Author Topic: Interested in lock screws from the lock side on a Brooks build?  (Read 1744 times)

Canuck Bob

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While watching Bob's great vid on Black Powder TV about cleaning a Brooks build was used.  It was described as an English coach gun and the lock screw attached the lock from the lock side.  This interests me as a build feature so I was glad to reference this from a master builder.

Anyone care to comment or elaborate, please?
Pictures or links sure would be appreciated!  I did find Bob's shoot and tell.
« Last Edit: May 07, 2020, 11:06:16 PM by Canuck Bob »

Offline smallpatch

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Re: Interested in lock screws from the lock side on a Brooks build?
« Reply #1 on: May 07, 2020, 11:06:10 PM »
It would be appropriate to ask Mike.  He's here all the time.
In His grip,

Dane

Offline Bob McBride

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Re: Interested in lock screws from the lock side on a Brooks build?
« Reply #2 on: May 07, 2020, 11:08:46 PM »
Hey Bob!

 Here’s the link where Mike originally posted this rifle after he built it.

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=41482.0

I called it a ‘coach gun’ for expediencies sake as it’s sort of a combo of a few different concepts that Mike built there. That sort of lock side screw was used occasionally on English guns throughout the period.

There is a recent thread called “right screw lock” where someone asked about the same thing and it was described in detail along with pics of similar guns. If I can find it I’ll post it here.

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=59480.msg595576#msg595576

Thanks for watching and I’m sure some folks will chime in with more info!

Bob

« Last Edit: May 07, 2020, 11:16:31 PM by Bob McBride »

Offline D. Taylor Sapergia

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Re: Interested in lock screws from the lock side on a Brooks build?
« Reply #3 on: May 07, 2020, 11:43:18 PM »
The Ferguson rifle's lock is attached with this system.  The short machine screw threads though the plate into the standing breech.



D. Taylor Sapergia
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Art is not an object.  It is the excitement inspired by the object.

Offline Bob Roller

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Re: Interested in lock screws from the lock side on a Brooks build?
« Reply #4 on: May 07, 2020, 11:46:35 PM »
This is easy to do.I did it on a caplock by drilling thru the lock plate with a #29
drill and drilling thru the part of the breech plug where a wrench goes to remove it.
Tap the hole for an 8x32 screw and then drill the lock plate with a #20 drill to allow
passage of the screw and also a counter bore or counters screw head.This is usually seen
on high end English guns and is a soild way to secure a lock.
Bob Roller

Canuck Bob

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Re: Interested in lock screws from the lock side on a Brooks build?
« Reply #5 on: May 07, 2020, 11:48:29 PM »
Dane I didn't want to put Mike on the spot.  From reading his posts I realize he is a busy man and I'm a tire kicker.  I was tickled that he built in this simple but elegant style.  Mike I meant no disrespect.

Bob, thanks for the links and your channel.  That is a spectacular rifle. I too admire the poor boy style without a cheek piece or long rifle trigger guard. The english connection appeals to my Canadian heritage.  I could see that gun as a high ranking HBC factor's personal gun.

Offline James Wilson Everett

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Re: Interested in lock screws from the lock side on a Brooks build?
« Reply #6 on: May 08, 2020, 12:39:28 AM »
Guys,

Here is an original halfstock with such a screw that engages the breechplug boss.  I believe that the gun was made in new York

Jim




Canuck Bob

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Re: Interested in lock screws from the lock side on a Brooks build?
« Reply #7 on: May 08, 2020, 02:10:13 AM »
Fred Stutzenberger describes a method that held the front of a lock using a clip and a captured screw to wedge the clip under allowing another right side attachment.  It is pictured near the bottom of this tutorial.

http://www.blackpowder411.com/builder/tips-tools-with-fred-stutzenberger-part-17/

Offline Mike Brooks

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Re: Interested in lock screws from the lock side on a Brooks build?
« Reply #8 on: May 08, 2020, 04:19:18 PM »
Sorry, yesterday was fishing day for Mr. Brooks. The smallies got hammered. I think everybody covered the mechanics pretty well.  i'd just like to point out this arrangement wasn't common on English guns at all, especially sporting rifles. The only butplateless English guns I have seen are the odd skeleton butted coach guns. I have seen some fowling guns with just a heel plate....again, quite rare. The abbreviated trigger guard is quite rare too, I have only seen it on one gun, and it was silver mounted.  If you're interested in the historical aspect let me stress again....RARE
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