Is this a historically accurate system? Seems a bit over engineered....
It's probably not historically accurate. Wasn't intended to be. However, nothing was used in the construction of the latch, materials, tools, or methods, that was not available in NC in the late 18th century. So, until every last one of the original pivoting PB lid rifles is found, who knows for sure......?
A bit over engineered....yep
Ted K