Mule Ear or Sidehammer locks???

[Skychief]

I want to know what you all think about this type of ignition system. I hope to get feedback from any of us that have used the mule ear locks...pros, cons, why so rarely seen, etc, etc. I am thinking about building a rifle with a sidehammer lock. Also, can anyone suggest where to find some (I see none listed in TOTW). Thanks for any help!

 

[wilded]

I used to have a little navy arms .32 slap hammer and it was a great little rifle. I shot a lot of varmints with that little gun and finally traded it for something else I wanted at the time. It was really to light to hold real steady off hand. I can not remember a time it failed to go off.

 

[bob308]

next to a underhammer they are one of the fastest locks. the fire from the cap goes stight into the powder charge.

the only problem i have seen with them was stated before they were always put on too small or light of a rifle.

the reason you don't see more of them is because they are not traditional in the minds eye of a lot of people.

 

[silverfox]

Give me about a week. I should have one to play with and will let you know. From what I read from the others I think they are right about the Muleears. Navy did make a .32,.36.45.and a .50 would be nice to have a .50 but never have seen one.
Fox :hatsoff:

 

[boar]

Pioneer Arms has them. He's listed in the Links here. Dilly

 

[Skychief]

Thanks for the quick replies fellers! If I understand correctly...the sidehammer made it's appearance just before the advent of cartridge rifles, and thus never had "time" to become popular (if they eventually were to). Correct?

 

[ohio ramrod]

Actually the first percusion locks made were side hammers.With the nipp[le screwed in the flash holes of flint rifles. The drum and nipple was adapted to both use up parts for intended flint rifles as well as converting existing rifles.Back in those days locks and barrels were often a year or two in advance. And barrels were often "aged" to allow stress points from the forging process to even out. so the manufacturing of guns was a several year system with parts often ordered from across the pond with both the placing the order and delivery by Slow sail boats.

 

[Zonie]

I've read that some of the mule ear locks don't have a half cock safety.

If that is important to a potential buyer he should look into it before laying his money down.

 

[ohio ramrod]

Some do some don't . Mine do my nephews doesn't. The half cock is an important item.

 

[mazo kid]

The Pioneer lock does not have a half cock notch, don't know if there is room to cut one or not. http://pioneerarms.com/mule_ear_lock.html
Here is a link to making your own: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Olympus/9080/mule.htm

 

[paulvallandigham]

A half cock notch is not necessary for safety. A wooden plug can be whittled to fit under the neck of the hammer to lift the hammer off the cap and nipple. if tie a string or wire or thong to the "block", when you cock the hammer back to shoot, the "block" falls away and hangs from the trigger guard or barrel, where you tied the other end. You can cut a notch in the block, if you are worried about the block sliding or falling away, when the gun is bumped, allowing an unintended discharge.The notch will insure the block does not move.