Davis siler lock help

[Babills]

I just purchased a new to me rifle. When I went to change the flint it puts pressure on the frizzen at half cock. It's an older lock and the hammer seems to stop further forward at half cock. From some research the older geometry in the tumbler causes this. Can't The tumbler be changed? Or do I have to grind the back of all my flints? I hope this makes sense.

 

[Art Caputo]

I’d try changing the size of the flint first, and check the performance. They do sell flints with different dimensions for exactly this reason.

 

[EC121]

Chambers has an updated hammer and tumbler that they use on their Siler version. If it is a true Siler, it might work on your lock. You might give Barbie a call.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Or put a jaw sized notch at the fold in the flint leather to allow the flint to go further back in the jaws of the cock.

 

[EC121]

I have started punching my leather with a leather punch and leaving a small piece between the holes. Then I can remove the clamp screw and put the leather in with the small piece behind the screw. The flint goes back to the screw and the leather doesn't fall out.

 

[rickpa]

^^^ What they said. A hole in the leather will allow the flint to set back further in the jaws.

 

[Babills]

The leather i am using is very thin. Deer hide. Not thick enough to make a difference. Just got back from the range and it shot and functioned great. Just can't keep it in half cock, fine for the line but not safe for hunting.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Then you will need a shorter flint or knap the flint so the edge is backed away from the frizzen.

 

[bldtrailer]

you can use a pr of plyers to nibble a notch in the back of the flint to fit (watch out those little flint scraps are sharp)

 

[EC121]

Measure from the screw to the frizzen at half cock. Subtract the leather thickness and allow a little clearance from the frizzen face.. Then order a dozen to try.

 

[toot]

have you tried the sawed double ended lapped ones?