Pick My Lock! :D

[Smokey Plainsman]

Hey! atriot:

Going to have TVM ( http://www.tennesseevalleymuzzleloading.com/tennessee-rifle ) build me a percussion long rifle. They have a couple different lock style. Which should I get for a Tennessee rifle?

Siler (early percussion conversion type)

Mountain lock:

Which do you think would look better on the gun? Both are HC locks as far as I know.

Thoughts?

 

[Rifleman1776]

Thanks for asking our advice. But, really, it is yer rifle gun. Do yer own thang and wat suits ye.
FWIW, I'm hung up on the Siler style.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

FWIW, I'm hung up on the Siler style.

Me too :thumbsup:
Flintlocklar

 

[ZUG]

Hands down I'd pick the mountain lock for the SMR every time. It is a good lock and fits the SMR architecture better. Try looking at originals and most likely they will have a rounded tail lock than the Germanic pointy tail lock on them. :v

 

[rich pierce]

I’d never order a rifle without studying originals and knowing what I liked, but I like historically based guns.

 

[mooman76]

I also like the Siler style. Looks more authentic to me and more stylish.

 

[rich pierce]

I also like the Siler style. Looks more authentic to me and more stylish.

That style was never seen on original SMRs made after 1800.

 

[stubshaft]

Siler will match the slender lines of a Tennesse.

 

[Artie Peltier]

My humble opinion, silver!

 

[Zonie]

A Tennessee rifle will almost never be found with a pointed tail lock like the Siler.

Using a Siler flintlock I converted to percussion on the Tennessee rifle I built is the only incorrect thing on the gun.

TEN1 by James, on Flickr

Use the round tail Mountain lock.

 

[tenngun]

Ayup. I thought the Siler, that is a fine looking lock, looked best on the slim lines of a SMR. Since then I have yet to see an original SMR with a German style lock on it. The Dur Egg style is seen, or the Barret style lock plate, round or with a small tang.
I like my SMR but that Siler mocks me.
I’ve seen SMR in silver, iron and brass,silver and iron, fancy shaped side plates, fine maple and plane beech, but never with a German style lock.
As Rifleman says it is your gun, but to be as correct as you can avoid the better looks of the Siler.

 

[CoHiCntry]

What is "SMR"???

 

[Bearkiller]

What is "SMR"???

Southern Mountain Rifle

 

[CoHiCntry]

Thank you...

 

[Gene L]

I've got two Siler locks on the only two flints I own. I'm not a slave to authenticity and for me, looks trump dyed-in-the-wool tradition. I like the pointy end on the Silers. That's just me, but I'm not a traditionalist. Go with what you want and don't worry about it.

 

[longcruise]

Like zug said, it's about the architecture. Even if you don't care about authenticity the mountain lock fits the architecture of the Tennessee rifle which extends beyond the lock panels. Look at the picture on the TVM website and see how the panel and wrist blend.

But I'll agree with the others, it's your rifle and your money.

 

[Rifleman1776]

studying originals and knowing what I liked

That could result in two entirely different conclusions.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Thanks all, the round tail Mountain will be my choice. I do in fact care about historical accuracy plus I like the looks so it's a win-win.

 

[roadgrader]

Good choice. You make the right desion as far as Iam concerned. Stacey

 

[tenngun]

Your gun and your taste, and no one can second guess, but I think you will be happy with that choice :thumbsup: