Hand Made Lock

[g rummell]

I'm doing another Bedford County Rifle for a customer, a Daniel Border, and I figured I'd try making my own lock like the old timers did. I started with some old steel stock, a mainspring I had laying around and an old L&R tumbler. The sear, bridel, lock plate and hammer I fashioned myself. Here's what I got so far. What do you guys think?

[Model19]

Nice!   You'd have had a great future in 1820! 

[rich pierce]

Does it work well?  Looks like a good first effort.  Not sure I could manage it myself.  For styling, I like the lockplate the best.  I'd probably try to center the mass of the hammer surrounding the tumbler hole and screw a little lower on the lockplate, gussy up the bridle to show the tumbler better (looks like a TC bridle; very different from a Bedford) and use more conventional internal lock screws.  But those are just style preferences.

[g rummell]

Does it work well?  Looks like a good first effort.  Not sure I could manage it myself.  For styling, I like the lockplate the best.  I'd probably try to center the mass of the hammer surrounding the tumbler hole and screw a little lower on the lockplate, gussy up the bridle to show the tumbler better (looks like a TC bridle; very different from a Bedford) and use more conventional internal lock screws.  But those are just style preferences.

I thought about centering the mass around the tumbler screw, just wanted to try something different and get everyones opinion. I actually made the bridel, and she was the last thing I fabricated and I was getting a little tired. Thought I'd go back later and dress her up a bit. She operates really nice, good and smooth, with no sloppy play. Kinda pleased with her. 

[rich pierce]

It's a cool project.  If you wanted to, you could make it look like it was converted from flint by adding a frizzen spring hole, a cut out fence and pan, etc.

[P.W.Berkuta]

Looks good and rigid. I would suggest that you use screws that you can countersink into the bridle so that you keep as much wood in the lock cutout as you can for strength and on that thought make the bridle smaller for that same reason.

[A.Merrill]

     I think she will work, looks good . Did you put a fly in it?     AL

[g rummell]

     I think she will work, looks good . Did you put a fly in it?     AL

Yep,she has a fly in it and I just got done cutting that ugly spur
of the hammer above the tumbler screw. 

[Steve Bookout]

Looks like you're on the right track.  Get'er together and mak'er work.  Then go back and tweek with better or more correct parts.  I've made a handfull of Bedford locks and yours looks just as good as my first one.  Got a few patterns laying around somewhere, so if you need a copy or two, let me know.  Cheers, Bookie

[g rummell]

Looks like you're on the right track.  Get'er together and mak'er work.  Then go back and tweek with better or more correct parts.  I've made a handfull of Bedford locks and yours looks just as good as my first one.  Got a few patterns laying around somewhere, so if you need a copy or two, let me know.  Cheers, Bookie

Thanks for the comments and the offer. However, I live in
Bedford County and I have more than enough patterns
around here. You'ld be suprised where these rifles turn
up. 

[keweenaw]

On practical considerations, the lock would be easier to inlet if the top of the briddle were below the top of the plate.  Also your spring geometry could be improved as your spring will belly down when it's loaded rather than just straightening out.  A better geometry would give a faster lock.

Tom

[JTR]

Since you live in Bedford, you know the main beauty of a fine Bedford lock is the grace and finesse of the shape of the hammer, and the fine lines of the slender lock plate.

You seem to have a fair start on the shape. If it were me, I'd stand back and study some of those patterns or old locks you have, then go ahead and add a good measure of grace and finesse, and then you oughta be getting there.

John


 

[Steve Bookout]

Yes, I know the old Bedfords turn up in the dangedest places....like Kona, Hawai'i!  Cheers, Bookie

[g rummell]

Some more progress!!!
Cut the ugly spur off the hammer and tried to center the tumbler screw also re worked the hammer.
Stock cut to the Bedford pattern, barrel and tang inletted and pinned, buttplate in place. Next is the lock.