L&R locks

[Grenadier1758]

I have several L&R locks. they do function quite well. I have sent two back to be updated and have flash guards installed. I now have the forged mainsprings and updated tumblers. Good sparkers. I also have an L&R Manton lock in my SMR. Sometimes its the percussion lock modified from a flintlock or a flintlock. both work well. Of course some polishing was in order and in the Late English locks I have to be sure to position the flint in the lock at an optimal distance from the frizzen for best performance.

 

[BigAl52]

BigAl52 - there is no mention of flints on the website - correct! When I asked what they recommend, they said "we'll sell you some". Since then (2-years ago) I have purchased flints from them 4-times including the latest just this past summer.

Thanks Sparkitoff I will give them a call and see what they have. Have you used any other flints besides theres for comparison

 

[Rifleman1776]

I have had good results with L&R locks. Today being Sunday I will not express my opinions or experience with Davis. My Little Fella rifle has a Chambers Siler. It was extensively modified and tuned by Dave Persons.

 

[Bob McBride]

I have had good results with L&R locks. Today being Sunday I will not express my opinions or experience with Davis. My Little Fella rifle has a Chambers Siler. It was extensively modified and tuned by Dave Persons.

Nothing like a tuned Chambers Siler or Early Ketland to open your mind to just how incredibly fast, reliable, and gentle on flints a flint lock can be.

 

[GANGGREEN]

I've followed your advice on my last 4 or 5 builds (I think I've built 10 total in my life) because I trust the experts who I've seen complain about them, but I'm like Cowboy, never really had an issue worth complaining about that I know was their fault. And that said, I have a friend who's a very good builder. He's built about 50 guns in his life, never did it for money or as a job, but he had people talk him into building them guns because he really is good at it and he LOVES L&R locks and would never use anything else. I can't say whether he monkeyed, polished or tuned them before putting them in the guns or not, but I always found it odd that he was so high on L&R when everyone else seems to have issues or perceived issues with them.

I have found L & R locks to be a poor substitute for a Chambers. I’ve seen too many of them break to ignore that fact. I have talked to too many famous name builders who agreed that they are unreliable. I saw one that worked
well that had been tuned and modified. One.
Why not just buy a Chambers lock that has a sterling reputation for reliability that works from the start?

 

[Bob McBride]

I've followed your advice on my last 4 or 5 builds (I think I've built 10 total in my life) because I trust the experts who I've seen complain about them, but I'm like Cowboy, never really had an issue worth complaining about that I know was their fault. And that said, I have a friend who's a very good builder. He's built about 50 guns in his life, never did it for money or as a job, but he had people talk him into building them guns because he really is good at it and he LOVES L&R locks and would never use anything else. I can't say whether he monkeyed, polished or tuned them before putting them in the guns or not, but I always found it odd that he was so high on L&R when everyone else seems to have issues or perceived issues with them.

I don’t find your story incongruous at all. Some of the guys who know how to tune a lock like Dave P have turned out some perfectly serviceable L&Rs. Even Chambers can use tuning for best results, no doubt.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Back many years ago, I knew a builder who considered Bob Roller's lock a good starting point. And Bob Roller is noted for making some of the finest locks imaginable.

 

[Bob McBride]

Back many years ago, I knew a builder who considered Bob Roller's lock a good starting point. And Bob Roller is noted for making some of the finest locks imaginable.

Now that's a darn picky feller right there. Sounds like just the guy you'd want to commission for a build.....

 

[smo]

 

[Rudyard]

I'le add I have never had any problem with L&R or Davis or Chambers or Vance or Siler. Even the cheap' Dixie Ketland 'will work up . But I go over any lock to remove casting lines & matt surfaces ect . Even the 10/r Indian local trade locks will' work up' . As did their better flintlocks . Of them I took any lemons and went over them for my own use . Had one in a rifle 50 years did half sole it but still good as new .... If I had any problem or needed any help from any US lock makers . They stood by their locks and I view them as personal friends . One one occasion at F ship I spotted all the parts of a L&R' late English' in Harrison Rimer's junk box So I says . how much? He says it was a kit some ****y had balls up & he was given it NOT to sell it whole .So Go see Bill Cox He tells Harrison. I can have it free . So I sorted it out (mostly there better for a longer scear nose ) I fitted an India Enfield M spring stocked it in a reject trade musket blank with a 58 NZ made barrel.. It got dubbed a' Pebble gun' and I used it a lot with various added barrels . inc a GM 54 reject & a North star 12 bore reject ..( Being of a thrifty nature ). . Yes I know GM don't sell Rejects but this one got away . I'me told the present owner thinks highly of it . Good
Regards Rudyard

 

[Cpt Flint]

Some people try to make silk purses out of sows ears. They have more time than money.

 

[Shooter1]

Some people try to make silk purses out of sows ears. They have more time than money.

These days many people have more time than money. Working at home has taken the commutes out of a day's work.

 

[tenngun]

Best lock I ever owned was an L and R, worst lock was a Davis. But my favorite gun has a Davis that’s great, and I don’t own a L and R right now. Have a couple of chambers silers that I have no complaints about.

 

[Cpt Flint]

I’m wondering how many serious competitors are using these cheap locks. I can understand how plinkers and tinkerers can use them but if you’re trying to shoot good scores you can’t afford them.

 

[ord sgt]

My first flintlock had a Dixie Gun Works lock. After too many years, the lock screws became too loose, They needed to be tightened after every trip to the range. Bought a L&R replacement lock. Had to open up the lock mortice in a few spots. Since then, no issues with the L&R. Good spark as long as I can keep an edge on the flint.

 

[oldwood]

Of the four lock suppliers I use today , none are flawless. Lock tuning is just part of the build process. Compared to the locks we had during the early years , the locks we have now are pretty darned good . Learn where the flaws are and how to correct them . I have no capability to do metallurgy , and don't even want to know. If a problem is that deep , heat treating , etc. the lock will go to someone to fix it.. All is well , lets go build some guns.......................oldwood

 

[Cpt Flint]

Oldwood, I respect your judgement. Could you please tell us what four lock suppliers you use. I've been meaning to ask if you shoot on the bench line at Friendship?

 

[Rudyard]

Some people try to make silk purses out of sows ears. They have more time than money.

And Some people succeed admirably , No doubt some buy the most costly & fail miserably. Ive made a very various near 200 of them .Might be getting some thing right ? .
Rudyard

 

[OldRust]

Possibly my lack of talent but with time and patience I've been able to get all my locks reliable and workable. L&R was one of the easiest to get where I wanted it. Maybe just lucky. Now the locks off of my 2 Spanish monkey guns are real challenging..

Thanks
O.R.

 

[oldwood]

Capt.Flint..........Used to shoot offhand flint rifle at Friendship last time around 1990. Never did anything remarkable though. Mostly just went out to display the occasional finished rifle in the log cabin. Also , helped my stock shaping buddy Fred in his booth. Far as locks , when Walter Cain walked down the line of booths displaying the incredible locks for sale in his brown brief case , I usually was able to get one of his custom Small Siler's for some special project. Currently , I use some L and R's , Mold and Gun , Chamber's , and Davis's.. ................oldwood