Davis lock experience

[Rifleman1776]

On several threads I have mentioned my unhappines with a Davis lock I bought about five years ago. It was/is the Jaeger style which was put on a Jaeger rifle being built for me. The original lock I received was, essentially, non-functional (would not spark, etc.). It was returned for exchange FIVE times before I got one that, sorta, functioned. I finally called Davis and was told the maker (they are not the maker, it is outsourced) had used the "wrong powder". Meaning he cast with a soft steel. Finally, I got the fifth lock. On the first striking the top jaw shattered and the pieces went flying. My builder simply whittled a new one out of brass and that is what is on the rifle to this day. The lock has never been really satisfactory. Among other things, the geometry stinks. If good locks like Chambers, Siler, Haddaway, etc. are rated at AAA quality, I would place this one at a C- .
Well, last week someone mentioned that Davis now offeres an improved cock (hammer in current, but incorrect, parlance). I called Davis to see if they would make right the problems I have had with my lock. I talked to Tim. When asked, he never would say if they warrantied their locks. He declined to send me a replacement cock free. He did offer a very small discount, about $2.00. Although not happily, I accepted this. I then sent an e-mail confirming our conversation and gave him my credit card #, contact info, etc. That was Monday a.m. As of now, he has not replied and my card has not been charged. I don't know what is going on. It does make me uncomfortable to give out my card, and security #, without proper acknowledgment. Risky enough even with good communications. So far, I'm just trying to relate experiences. Until I know what is going on, no accusations. No new cock, I can't relate whether it is really an improvement or what. I can say my Davis lock is about as much fun to shoot as wet powder and the company does not seem to be inclined to want to satisfy a customer.
I'm going to e-mail them (Tim) again today. If no reply by tommorrow a.m. I'll call again and post an update here.
BTW, I have purchased and used L&R locks and believe them to be in the AAA category. :grin:

 

[Robby]

Rifleman, This is the Davis Jaeger lock I have, with the optional cock. The only picture I have.

I have fired it hundreds of times with no problem. I have had a few problems with a couple of the Davis locks I have used, but Tim has always been upfront and prompt in making things right. I hope it all works out for you, and are out shooting your Jaeger soon. They are a great gun and fun to shoot! Good luck!
Robby

 

[Rifleman1776]

That is a beautiful rifle.
In this ml game it is unusual to find a vendor that does not take care of his customers. I am really puzzled at my situation. For the record, second e-mail sent about an hour ago, no response.

 

[Leatherbelly]

Be patient, he is a busy man. I'm certain he will fix you up.

 

[Leatherbelly]

Hey Robbie!
Are you the same guy with the 51 Austin from Boston?

 

[ebiggs1]

Try a real flint! :thumbsup: :grin:

 

[Robby]

Hey Robbie!
Are you the same guy with the 51 Austin from Boston?

Hey Leatherbelly! Not sure, But I use to go with a chaste young lady from Hobokin. :wink:
Robby

 

[Rifleman1776]

Try a real flint! :thumbsup: :grin:

For the record: I have used knapped English black, German sawn agate and Arkansas sawn novaculite. The novaculite worked the best. I have used big and small and in-between, bevel up, bevel down and been blessed by a gypsy. Still performance rivialing a 1970s era el-cheapo import.

 

[Robby]

Rifleman, This might be another option.
Mold and Gun Shop 
Larry L Zornes    
(740) 286”2743   
Its my understanding that they do the lock work for Davis. I sent a lock to them that I was having a terrible time with and it came back rebuilt, working like a champ. N/C!
Robby

 

[Rifleman1776]

Rifleman, This might be another option.
Mold and Gun Shop 
Larry L Zornes    
(740) 286”2743   
Its my understanding that they do the lock work for Davis. I sent a lock to them that I was having a terrible time with and it came back rebuilt, working like a champ. N/C!
Robby

Interesting. Thanks.
For the record, as of this a.m. Davis has not contacted me. I plan to wait until about 11 a.m. then will call them. In addition to the problem with the lock, I am a bit hincky about a company that, so far, has not proven fully trustworthy not communicating after they have my CC information. Many say they are fine folks. I hope so. But my experiences to date indicate something less.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Just now heard from Tim at Davis locks.
They are out of stock on the replacement cock and he will ship to me as soon as new ones come in.
I feel much better now. :grin:

 

[Rifleman1776]

Today, while digging around in my 'stuff' I discovered this flint hammer/cock. Dunno war it came from. :idunno: But, it looks proper for a Germanic/Jaeger style lock. Held it to my current, problem child, Davis lock and it is the same size and has same swing. Angle seems a bit different, higher strike. That is what I need. I'll be getting the "improved" Davis replacement cock sometime but plan to try this in the meantime. Will report back with results.

