Lock for 3/4 inch barrel

[Scott Semmel]

I just bought a ¾” X.36 cal barrel, I saw the discontinued written on the barrel at Dixon’s and decided I needed it to build a wispy Lehigh Valley Style for my granddaughter. I have built one gun using a small Siler and was not wowed by my ability to make it a great sparker, is it me or should I consider a going to a slightly larger lock like a Golden Age or Durs Egg ?

[wvmtnman]

Have you ever thought about using a Ditchburn lock?  They are a little more expensive than the big three but they are nice little locks.
                                                                     Brian

[Scott Semmel]

I drifted away from building a couple of years ago and recently returned to it and I had forgotten about Ditchburn. Just visited his site and the size is right. Its for my granddaughter, first grandchild, who will complain about the cost with that excuse?

[Tommy Bruce]

Scott, while I've not used the Ditchburn lock (Yet) I have handled one and I'd say they are well worth the money.  I'm a bit in the same boat thinking about my son's first rifle. 

[Benedict]

I have used a number of small silers and have always found them to be quite fast locks.  I would not hesitate to use one for your gun.

Having said that, I have used a Ditchburn and it was also quite fast and also would work for your gun. 

I realize that this is not much help but wanted to add my little bit.

Bruce

[Scott Bumpus]

I have a small siler on my dialy shooter that I built 20 years ago.  It is as fast as any thing on the line, a little hard on flints, may be time to re-grind the frizzen face smooth.

[Scott Semmel]

I didn't by any means mean to say there was anything wrong with the small siler and knowing my ability to screw something up I am more than willing to believe my problem with small Siler is something I did or is in my head. Actully one of the issues I have is all of my experiences with Mr Chambers have been so positive I almost feel disloyal or ungratefull when I use anyone elses lock.

[northmn]

While some bad mouth them I have been able to work up L&R locks so that they work well, usually with little effort.  They make a small "Manton" lock that would be ideal.  They spark and function like they should.  The small Siler has been an old standby for years and I only wish it were made in a lefthand so I could use one.  Davis makes his Becky lock.  If your small Siler does not work well it needs tuning or the frizzen rehardening or something.  They are a heck of a good little lock.

DP

[famouseagle]

I made a rifle for my grandson a couple of years ago.  The "Becky" lock was just the right size.  The only problem was that it wouldn't spark.  Perhaps with some mainspring work it could function better but it's not a good lock (from my experience) out of the box.  I converted it to percussion figuring that he had enough to learn without dealing with an unreliable lock.

[smallpatch]

Scott,

First of all, if you want to stay true to the style.  The siler is at least in the Germanic vein.

The Bailles (small Manton) is the only lock from L&R that I'll use.  Real small, short throw, low mass, good sparker.  Use them a lot for pistols.

Back to the Lehigh, again, you should use a Germanic styled lock.

I've recently used another by M&G, (Davis and Tip Curtis sell them).  It's right in between the large and small siler, and is a real sparker.

The Ditchburn lock was taken directly from the castings of a JP Beck gun.  I have two of them, and they function like a fine watch.

So many locks, so many choices.

Hope that helps.

[B Shipman]

I agree with smallpatch on everything he said. The bigger locks will overwhelm a barrel that small. And these are the best small ones. Things change over the years; problems are solved, good things deteriorate, but these would be my choices.

[Scott Semmel]

"So many locks, so many choices." And if it didn't take me an eternity and a half to build a gun I would get a chance to try more of them. The Ditchburn sounds like something I need to have at least one of . I went to the Davis site to look for the lock Smallpatch mentioned and I'm not sure which one was referenced. Thanks All

[Dale Halterman]

As Bill just mentioned, you don't want to use the Durs Egg or Golden Age on a 3/4" barrel. It would really screw up the wrist architecture, making it high and narrow, not wide as a Lehigh should be. 

A small Germanic lock is the way to go.

Dale H

[deano]

That little Becky's Lock from Davis would look sweet next to a skinny 3/4" barrel though. I have one on a pistol I built that sparks fine once I find a tiny flint to fit it. Come to think of it I never did like that pistol maybe I'll scavage the lock for a sub 5# squirrel rifle!

Ken

[smallpatch]

Scott,

I sent you an e-mail with the link for M&G locks.

[Scott Semmel]

Smallpatch-Thanks for the email and link- That brass pan seems to be a nice little touch. Ladys gun, little touch of fancy, these decisions are tough.

[JCKelly]

Caywood has a fine single bridle "French Pistol Lock", 4-1/2" long, $130 + 5 or 7 shipping. I have one, neatly machined & precisely fit up inside, sparks very well.
Ordered another. Would like to make a .40 Kentucky pistol. Caywood delivery can be a little vague, they have yet to even cash my Jan 18 check. Suggest you call for availability 870-423-4741

Ditchburn pistol lock only 4.20" long, I may go that way next time.

Had a 1/4 century lapse in my own gunmaking. As Rip Van Winkle, so to speak, I am amazed at the fine quality locks now available.