Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Craftsmanship => Gun Building and Repair => Topic started by: RiverCat on May 05, 2012, 07:48:07 PM

Title: Lock Choice?
Post by: RiverCat on May 05, 2012, 07:48:07 PM

Hello folks.

I hope to soon be buying a parts set for a Northwest trade gun. The kit I am interested in can be had with my choice of three different locks. Either a Davis large trade lock, L&R Queen Anne, or flat trade lock. Since my experience with flintlocks is next to nothing I`m unsure which of these locks would be the best choice for this build. Which of the three would you guys "in the know" choose if you were doing a Northwest gun build? Is there any big difference in quality and reliability with any of these three? I`m not as concerned with being historically correct as I am with having a good shooting reliable gun when I`m done.

Thanks in advance for any insight and opinions.

Title: Re: Lock Choice?
Post by: pathfinder on May 06, 2012, 09:10:52 AM

I like the stirup in the L&R,semm's too make the lock faster,but there is NOTHING wrong with the Davis,I shoot both quite often and have really not had any issue'swith any of them. I like the look's of the Queen Ann over the flat faced. Come down too what "look" you want.

Title: Re: Lock Choice?
Post by: Captchee on May 06, 2012, 09:50:36 AM

i would go with the Davis over the L&R , hands down .
 the main springs L&R seem to be using now are much weaker then the ones they used to use . the lock just doesnt snap with the authority of the Davis .
 over all i think the Davis is just a lot nicer  lock

 I also prefer the round faced locks vs the flat faced locks when it comes to smoothbores

Title: Re: Lock Choice?
Post by: Andy54Hawken on May 06, 2012, 11:12:03 AM

I have a Davis tradegun lock on my Northwest gun. It works great. Lock time is fast and it sparks well.
Andy

Title: Re: Lock Choice?
Post by: RiverCat on May 06, 2012, 06:53:06 PM

Thanks for the insight guys.

Title: Re: Lock Choice?
Post by: SAWMA on May 07, 2012, 02:48:16 PM

I know very little about locks, but a brand new L&R that i have will not spark, will need frizzen work before she will even shoot. She looks cool though, round face.

Title: Re: Lock Choice?
Post by: Hank in WV on May 07, 2012, 04:57:29 PM

Get ahold of L&R and send it back.

Title: Re: Lock Choice?
Post by: SAWMA on May 08, 2012, 07:16:42 AM

The lock came on a smooth gun i purchased from an internet forum. Not the only issue i've had with this gun, but the lock is at the lock doctor as we post. Things will go boom soon, and it will be fun, fun, fun!

Title: Re: Lock Choice?
Post by: Smallpatch on May 10, 2012, 05:31:18 PM

A Queen Anne lock would not be appropriate for a NW trade gun.  I think your best choice would be the Davis trade lock.  The only L&R lock I'd ever use is the Bailles for a pistol.  Had problems with every one I've ever used.
Chamber's makes the best "out of the box" locks, but don't have one appropriate for your gun.

Title: Re: Lock Choice?
Post by: Capt. Jas. on May 14, 2012, 03:30:47 PM

I would also say go with the Davis. That particular lock also makes for a good solid 1740 period English gun.