[/img]

 

[Rifleman1776]

Yesterday, I put the newly discovered cock on the rifle, installed a flint and tried. Amazing difference in performance from the original. Struck higher on the frizzen and gave more and better sparking. The frizzen came completely open, as it should and never before has. :grin: I reshaped the sides to more rounded. I believe it looks more correct for the Germanic style than with the sharp edges. Yes, I know it will be different than the original Davis and may, or may not be tg-c or hc or whatever correct. I don't care, I prefer it that way. It is in the process of being browned right now.
I do have a Davis upgrade cock ordered. I don't need it now but after the fuss I made, I'll keep it in with my 'stuff'. Yesterday I sorta organized some things. And now all stray lock parts are in one drawer, some brass in another, and so on.

 

[Robby]

Good to hear it working for you!! :thumbsup:
Robby

 

[Mike Brooks]

Today, while digging around in my 'stuff' I discovered this flint hammer/cock. Dunno war it came from. :idunno: But, it looks proper for a Germanic/Jaeger style lock. Held it to my current, problem child, Davis lock and it is the same size and has same swing. Angle seems a bit different, higher strike. That is what I need. I'll be getting the "improved" Davis replacement cock sometime but plan to try this in the meantime. Will report back with results.

[/img]

That IS the Davis upgrade cock. :thumbsup:

 

[Rifleman1776]

That IS the Davis upgrade cock.

:shocked2: :shocked2: :shocked2:

OK, innerressing. I have no idea how it came to be in my stuff. :idunno: Guess I'll call Tim and cancel the order. How long have they been selling the upgrade cock? Oh, well.

 

[Rifleman1776]

As they sometimes say......."Well......not really."
I had written to the builder of the Jaeger. This a.m. I got a reply back (very rare event, he never, never-ever, responds to e-mails) he said this was really a Siler cock/hammer he had modified because he didn't like the Davis and suspected it would not perform well for me. I also have a frizzen he properly hardened and tuned for this rifle. I remember neither of these but do have the frizzen also. Browning and changing that will be a project for today also. I think I'll cancel the Davis upgrade, really don't need it.

 

[Mike Brooks]

The cock and frizzen in the picture that are on the gun are standard Davis Jeager lock parts. Your builder has forgotten, is confused or something else.
To be honest, I shot one of those locks exclusively for eight years and never had a problem with it. I also just put one on a gun and it worked flawlessly. All that with the old style cock.

 

[FRJ]

Hi Rifleman, I have had several dealings with Tim and will guarantee you that he is a straight up gentleman that will bend over backward to help you all he can.He has dug me out of holes of my own digging on several occasions. When I first started dealing with him I had some of the same issues with him that you have. Then I figured out how he worked and my problems were solved. On your credit card issues, he may not bill your card for a week or so!!!He will however get your part out just as soon as he gets it. Like someone else said he's a very busy man.As far as canceling the part that's your call but I wouldn't you never know when you'll need a new one! Sometime he's also slow about returning calls BUT he always does.If he was giving you $2.00 off on the part he was probably giving it to you for his cost. He's a really good guy and I trust him with my card and my business!!! I don't trust one of the very big names in the business though. Frank

 

[Rifleman1776]

The cock and frizzen in the picture that are on the gun are standard Davis Jeager lock parts. Your builder has forgotten, is confused or something else.
To be honest, I shot one of those locks exclusively for eight years and never had a problem with it. I also just put one on a gun and it worked flawlessly. All that with the old style cock.

I have concluded that Mike is correct.
I believe my builder is mistaken in his memory of the event. I don't recall him giving me an extra cock or frizzen. The cock in the picture is clearly not a Siler. I compared side by side, big difference. And, I cannot find a stray frizzen anywhere in my 'stuff'. Some things do get disorganized but other items I do keep very well organized. A spare frizzen would be readily at hand. I'll take Mike's experienced word that the cock shown is a Davis replacement. I modified it (for appearance only), browned and it is now on the Jaeger. It sparks very well but throws the sparks forward of the pan. I will have to fiddle with it to get sparks where they belong. (flint placement, flint size, bevel up/down, holding my mouth right, etc.) But, this exercise is the norm for any flintlock. They's fussy critters. With my shoulder getting stronger and this fix, I and my Jaeger should be back in business.