history of double set triggers

[Don B]

When did double set triggers become common? Would they be appropriate on a 1770s York/Schroyer rifle?

Don

 

[Stophel]

They became common on 17th (and probably 16th) century crossbows. They were standard equipment on German wheel lock rifles of the 17th century, and it is a rare 18th century German rifle indeed that doesn't have set triggers. Not as commonly seen on American rifles, but not rare by any means. Probably just a cost issue. A 1770 rifle would be just fine with set triggers. :wink:

 

[RedFeather]

There's a good book in the local library on crossbows and I noticed right off the double set triggers on the heavy hunting models, although I think one may have been a safety release. Have to go check it out. (Been thinking about making one. You think it's tight here with the restrictions on traditional ML's, you should see my local club. No crossbows allowed! :nono: )

 

[RedFeather]

Well, I checked out The Book Of The Crossbow by Ralph Payne-Gallwey (reprint of a 1903 book). He has some dandy schematics of crossbow double set triggers. I actually can understand how they work now. Will scan and post some of them. Maybe even build a "bullet bow".

Would that even fit in here???

 

[mazo kid]

RedFeather, if you scan some photos, I would really like to have you send them to me via email if you don't post them here. Thanks.

 

[Stophel]

A set trigger basically thumps the sear to trip it.

 

[RedFeather]

RedFeather, if you scan some photos, I would really like to have you send them to me via email if you don't post them here. Thanks.

I will have to scan about ten pages. There aren't that many pix but there's step-by-step commentary on how the locks work. One set covers the improved 16th century locks for medium and heavy bows. The other (which looks much like it) is for a later target crossbow. Maybe post them tomorrow.