Forging question

[Ezra]

I have a question for our skilled blacksmiths.  Which requires greater skill from a blacksmith, forging a functioning flintlock from scratch or forging a rifled barrel from scratch?

Ez

[Mark Elliott]

Given that I have made most parts of the lock at one time or another and haven't made a barrel,  I would have to say a barrel.    In my case,  the barrel is both a case of skill and physical strength.    I will also say, that unless you use good wrought iron, the job will be harder than it needs to be.   

[Gaeckle]

I say the lock..........with all the small parts (tumbler, sear, screws, yada, yada, yada....) those parts need to function within themselves. There is much more intense file work and what not, but that's just my opinion.

Once the barrel is made, straightened, reamed  and polished the decision to rifle it can go either way. Leave it smooth or cut some grooves?

[chris laubach]

The Barrel....





C.Laubach

[James Wilson Everett]

Guys,

I found that the forging of a barrel is a physically tough, hot & sweaty job.  When finished, take a quick shower and collapse into bed.  Forging the tiny gunlock parts is a lot less physically challenging, but a much more difficult job in the technical skill department.  All in all I guess I think that the barrel job is more of a challenge.  You can forge a lock sitting in a chair with small tools, without all the sweat!

Jim