Quality of materials and manufacture-assembly

[Naphtali]

I have owned three Pedersoli Kodiak percussion double rifles, one lower grade .58-caliber rifle and two .72-caliber high grade Safaris.

The Henry-style percussion bar locks have [different] cosmetic flaws. The trigger actions on the lower grade rifle needed work. But I have experienced no problems with either grade [of lock] attributable to poor materials or poor workmanship - through about 1200 shots.

Among my pending projects is creation of an English-style half-stock percussion rifle. A recurring thought has been to acquire a Pedersoli Kodiak percussion bar lock, thereby maintaining the ability to keep any of the rifles shooting without needing to buy additional parts.

But I have little experience with other manufacturers' Henry-style percussion locks. And Pedersoli's Kodiak locks are not inexpensive. Before I spend the bucks, I solicit the experience of those people who own and shoot such after-market Henry-style percussion bar locks.

In terms of materials and quality of manufacture-assembly, is there a significant difference between Pedersoli's lower grade Kodiak lock, the plain one with chemical "color case" finish, and the high grade, the silvered lock with not very well done engraving?

Among better quality English (Henry) styled percussion bar locks from after-market makers, please identify any lock having significantly better materials and quality of manufacture-assembly than the better of the two Pedersoli Kodiak percussion locks.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Consider Davis.

 

[necchi]

Chambers

 

[Naphtali]

Before I spend the bucks, I solicit the experience of those people who own and shoot such after-market Henry-style percussion bar locks.

Chambers does not make this lock.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Before I spend the bucks, I solicit the experience of those people who own and shoot such after-market Henry-style percussion bar locks.

Chambers does not make this lock.

That is why I said Davis. They do make it. I am not a fan of Davis having had a bad experience. But, you will find I am in the minority. Most here, and elsewhere do consider Davis high quality.

 

[necchi]

Soory, my error.
I have a place for you, :wink:

 

[Lorne Johnson]

I believe the internal parts of the Pedersolis are all the same. Mine have held up well, only a cracked sear spring.

 

[Naphtali]

A follow-up question about your experience. Was the problem one of product, or was it a problem with your order (ordering process)? I ask because I believe that human beings make errors in judgment. I also hope - believe?? - quality control is a more rigid process and much less likely to allow a problem to pass. So having your order fouled up I can excuse within limits. Receiving a severely defective product - not so excusable. But customer service can overcome even a severely defective product.

Example: About a 15 years ago I bought a Lyman GPR flintlock. Lock plate was warped nearly .200-inch off plumb. Fit of wood to metal was astonishingly poor. One call to Lyman and the rifle was exchanged without cost, shipping included. I had been prepared to "get my back up" when I called. Their customer service disarmed me.

 

[ebiggs1]

You need to remember the quality and or useability is the result of a factor of both the maker and the end user. You don't know the entire story behind some peoples “bad” experience with any lock supplier. :wink: Davis is and can be a very nice lock. I have only one to play around with and it is not on a rifle bit it is easy to tell it is a nice piece.
My experience with L&R, as a for instance, is once they get a second chance to get it right, they do. Also a nice lock in the end.
Even the "great" Chambers locks need TLC from time to time.

Weigh each persons judgment of quality individually and carefully as all are not gospel. :hmm:

 

[Rifleman1776]

A follow-up question about your experience. Was the problem one of product, or was it a problem with your order

I have discussed it several times here. Long story, short. The lock is a Jaeger type. Original lock had to be sent back and replaced five times before I got one that even functioned. That fifth one, the top jaw shattered on first snap. My builder hand filed a replacement from brass. But the lock still was a lousy sparker. Recently, I found a ****/hammer in my box of 'stuff' that turns out to be the upgrade **** Davis sells to correct some of the problems. It works OK, not great, but OK. It sparks well but the sparks are thrown forward of the pan. I have to tinker with flint size, placement, bevel up/down and holding my mouth right. I learned Davis does not make their locks. It is all outsourced making quality control a very iffy situation. I think L&R locks are great. Others here will claim experiences similar to my Davis experience with the L&Rs.