Lock screws Tower (Japanese) Bess

[butler1850]

Anyone know the specifications (thread/length) for the lock screws on a Tower (Japanese) Bess musket?

Extra credit for a source to pick up some extras.

Thanks,
-Ed

 

[pargent]

Probably metric 5 or 6 mm but as with all threads you will have to check with a thread gauge for pitch etc. , TOW or Dixie for the parts .

 

[butler1850]

I'd love to measure with a pitch gauge, but do not have one. Hence the reason for the question. I so rarely need to actually measure a screw/nut that I don't see the need to purchase one for a single use.

The local hardware store's pitch/size gauge stand is somewhat lacking in choices. It's not much more than a few bolts and nuts mounted in a bit of plastic.

I'd like to avoid actually pulling every possible screw out of the bins until I find on which one fits into the lock... if they even have that particular choice, which they may not if it's an 'off' size/pitch combination.

 

[buford87]

If you can't find the correct size lock bolts, you may have to drill and thread to a larger and more common size bolt. This hopefully would be a last ditch effort..........................watch yer top knot..........................

 

[pargent]

You wont find the lock screws in a hard ware store :nono: go on line to TOW or DIxie e-mail them and ask for the correct screws , TOW does carry a complete Bess screw and pin set BUT I think it is not metric ,make sure you name the maker and year of your gun if possible when ordering the screws .

 

[satwel]

You might try these folks.
http://www.vtigunparts.com/

 

[Bill Bizoff]

Here is another place to try.
Bill
http://www.ackermannarms.com/default.html

 

[Billnpatti]

I think Track of The Wolf will be your best bet. They are great about working with you. If you cannot work it out over the phone, you will probably have to send them the bolt for them to match it.

 

[butler1850]

Thanks all, :hatsoff: I'll try Ackermann (he fixed one of my locks a while back, and did provide screws for some locks that went in for other repairs for someone else as well).

These are just to have 'extras' around. The screws are just too easy to lose in the grass at an event... even if they are laid out carefully on a groundcloth while cleaning the rest of the musket.

 

[pargent]

Best get a spare barrel as well :rotf: :thumbsup: just razing you

 

[butler1850]

That's why I have a spare musket!


A Pedersoli (though actually, the Japanese version is really my 2nd musket when it comes to fielding)... For the Japanese musket, I'm just trying to get spares of the most common things to break, prior to it being an emergency. Or as a good NCO, to have on hand for other members of my unit in case they run into a problem at an event.

 

[pargent]

Yes, these guns last a long time, grab them while they are still available.