Siler Locks Tuneup?

[2flints]

Howdy all,

I am returning to muzzleloading after a several year absence and being involved with Civil War firearms.

I have three rifles all with Siler locks and after doing a general cleaning discovered that MAYBE by Siler locks need a tuneup. Sparks don't fly that well and the action seems stiffer from what I remember.

Who does lock repairs? I already tried Jim Chambers, but he said he just doesn't have the time to do the tuneups. Is there anyone else I can contact? Please, if you have any recommendations, let me know.

Thanks,

2flints

 

[saber]

I am sure there is someone on here that will do it or point you to the right person I have been getting chambers locks and tow siler lock and most are very bad and need a lot or work when they come in a lot of file and stoneing to get them right they all seem to be havey with a lot of rough machin tool marks ect but the last one from chambers was beautiful right out of the box hope all the rest come that way good luck

 

[Matt PA]

Brad Emig at "Cabin Creek Muzzleloaders" in Hellam, PA does lock tuning, repair and restoration. Knows his stuff. www.cabincreek.net

I was lucky enough to attend a lock tuning seminar by Keith Casteel at Dixon's Fair this summer and boy did I learn some tips and tricks that day. Not sure if Keith does work on customer locks though.

Brad should be able to help you out with any lock issues you have though.

A couple things you might want to consider before looking for professional help is flint sharpness, style and size and bevel direction as well as spacing with the frizzen (contact point)....all will dictate spark to some degree.
Also if you just cleaned the guns make sure the flint and frizzen are free of any oils. A wipe with alcohol will remove any spark reducing residues.

 

[blueridger]

I had my Jim Chambers Golden Age lock tuned there and they did a fantastic job. It was amazing how much better the lock worked after they tuned it.

 

[Flint311]

A couple things you might want to consider before looking for professional help is flint sharpness, style and size and bevel direction as well as spacing with the frizzen (contact point)....all will dictate spark to some degree.
Also if you just cleaned the guns make sure the flint and frizzen are free of any oils. A wipe with alcohol will remove any spark reducing residues.

Good advise. May I also add, from what I've found, is to oil the internals of the lock. Too easy to neglect. After all, it is a small machine of sorts. To get is to move, remove all resistance you can.