I Started My First Matchlock

[rifleshooter2]

I started my first matchlock today. It will take a little longer than I expected. I was going to use my tax refund to buy the barrel and wood but When your furnace goes your prioritys change. Well at least I can make the lock.
I post more pictures as the project progresses

Andy

 

[bezoar]

your lock looks pretty good so far. Are you making your own springs? And what kind and period? Did you get the lock plan from a catalogue or did you design your own?

keep up the good work

 

[robinghewitt]

That sent me looking for photo's of original insides to, amazing how I found pictures of everything but

 

[rifleshooter2]

I'll be making my own springs, I'm making my lock from pictures I found on the net. As for a style I'll be going for something like this.

Andy

 

[Teleoceras]

Rifleshooter2:

Very cool! :RO:

Good luck and welcome to the Fellowship of the Slowmatch! ::

Interesting that you are using a picture of Hildegarde, my .75 Musket as the pattern. She was built by John Buck oh does frequent this forum.

 

[rifleshooter2]

Thanks I hope I do her justice and make a good replica. I'll just have to think of a good name for her

Andy

 

[rifleshooter2]

Just another pic I should have the lock done by next weekend. Next comes the barrel that should be fun.

Andy

 

[robinghewitt]

Are you sure you want a fishtail stock with a lever release?

No reason not to, just looks a bit odd that's all ::

 

[robinghewitt]

A common mistake with a tricker lock is to give it a flintlock style trigger, sort of L shaped to lift the sear end. Originals had a vertical trigger that hit the sear at about 45 degrees. All very odd, but that's the way they were ::

 

[rifleshooter2]

I thought I would try the lever release first because I have never shot one. If I don't like it then the fishtail will look ok if I change it to a trigger style. Hey If I like the matchlocks I may make several types. I really like the Mary Rose gun. That could be next.

 

[rifleshooter2]

I'd love to see how that 45 deg angle works. The more odd it is the better for me. I love to get strange looks at the range.

 

[robinghewitt]

Can't find my photo's, so I sketched on in on that image above, not a perfect representation, but something like that ::

 

[rifleshooter2]

Thats cool

 

[Chuck Thom]

Your lock looks real good. I would get a lock from you if you were inclined to make more. i make accoutrements for matchlocks so would like to trade if your interested.. looking forward to seeing your matchlock upon completion.....Chuck

 

[rifleshooter2]

I may do that. I want to make sure I have all the geometry right on this one, before I start on another lock. So far everything seems to be working correctly. If you like I was thinking on drawing up a nice set of plans on this one once it's done.

Andy

 

[bovey]

I would be interested in purchasing a set of your drawings. Have been researching and have had little luck in finding a good set of drawings. Would rather build a lock than wait for an order from Oklahoma.

 

[rifleshooter2]

As soon as I get the lock finished I'll take some good mesurments and post them for anybody that wants them.

 

[bovey]

Thanks... Looking forward to your progress.

 

[rifleshooter2]

It's a lock. Just a little polishing and it will be done. Now time to get some steel for a barrel.

Andy

 

[Leonredbeard]

rifleshooter2,
that spring looks a little heavy to me. How is the trigger pull? oops! you don't have a trigger yet, do you. I guess you can always lighten it if you need to.
God bless.
volatpluvia