Lateral Sear Doglock question

[MSK]

Well, not about the lock exactly. I just received my John Burger's Doglock Fowler (Rifle Shoppe #669). Proper details of the gun are: buttplate is nailed on, no side plate, no entry thimble for the rammer, lock held by 3 screws, no exterior screw on the cock, and the tang screw comes up from underneath. All steel furniture

My question: Were trigger guards in muskets and fowlers of this period inlet into the stock, laid on top, or both? Mine is inlet and fastened with screws -- I've only seen non-inlet guards (not that I've seen so many).

Thanks! Smollett

 

[Alden]

Seen both.

 

[rickystl]

Hi Smollett. First of all, congrats on receiving your #669 Doglock Fowler. Did you order the gun finished from TRS? Or as a kit? If finished, please post photos!!
The earlier guns seem to have the trigger guards just lying flat against the stock and screwed on in simple fashion. Also, there is often a lack of a trigger plate. From what I've viewed, it seems sometime around the late 17th Century guns show up with trigger guards and butt plates inlet to the stocks. But this is just a casual observation on my part.
Here is a photo of a 1640's Doglock Pistol made from parts from TRS. Notice the trigger guard NOT inlet to the stock.
Since your Fowler is somewhat of a transitional piece, and it was likely copied from an original, the original probably had an inlet trigger guard. Just my guess.
Hope you can post pics of your gun! Thanks, Rick. :hatsoff:

 

[wahkahchimaol.com]

Smollett I'm hoping for a picture of the assembly as well.

 

[ChrisPer]

Me too!
:hatsoff:

 

[MSK]

Sorry for the delay. I had to figure out how to load the photos. One more coming.

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[MSK]

Here's the butt plate. Larry Cruise of St Edward Nebraska built the gun for me. I asked the Rifle Shoppe if they had a recommendation for a gun maker adept with early firearms. Immediately they recommended Larry, (both Jess and Jane highly recommended him). I will say that I am extremely happy. I knew they were right when one of the first things Larry cautioned me on was the lack of an audible or tactile "click" when cocking a lateral sear (indeed something to get used to). Larry listens patiently to what you'd like in terms of fit and finish, and all you have to do is tell him once. He won't forget; if you change your mind on something, that's fine too. Larry is actually one of the nicest, most deferential and modest people I've ever dealt with. The fit and finish of the piece are exquisite. The very dark and antiqued metal was my special request, similar to the David Dodds New England doglock fowler on CLA. When it came to the wood, Larry's advice was not to artificially ding it up. Wood-dings would catch up to the metal aging soon enough simply through use.

The gun has a 46" barrel, about 62" overall. .77 caliber, just over 8 pounds nicely balanced. American walnut stock.

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[rickystl]

Hi Smollett. WOW!! That gun turned out GREAT!!! And the antique finish is super!! Congratulations. A fine looking piece.
That's interesting the Gunsmith mentioning the lack of a definitive "click" while engaging the lateral sear. Never really thought about it, but true. My Dog Lock, Snaphaunce, and English (Jacobian) Lock, all have this same characteristic.
Just two questions: 1. Is your trigger guard all or partially inletted, or not? 2. How long did it take you to receive the Kit from The Rifle Shoppe?
Thanks for Posting the pics. Yes, there is a real learning curve for how to do this. :haha: Rick. :hatsoff:

 

[MSK]

Thanks Ricky. The trigger guard was partially inlet, but Larry is in the process of changing that. Easy enough. He's seen inlet guards and wanted the gun to feel good in my hands, which I understand. Being conservative however, I decided I wanted to go with the norm, not the exception.

As for the Rifle Shoppe, I called and made sure the kit was in stock, which it was. I had them build the lock for me; took three weeks from the time I picked up the phone to the delivery of the kit (directly to Larry). Interestingly, Larry recommended I order a spare sear and tumbler from TRS since those are the two parts that would be otherwise hard to find or make. I called and ordered them this past Thursday and the two parts showed up yesterday (Monday)!

Smollett

 

[Wes/Tex]

That is one wicked looking musket...almost a dead ringer for some of the William III era dog locks I've seen in photos and museums! Wowie-wow-wow! :wink: :thumbsup:

 

[ChrisPer]

Thank you for the pictures! What a great looking gun. :hatsoff:

 

[rickystl]

WOW!! That TRS had the complete Kit "in stock" is some what of a miracle. :haha:
Again, congrats on a great looking early musket. And please give your gunsmith a hi-five from me for an outstanding job. Rick. :hatsoff:

 

[MSK]

Will do Ricky. Thanks for all the kind words. I can't wait to fire it!