Percussion locks for a 1 1/8" barrel

[Dale Halterman]

Just starting to buy parts for a plains rifle and I am having trouble determining what locks I can use with my 1 1/8" Getz barrel. Not sure if I want to a patent breech or a drum, just exploring my options. I am concerned that some locks may be too small and the mainspring will interfere with the lower flat of the barrel.

Does anyone have any insights to share?

Thanks

Dale H

 

[ron w]

most locks are made with bolsters that are too thick for all but the thinnest barrels. this done because there are also guns with tapered lock panels so the bolster has to be thick enough to accommodate fitting it with the tapered alignment of the lock panel. you'll most likely have to file or mill the bolster down to work with your barrel and stock's lock panel width. most later plains rifles had patent breeches, early ones drums. 

[ScottH]

My plains rifle made by John Bergmann with a Hoyt barrel 1 1/8" tapered to 1" with a patent breech, John used this Davis lock.

http://www.redaviscompany.com/0211.html

 

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Davis' Golcher and Hawken locks work fine for 1 1/8" bbls.  The mainspring does not interfere with the bottom of the barrel, even after filing a taper into the bolster.

[oldarcher]

I don't think locks are a problem, I am also building a Hawken with a 11/8 barrel...The problem that I had was finding a patent breech for that size barrel, I purchased a 11/4 breech and milled it down...not the best answer but it works OK. Good luck with your project.
TW

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I had a similar problem a few years ago.  I had several Hawken rifles to build and was unable to find the hooked breech and tang assemblies.  But eventually, TOW came through.  I waited at least a year.  My clients were most patient.

[smylee grouch]

On the plains type rifles with the lock panel a little further away from the barrel in front I havent had any problem with the spring hitting the barrel using the Davis lock.

[L. Akers]

A back action lock would also be an appropriate option.

[Dale Halterman]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I will be shopping for a lock at Dixon's this year. Thanks for the heads up on the breech assembles. I might just go with a drum instead.

I was seriously considering a back action lock, but I bought a precarved stock and when it arrived I found that that lock panel wouldn't accommodate a back action lock.

Thanks again,

Dale H

[delivered]

Made a "Jack Henson" rifle a few years back for a fellow that was doing re-enactments
Had Ed Rayl do up a 1 3/8" x 41"  50 cal barrel for it
I used a Bob Roller lock on it an had no problems with it; it's just real wide through the breech area.
http://i68.tinypic.com/2i24lrp.jpg[/img]]
http://i64.tinypic.com/242ftat.jpg[/img]]

[Bob Roller]

Made a "Jack Henson" rifle a few years back for a fellow that was doing re-enactments
Had Ed Rayl do up a 1 3/8" x 41"  50 cal barrel for it
I used a Bob Roller lock on it an had no problems with it; it's just real wide through the breech area.
http://i68.tinypic.com/2i24lrp.jpg[/img]]
http://i64.tinypic.com/242ftat.jpg[/img]]

That is not my lock. The bolster looks too thick and the uncheckered hammer spur and no vent slot in the hammer cup
plus a hammer screw that isn't mine.

Bob Roller

[Dale Halterman]

A 1 3/8" x 41" barrel? Does he pay some one to carry it around for him?

On another note, does anyone know if the Chambers / Siler mountain lock will work with a 1 1/8" barrel? From the pictures and the description in the TOW catalog in appears to be about the same size as the Davis lock.

Thanks again,

Dale H 

[ScottH]

In my opinion the Chambers Mountain percussion lock would work as well. It would be the same plate size as the Goulcher lock Davis has that Taylor mentioned.

[stuart cee dub]

I have used the Siler mountain percussion lock on a 15/16'' across the flats barrel .
Bigger and you might have to tilt the lock to clear the mainspring or go to a proper hawken style lock meant for the bigger barrels .
That being said it is a $#*!- for- stout ,sturdy lock and probably my favorite to build a percussion gun around .

 I personally don't have issues with percussion drums with a suitable wall thickness barrel .I do like later guns and halfstocks

[delivered]

My apology to you Bob!
I bought it used and was told it was made by you!
He carry's it balanced on his shoulder!
The gun was based on a book by Tom McKenny called "Jack Hinson's One-Man War."
It was a neat project!
 

[Bob Roller]

My apology to you Bob!
I bought it used and was told it was made by you!
He carry's it balanced on his shoulder!
The gun was based on a book by Tom McKenny called "Jack Hinson's One-Man War."
It was a neat project!
 

Apology accepted. This has happened before.Years ago a man had 4 or 5
semi finished rifles for sale at Friendship and telling lookers that they all
had my locks. I asked where he got them and he said "direct from Bob Roller".
I told him I had never heard of him and then showed him my ID and told him
to stop the misrepresentation or he'd be dealing with the local Sheriff.
He packed up and left and I never saw him again.

Bob Roller

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

When choosing a lock for a big barrelled rifle, make sure that the mainspring has a leg on the top leaf that positions the top leaf very low on the lock plate, rather than the new springs that L & R are now using.  They lack that leg on the top leaf - the leaf itself pressing against the underside of the bolster.  This creates a problem with barrel interference.

[Dale Halterman]

Thanks to all who replied.

Taylor, from the picture in the TOW catalog is appears that the Siler mountain lock has the leg as you described. I will ask Jim what he thinks when I see him at Dixon's in July.

Dale H