Not sure on the lock, but definitely something big! Maybe a dog lock? Is that TRS 536 you’re using?
I had to make some assumptions since only barrel length and caliber are listed. I first establish the barrel profile and thickness ratios using calipers (it’s the best I can do without touching the original); these books are great because they provide that top-down view over two pages.
Then I apply the assumptions. It’s .63 caliber and I hate thick-walled muzzles, so using .06” walls the muzzle becomes .75. Now that is the “known” and I use that to work back to the breech, applying the taper ratios calculated. Or one can decide on a breech thickness and work the other direction.
Is it perfect? No, but by gathering lots of data points (every inch on the picture) ratios can be pretty well established. Plotting each measurement on a piece of graph paper then drawing lines through them breaks it down and helps find the average of the points since there is inevitable error using calipers and a magnifying glass on a picture. I can’t remember what it’s called but here’s an idea of what I mean.
It’s pretty fun! And right now, Larry Horrigan is making me one measured from the Lewis fowler on page 97. I have some other profiles from that book if anyone’s interested I’m happy to share.
I hope I didn’t hijack your thread, Rich. Please post updates — these kinds of guns have so much character.
- Tom
