Thoughts on Chambers locks?

[Omahkapi'si]

Great info, thank you.

 

[morehops52]

 

[Omahkapi'si]

I am going to wait for my Pedersoli lock to come back from Brad Emig and see how it shoots. If not much different (due to the quality of lock no reflection on Brad) I will order a Chambers lock.

 

[hanshi]

I have a few Chambers locks: a Colonial Va., a golden age, a late Ketland and maybe one other. I have no complaint of any of them.

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

Hi,
Chambers locks are what I buy most if I am not making the lock from castings. IMO their late Ketland and round-faced English locks are the best of the line. The early Ketland is fine too but it is essentially the same internally as the round-faced English lock. Their Colonial Virginia lock is almost identical to the round-faced English lock except it has no border or raised pan. The standard Siler lock is OK but not the best. That is not because of any manufacturing issue but the design of the lock. Chambers improved it a lot by making the flint cock and frizzen taller on their Golden Age Siler and Deluxe Siler locks. Here is my best performing lock, a Chambers round-faced English lock. It successfully fired the rifle 671 times without a misfire using up only 10 flints.

Here are sparks produced using a rounded piece of quartz from my driveway.

dave

Dave, A quality lock after your skills is always a pleasure to behold.

 

[Bobby B.]

Well, I’ve been out of the game a while. That said I have a Small Siler built by W. Cain. Shot it today and I’d put it up against any flintlock ever made. It has never ceased to amaze me with how fast it is. the W. Cain set trigger doesn’t hurt either. Mines on a .40 caliber copy of a Peter Berry rifle. It won many a match 25 years ago!

 

[J.D.]

I am going to wait for my Pedersoli lock to come back from Brad Emig and see how it shoots. If not much different (due to the quality of lock no reflection on Brad) I will order a Chambers lock.

Are you planning to use a Chambers lock to, possibly, replace the Pedersoli lock? I seriously doubt if the Chambers lock will fit any production lock mortice. That said, IMHO, if Brad is working on your lock, it will come back as good as any lock made.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Based on comments I have lots of faith in Brads work. Thks

 

[Brokennock]

Are you planning to use a Chambers lock to, possibly, replace the Pedersoli lock? I seriously doubt if the Chambers lock will fit any production lock mortice. That said, IMHO, if Brad is working on your lock, it will come back as good as any lock made.

I want to agree with this just based on how "not right" most production locks, and lock panels, look to my eye. However I have two questions.
First, doesn't Chambers make what they call a "builder's lock" with an unshaved rectangular plate that can be cut to match a other lock plate?
Secondly, one of the things that stands out most to my eye when looking at most factory produced flintlocks is that the lock panels are always way too thick/wide for the size of the lock, could that extra acreage of wood around the factory lock be used to inlet a larger lock of better quality? Or to help inlet and fit that "builder's lock," I'm not a muzzleloader builder so really don't know.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Chambers does make a builders lock that you cut down to fit. Way above my skill level. Haha.

But I measured the inlet on my rifle and the early Ketland lock is same size and appears same shape but I expect I’d have do wood shaving or filling here and there. That I can do.

Based on lots of faith in Brad Emig from many forum members my confidence level is good that my lock will come back better than new.

 

[Grenadier1758]

It's not just the shape of the lock plate, but the location of the sear and the relation of the sear to the trigger lever. Then there is the shape of the tumbler and bridle. Does the main spring interfere with the barrel?

There's no standard for interchangeable parts between lock makers.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Here’s hoping Brad works his magic.

 

[Rató:rats]

My Chambers Colonial has been a workhorse for almost 20 years

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Received a message from Karen Chambers of Chambers Flintlocks on my phone. I asked about any of their locks that might fit my Pedersoli Frontier or would be compatible.

Nope. None.

 

[BJHabermehl]

Thoughts on these? Looking at early Ketland style lock.

Who’s using Chambers locks?

The Early Ketland lock works well, as all the Chambers locks do. I have never had a problem with the hundred Chambers locks or so I’ve used that wasn’t my fault. You can’t beat Chambers warranty. On the other hand I’ve never had a problem with Kiblers locks either, albeit a much smaller experience base. Both Chambers and Kibler are super to deal with. The choice really depends on the style of gun your building. As far as I’m concerned. BJH

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Appreciate all the great info guys, I expect my Pedersoli lock will work just fine once Brad Emig is done resurfacing the frizzen and tuning it up. Looking forward to getting it back and heading out to burn some powder.

 

[Banjoman]

How many shots did you fire with that lock before you had trouble with it?

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Hundreds…..maybe more.