we differ. So what!?

Let it go man...

CE

[Chris Evrard]

Any updates?

Hopefully by Kempton or Carlisle I’ll be able to snag one!🤞

John I am finally getting a little time to work on it! Hopefully not too much longer.

Best


CE

[alacran]

Out of many many thousands ( won’t tell you exactly how many), we’ve never broken a mainspring.  Given all of the potential issues with cast springs it’s silly to think a fully machined spring from bar would be inferior.

This is coming from a a metallurgist

Your locks haven't been around that long. I don't care how much engineering and metallurgy goes into making a product. Things can and will break, give it time.

[Jim Kibler]

Out of many many thousands ( won’t tell you exactly how many), we’ve never broken a mainspring.  Given all of the potential issues with cast springs it’s silly to think a fully machined spring from bar would be inferior.

This is coming from a a metallurgist

Your locks haven't been around that long. I don't care how much engineering and metallurgy goes into making a product. Things can and will break, give it time.

I don't even know what your statement really means.  Are you suggesting that if I just wait a bit then I'm going to have springs start to break?  Is 5-6 years in service not sufficient to determine if they are suitable?  I would also ask what you are basing your opinions on.  Please explain.  This statement you made seems pretty weak at best.

Again, at over 6 figures worth of locks produced over the last 5-6 years, and not one broken mainspring, I think that any reasonable person would conclude it's a very good process.  There are things I worry about, but this is about last on the list.

Sometimes I wonder why I even bother to engage with silly statements like this. 

Jim Kibler
Metallurgical Engineer

[rich pierce]

Decision of the moderators: Further responses on this topic should relate to the process and progress in bringing the Ditchburn lock back and available to builders again. Other responses not relating to that endeavor will be removed.

Anyone wanting a topic on the reliability and performance of mainsprings produced by different methods should start a new topic on that subject. This thread has strayed too far for too long.

[Eric Kettenburg]

I'm glad there are a number of people making great locks available for a relatively small, niche market.  Because I don't want to.   

[Bob Roller]

I'm glad there are a number of people making great locks available for a relatively small, niche market.  Because I don't want to.   

Neither do I anymore.Enough was enough and now I seldom think about it beyond what I post here.Most locks seen on American guns are a simple design and I have made them but preferred the English designs for mechanisms and made some for the few that appreciated them,
Maybe 40 full size and 8 smaller ones.Springs,once a style is selected and material bought are the engines of any lock and I recall the earlier cast mainsprings that were the source of wrecked stocks.I used cast frizzen springs and they seemed to work.I have locks and triggers all over Europe and so far so good.
Bob Roller

[Chris Evrard]

Decision of the moderators: Further responses on this topic should relate to the process and progress in bringing the Ditchburn lock back and available to builders again. Other responses not relating to that endeavor will be removed.

Anyone wanting a topic on the reliability and performance of mainsprings produced by different methods should start a new topic on that subject. This thread has strayed too far for too long.

Much appreciated Mods!

CE

[bob in the woods]

I'm glad there are a number of people making great locks available for a relatively small, niche market.  Because I don't want to.   

I'm surprised and thankful that anyone is putting in the time and expense to bring any new lock to market, since I don't see it as a magical road to riches .
BTW, Eric, I still have an advertisement you did some 30 years ago offering hand made locks at a surprisingly low price !  I wish I had the sense then to buy a couple 
 

[Jdbeck]

Appreciate the update, and hard work you are putting into this. It was a large investment for you and I hope it pays dividends. I know im here waiting to make a purchase 🙏🤞

[HighUintas]

Chris, is there any updates on your progress?

Also, what style of rifles could this lock be used on? I know it is not the typical lock type to be used on a southern mountain rifle, but could it correctly be used on any type of southern mountain rifle?

[Chris Evrard]

Hey All,

I meant to post an update last week to HighUintas query.

I have nothing new to report on the Beck lock unfortunately. I have been devoting all my time to my 9-5 lately. I just finished up a 15K piece order of turned parts for the Chambers family. I also have something big coming down the pike that has required all my hours as of late. I cannot say quite yet what it is (ooooooooh....the mystery.......... )

Planning on having Beck/Ditchburns ready the first quarter of 2025.

Thanks everyone!!!!

Chris E.

[Bob Roller]

As a former lock maker I am glad to see the major upgrades across the whole spectrum of this line of work.Also a big THANKS to L&R for selling all I needed in external parts to make locks for export to Germany..
Bob Roller