"Best" lock for a fowler???

[Skychief]

I'm thinking of having a fowler built.

I would like to have the fastest and most reliable lock incorporated in its build.

So, what do you guys see as the fastest and most reliable flint lock suitable for use on a fowler?

Much appreciated, Skychief

 

[Stumpkiller]

Don't know about fastest but a Jim Chamgers Virginia is very reliable.
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/732/1/LOCK-VA-FR

 

[Skychief]

Thank you Stumpkiller.

Just the kind of information I am hoping to get in this thread. :thumbsup:

Best regards, Skychief

 

[MSW]

can't speak to the Virginia, but his Large Siler locks are the best I've ever used or seen. I'd go with a Virginia without any hesitation - he builds first rate gear!

good luck with your project, and please let us know how it turns out! :v

 

[ncmtmike]

The Barnett on mine has never faltered,always fires :wink:

 

[Curt]

Chambers Virginia ,Dale Johnson,or Large Siler Deluxe ,they are all made by Chambers. No exsperince with the Barrnett so cant say. Curt

 

[Keb]

Chambers Early Ketland lock is also one that works well. It's pretty quick for a bigger lock and a good choice for an English style gun.

 

[wattlebuster]

I like a Caywood "Wilson" for its speed. Its the fastest lock I have ever shot. I am just as fond of the round faced english of Chambers. I can tell its a bit slower than the Caywood but I like it just the same. I give both a very high reliability rating. Neither has EVER let me down :thumbsup:

 

[Skychief]

Sifting through all the kind replys and opinions guys. Keep 'em coming, Skychief. :thumbsup:

 

[Dane]

Skychief,

Need more input.... They type of fowler you are interested in, will determine the type/style of lock that is best for your fowler.

Not every muzzleloading rifle should have a Siler lock.
Siler is a Germanic styled lock. Would not be proper for an English or French style gun. And vise-versa.

Decide what you want to build, then decide on the appropriate lock options.
Chambers makes the best "out of the box" locks available.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

What type of "fowler" are you looking to procure? Does historical correctness come into play at all or are you simply seeking the best performance based on modern standards utilizing the best parts one can get?
Are you planning to shoot flying or sitting fowl/targets or is this to be mimicking a rifle with the use of patched round balls? What bore size and particular type of barrel are you using? Are you content to fit the barrel to a particular lock or is the barrel size, dimensions, etc. important as well?

With this information, many who know construction of flintlock firearms can give you a better recommendation. Chambers locks will certainly lead the field in quality by a large margin but the style will vary depending.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Reputation puts Chambers at or near the top. But there are other great locks on the market. I have two L&Rs. The Classic is a sparking monster. My one Davis is a dissapointment, as was the company when I tried to deal with them.
Pick yer own pizzen. Good luck.

 

[ZUG]

What ever lock you decied on to get the most out of it's performance the lock will need to be tuned / adjusted. :thumbsup:

 

[Pete G]

The Chambers Early Virginia and Early Ketland are the same lock inside with cosmetic differences outside. They are top notch locks in both style and function for a fowler. Read the directions carefully about how to remove the sear spring screw.

 

[Skychief]

Skychief,

Need more input.... They type of fowler you are interested in, will determine the type/style of lock that is best for your fowler.

Not every muzzleloading rifle should have a Siler lock.
Siler is a Germanic styled lock. Would not be proper for an English or French style gun. And vise-versa.

Decide what you want to build, then decide on the appropriate lock options.
Chambers makes the best "out of the box" locks available.

Dane, I would be happy to build the gun around the lock, should a particular lock be a real standout.

 

[Skychief]

What type of "fowler" are you looking to procure? Does historical correctness come into play at all or are you simply seeking the best performance based on modern standards utilizing the best parts one can get?
Are you planning to shoot flying or sitting fowl/targets or is this to be mimicking a rifle with the use of patched round balls? What bore size and particular type of barrel are you using? Are you content to fit the barrel to a particular lock or is the barrel size, dimensions, etc. important as well?

With this information, many who know construction of flintlock firearms can give you a better recommendation. Chambers locks will certainly lead the field in quality by a large margin but the style will vary depending.

Captain Jas, I would like to be as historically correct as possible, that being said, I won't be obsessive about it. I do want the best parts available for sure.

The gun will be used a lot for turkey, squirrel and some rabbit too. Also, I want it to throw an accurate round ball for deer hunting and trail walking.

I will want a .62/20. More than likely it will be octagon to round, but, it wouldn't bother me if it were just round. I believe the right octagon-to-round barrel could help with poa/poi, especially where round ball shooting is concerned.

I am willing to fit the barrel to the lock, should a particular lock really "shine".

Thanks, Skychief

 

[hanshi]

I have an American fowler, .62/20 and had a Chambers Colonial Va lock put on it. That lock is not particularly fast but, LOOK OUT, it'll set your shirt on fire.

 

[jamesthomas]

You might look at the L&R Queen Ann Lock, I am going to put a large L&R Queen Ann Lock on my Griffen Fowler, It comes in a lefty while some of the other locks do not.

 

[Ray-Vigo]

I have a Caywood English Fowler type lock on my fowling piece and I think it is a fine lock.

 

[Dane]

Probably the fastest production lock available would be Chambers Late Ketland. It is a rather small lock for a fowler, but I'm sure you could come up with a design that would work.