Lock selection question

[Jerry V Lape]

Currently working on a Lancaster with a .54 cal 42" swamped barrel 1.055 across at the breech end.  Butt plate is roughly 4 7/8 x 1 7/8"   Originally bought a Ditchburn lock for this which is essentially same size lockplate as a small Siler.  There is no problem fitting this lock to this barrel.  But now I am having second thoughts about whether this lock will look correct with the barrel and stock. 

I also have on hand a Chambers Golden Age as I used on a previous .54 cal similar to this one which I am accustomed to looking at.  Don't know whether the smaller lock is going to look right, but as it is a copy of a Dickert and Mr. Stan Hollenbaugh says the lock is suitable, I am looking for more input.  Have any of you built such a rifle with a small Siler sized lock?  Is it reasonably PC to use the smaller lock on such a rifle? 

[California Kid]

With a 1 7/8" wide butt it sounds like a later Lancaster.  I would use the golden age lock. The 2 locks mentioned seem more suitable for a Beck or a pistol. The longer lock would help to keep the gun looking slimmer overall. Something to think about.

[smallpatch]

Jerry,

The casting for Stan's lock is from an original JP Beck rifle. It is right between a large and small Siler.  Great lock.

[Lucky R A]

    I have used a much modified small siler on a J.P. Beck smooth rifle w/ a 47 1/4 bbl.   The lock is a near copy of the original's lock.  the overall effect is that of a very slim trim rifle.   

[David Rase]

I agree with the California Kid.  I would go with the golden age lock.  With the breech being just shy of 1 1/16" I think any lock smaller then a large Siler will look too small.
DMR

[northmn]

I also suggest you look into lock style as compared to time frame of the build.  The pre 1800 rifles seemed to have larger locks than the later ones.  Always exceptions, but I would say generally.  A large Siler isn't all that shabby in performance, nor are some of the later English styles as offered by some suppliers.

DP

[Dphariss]

Currently working on a Lancaster with a .54 cal 42" swamped barrel 1.055 across at the breech end.  Butt plate is roughly 4 7/8 x 1 7/8"   Originally bought a Ditchburn lock for this which is essentially same size lockplate as a small Siler.  There is no problem fitting this lock to this barrel.  But now I am having second thoughts about whether this lock will look correct with the barrel and stock.  

I also have on hand a Chambers Golden Age as I used on a previous .54 cal similar to this one which I am accustomed to looking at.  Don't know whether the smaller lock is going to look right, but as it is a copy of a Dickert and Mr. Stan Hollenbaugh says the lock is suitable, I am looking for more input.  Have any of you built such a rifle with a small Siler sized lock?  Is it reasonably PC to use the smaller lock on such a rifle?  

This is a small Siler in a Don King rifle, the barrel is about 1 1/8 at the breech.
Shape it right and there will no problem.
Dan

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Unless you are making one of those massive Lancasters I have seen with a 2+ inch wrist I would think the Ditchbutn/Beck would be perfect. The early wide buttplate should not meen that the whole gun must be massive... The breech size is the key and as you can see in Dan's picture the small Siler was not a problem on a big barrel.......Slim that baby out Jerry!!   Can't wait to see what you end up with. I know it will be nice!!

[Gary Tucker]

A few years ago I built a rifle around a "D" weight barrel and used Stan's lock.  Turned out great.  It is a super fast lock and I wouldn't hesitate using it at all.  Having really slim borders around the lock plate is a must with this combination.  The rifle has a lot of Beck influence and this lock really added to the look.

[Jerry V Lape]

I appreciate the responses.  The photo Dan sent was especially useful.  I must say I have been twisting in the wind on this question for a while but have now decided to go ahead with the Ditchburn lock.  The architecture of the wrist as I have it planned is going to work well I believe.  Thanks for the help. 

Jerry