Percussion locks

[lbothell]

So I have a couple questions about percussion locks. I have a tc Seneca.36 percussion and a CVA mountain rifle .54 in percussion as well. Both new to me and all my other muzzleloaders are Flintlocks. So anytime I get a production gun in flint I normally replace the lock with an L&R just bc I know there is a lot that would need replaced to fix an old production lock and sometimes it ends up being cheaper to just do that route. So let me ask you guys that shoot percussion on a regular bases what’s your feelings on the production percussion locks? Seems like a simple concept with less to go wrong then a flint (my option). Do you guys replace them or do they seem to hold up just fine? I’m actually not worried about the Seneca it seems great more just wondering about the CVA. Are the more custom locks that much better for percussion? I know they are for flint

 

[William Hagewood]

I never had any issues with production percussion locks, especially CVA, TC, Pedersoli or Zoli. Lots of issues with production flinters!

 

[waarp8nt]

I've not had any issues with production locks, I have a couple of older Jukar (CVA) Kentucky rifles with original locks and they have been fine. I also have several percussion T/C rifles with little to no issue. The only T/C lock that gave me issues came to me in a box and the lock plate was bent, once it was straightened it has been fine.

I believe poorly shaped hammers and poorly hardened frizzen were the main issues with T/C flintlocks. I think the other half of issues with the T/C flintlocks were poorly shaped flints or user error. Like you I consider the L&R an upgrade when it comes to flintlocks. I've even installed a couple of Lyman flintlocks into early T/C flintlock stocks and they have shot very consistently.

 

[64Springer]

Never had an issue with Tradition or Ardesa or Jukar percussion locks.

Never owned a CVA, but Jukar was CVA.

In my opinion, production locks are better than L&R locks.

 

[lbothell]

I never had any issues with production percussion locks, especially CVA, TC, Pedersoli or Zoli. Lots of issues with production flinters!

Exactly! I mean Iv got some of these to spark a little better but it just never seems worth my time, with the locks Iv owned mileage may very, but not owning much percussion I wanted to ask

 

[lbothell]

Never had an issue with Tradition or Ardesa or Jukar percussion locks.

Never owned a CVA, but Jukar was CVA.

In my opinion, production locks are better than L&R locks.

Well I’m glad you have had good luck with the production locks bc I have not. And all my L&R locks are top notch, but again mileage may very!

 

[Uncle Miltie]

Higher quality locks are quicker and more durable. Cheaper ones "work," but for match shooting better locks work better, especially with set triggers.

 

[Mtman725]

Just finishing a CVA , that I've done a total restore, and installed an L & R lock, take's time don't be in a rush. Lots of small adjustment's. But worth it. Look for thread Blondie here.

 

[lbothell]

Just finishing a CVA , that I've done a total restore, and installed an L & R lock, take's time don't be in a rush. Lots of small adjustment's. But worth it. Look for thread Blondie here.

Well that’s why I’m asking, so the upgraded lock might be just the ticket then

 

[Grenadier1758]

For percussion locks, the upgraded version may or may not be much of an improvement. Percussion locks were a technology advancement over flint locks which are more of a work of art than a technological development. Modest percussion locks will work without a lot of tuning, whereas modest flint locks will require tuning to get acceptable performance. Parts for the CVA share design with the present Traditions parts. Deer Creek can supply the parts. Interestingly, Investarms and T/C partnered, apparently, on the design of their muzzleloaders. The difference is that the T/C was made in the US and the Investarms (Lyman) was made in Italy. There are some subtle difference by way of tolerances between the T/C parts and the Investarms.

The Seneca and Cherokee guns by T/C have been out of production so spare parts are very limited.

 

[Crows-R-US]

The old saying 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' comes to my mind. I'd wait til I needed one to worry about what to replace it with.

 

[lbothell]

The old saying 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' comes to my mind. I'd wait til I needed one to worry about what to replace it with.

I agree with that it’s not that I don’t, but the world we live in and who knows if things will get scarce again I tend to get things before they break. But I agree with what you said

 

[poker]

Ive never replaced factory locks just for the “whatifs”. Sure, if they just wont work correctly I would.
What do you do with all of those locks you have replaced?

 

[ohiochuck]

I never had any problems with my TC percussion locks over the years
JIm

 

[Kansas Jake]

I’ll add to the if it isn’t broke don’t fix it group. Even if something wears out, often parts are available or a new lock can be installed at that time.

 

[2 shots]

let it be

 

[lbothell]

Sounds like I’ll let it be!

 

[2 shots]

if the cva dont pop a cap first hit , it could be a problem with cap fit on the nipple. just something to watch.

 

[Dale Allen Raby]

Occasionally I have encountered a lock that was out of adjustment in some way or rusted. I've always been able to "fix" it somehow without actually replacing anything. Most of the springs in T/C locks are coil springs and not subject to breakage except after quite a bit of use... or possibly abuse. My Jonathan Browning Mountain Rifle's lock was so badly out of adjustment when I got it that it could not even be cocked and the adjustment screw for the lock was rusted tight.

Good quality locks with hardened bearing surfaces that are maintained (lubricated) properly will last a LONG time. Cheap junk out of (name least favorite country) are gonna develop some serious issues before long.

There is no real reason to replace a lock that is working fine as it is.

 

[Gtrubicon]

I also recently installed an L&R lock on one of my CVA mountain rifles. It is a worthy upgrade in my opinion.