Innards of an Indian-made Repro Matchlock

[ajbennettnc]

Just got this the other day. Secondhand from a gentleman on the forum who had originally gotten it from Middlesex Village Trading Co. I'm tickled with it and look forward to shooting it soon.

Something I've not seen mentioned about these Indian made Fishtail matchlocks is the trigger situation. Historical lever trigger matchlocks that I've seen pictures of tend to have the lever threaded into the sear bar or made as part of the sear itself. My gun appears to use a lock that would be designed for the more modern trigger, but in order to get the aesthetic of the lever, the manufacturers have made what I will call a hidden trigger. The bar is then bolted to that trigger. In theory, I could replace this current setup with a conventional trigger, which I might do because the bar is a little farther back than I think it should be. Operating it makes me pull to the right, so I'll have to practice to fix that or maybe lighten up the spring.

Any of you more educated matchcord burners seen historical examples of a setup like this? Just curious about that, and I wanted to let others see what these guns are like for those considering an Indian import matchlock. Overall, I am pleased with the gun and am sure it will suit my living history and shooting needs.

 

[tom in nc]

Very interesting. Thank you.

 

[Rudyard]

Just got this the other day. Secondhand from a gentleman on the forum who had originally gotten it from Middlesex Village Trading Co. I'm tickled with it and look forward to shooting it soon.

Something I've not seen mentioned about these Indian made Fishtail matchlocks is the trigger situation. Historical lever trigger matchlocks that I've seen pictures of tend to have the lever threaded into the sear bar or made as part of the sear itself. My gun appears to use a lock that would be designed for the more modern trigger, but in order to get the aesthetic of the lever, the manufacturers have made what I will call a hidden trigger. The bar is then bolted to that trigger. In theory, I could replace this current setup with a conventional trigger, which I might do because the bar is a little farther back than I think it should be. Operating it makes me pull to the right, so I'll have to practice to fix that or maybe lighten up the spring.

Any of you more educated matchcord burners seen historical examples of a setup like this? Just curious about that, and I wanted to let others see what these guns are like for those considering an Indian import matchlock. Overall, I am pleased with the gun and am sure it will suit my living history and shooting needs.

I cant quite figure out what the problem might be but if it works go for it The Indians probably are working on the basic'' Build a better matchlock & the world will beat a path to your door ''I gave up on looking for logic in India . Regards Rudyard

 

[TobJohn]

Interesting solution for a production line to use the same locks with different triggers.

@Rudyard or anyone else who has made multiple matchlock types, when handmaking the gun, is there an appreciable difference in the time and effort to make a lock with a lever trigger, vs a lock with a "modern" trigger + the trigger itself + trigger guard?

 

[Rudyard]

Interesting solution for a production line to use the same locks with different triggers.

@Rudyard or anyone else who has made multiple matchlock types, when handmaking the gun, is there an appreciable difference in the time and effort to make a lock with a lever trigger, vs a lock with a "modern" trigger + the trigger itself + trigger guard?

Well some are more involved none of its rocket science but its a matter of what style you fancy or is appropriate I've made two Scots ' conjectural ' matchlocks Non survive just mentions in old texts for' Lunt WERK' same as Scotts wheellock's viz ' Rowet werk ' So who can say me nay ? .The first was Ancrum Moor restock Snap lock of Venetian imports the second herron butted style .Never tackled a' Rowet Werk' probable an import .
Regards Rudyard