My First Wheellock

[jdbama80]

I just purchased this wheel lock last night off GB. I probably paid to much for it and it's probably not historically correct but I've been wanting one to add to my collection. I plan to teach the kids and their friends about the evolution of guns and a wheel lock is the one that I didn't have. I don't know much about wheel locks so I was hoped that the experts here would have some insight.

The lock looks like it came from the Rifle Shoppe? It has a 45 caliber rifled barrel on it. It has the name "Hinson" engraved on the barrel by the lock. Does anyone happen to know who may have made this gun? It looks to be in pretty good shape. There are a couple of things off about it but nothing that I can't fix myself. Any insight or opinions would be welcomed.

 

[Sam squanch]

Unknown Hinson?

 

[russellshaffer]

Don't know if it's historically correct, but it sure looks nice.

 

[ArmorerRoy]

Allen screw holding the flint. I would definitely fix that.

 

[PhDBrewer]

Well.. should not be flint!
Get some iron pyrite. That is what is used.
@Flint62Smoothie did a nice write up on how to obtain some inexpensively.
Looks like the TRS large Dutch wheellock kit. There are 3 different stocks for that lock.
Have fun!

William

 

[jdbama80]

Allen screw holding the flint. I would definitely fix that.

Yep, that was one of the first things I noticed. I figured that I could call TRS and get the correct part for it.

 

[jdbama80]

Well.. should not be flint!
Get some iron pyrite. That is what is used.
@Flint62Smoothie did a nice write up on how to obtain some inexpensively.
Looks like the TRS large Dutch wheellock kit. There are 3 different stocks for that lock.
Have fun!

William

Yeah. I’m going to have to search for that write up so I can order the right pyrite.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Yeah. I’m going to have to search for that write up so I can order the right pyrite.

There's a GREAT write up here for sourcing pyrite started by @XVIIc Wheelock, with contributions from many others, including me. Note that the 1st batch I got were very fragile, but the 2nd batch was fine. Pyrite being 'natural' stone ... and well I'd guess sometimes that happens!

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/iron-pyrite.169898/

Another post with sources of pyrite, some that look different, appearing like sand glued together vs. that of a solid stone. But those 'crumblies' actually work well too.

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/fyi-‘crumbly’-pyrite-works-in-a-wheelock.142486/

 

[jdbama80]

Unknown Hinson?

I’ve done some internet searches and can’t find anyone names Hinson that made wheellocks or barrels. The name looks like it was stamped in there so I figured it would be a well know maker.

 

[jdbama80]

There's a GREAT write up here for sourcing pyrite started by @XVIIc Wheelock, with contributions from many others, including me. Note that the 1st batch I got were very fragile, but the 2nd batch was fine. Pyrite being 'natural' stone ... and well I'd guess sometimes that happens!

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/iron-pyrite.169898/

Another post with sources of pyrite, some that look different, appearing like sand glued together vs. that of a solid stone. But those 'crumblies' actually work well too.

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/fyi-‘crumbly’-pyrite-works-in-a-wheelock.142486/

Great. Thank you for sending those links.