Roller frizzens?

[Larry Pletcher]

In 20+ years of timing locks, the two fastest locks so far belonged to Lynton McKensie: a Staudenmayer and a Manton.  Both had a stirrup and a roller frizzen.  The Manton was slightly faster - the difference probably insignificant. Nothing else came close. 

Regards,
Pletch

[Jim Kibler]

I would guess that these locks also have super strong springs and a short cock travel as well.

[Larry Pletcher]

Jim,
There is an interesting story about the Stoudenmeyer.  Lynton told us he felt that the lock had springs that were too harsh.  He felt that it jarred the gun and lowered scores.  He went on to say that he made a set of springs that were lighter and felt his scores were better. 

I was allowed to timer the lock with both sets of springs.  The Stoudenmeyer ranks second and third in my all-time list of fast locks.  Lynton's  Manton is first.  The Stoudenmeyer with harsh springs is second.  The Stoudenmeyer with milder springs is third.  The mild springs did, in fact, have a slightly better standard deviation.

BTW, Lynton was a incredible resource. 

Regards,
Pletch

[Ryan McNabb]

It would be great if there were some pictures of these.

Ryan, why do you dislike a stirrup? 

I spent 4 hours looking for a stirrup one time that fell on the floor, only to have the lock break a month later when one of the tiny pins in the whole infernal affair sheared off. 

I have no doubt that the mechanism can be splendidly reliable and smooth, but as Dan pointed out, I sometimes get highly suspicious of our dependence on using castings for parts that were originally forged.  I know, this is probably an unwarranted prejudice bordering on superstition, but there it is.

My hat is off to the wizardry of the Harmans and Mantons of the world. 

I've been mooning over the Ketland on the Mansker rifle as I'm building that gun now - standard frizzen spring (no roller) and I expect a standard mainspring as well.  I have been wondering if I could "detune" a Chambers Late Ket and make it with no roller.