Are modern locks as good?

[gizamo]

Reason I'm asking is that I have some original guns. Obviously they've been fired a good deal and are abit worn-in. But in general, they are better in take up and the way they break than the modern reproductions. Not sure if some of this was the pride in craftmanship of the early hand fitters....

There are a few locks that compare in modern times, but in general ~ not so much.

Anyone else experiencing the same impressions?

 

[fleener]

I have had several stanton locks that were simply a work of art. I think the high end old locks are the best there are.

snapper

 

[F.G. Ford]

There is little pride in workmanship today.
Very few people, know anything about forgeing & hardening.
Almost everthing is cast steel, with a little quick case hardening, as we plainly see in the Italian locks, and East Indian look-a-likes.
So it is obvious the difference in a good old lock compared to the above mentioned imported junk.
I guess, I am slightly opinionated. :v
Old Ford

 

[ohio ramrod]

If my memory is correct there was an article in muzzle blasts a year or so ago where they timed several locks with a high speed camera (5000 frames per sec. ). The fasted lock was an original, it was faster than any of the currently produced locks! :idunno: As a side note last winter I had to make a replacement main spring for my oldest son's Bavarian Leader SxS. The main spring broke after only 125 to 135 years of use!

 

[Cat Dr]

I'd send it back under warranty :grin:

Pat

 

[CoyoteJoe]

I think there were great locks and cheap locks in the old days as well. I've encountered plenty of crappy old locks. Today we have good locks made by investment casting and computer controled machinery but there aren't any really great locks built by people who spent a life time just filing and fitting up lock after lock. But today's locks generally don't cost you a month's wages.