Underhammer alert! Doctor Gorning's design

[Uncle Miltie]

A view of the side slapper lock on my target rifle from 1885.

 

[longcruise]

Longcruise, I said it was a "loving poke" because I appreciate and have been registered on the ALR forum for some time. It is indeed a well moderated forum and a wonderful resource. That said, the underhammer principle is said to have originated in Germany in 1740, and was first patented in the US in 1826, within a couple of years of the appearance of the percussion lock in this country. Why an underhammer rifle with 40-inch barrel and full stock is not "an American long rifle" but a similar rifle from the same time frame with a percussion side lock is, is a distinction lost to me.

Bill, I had no intention of coming across as preaching to you and I apologize if I did. I wanted to explain the basic concept of forum orientation for @Daytime Smoker

I also at one time brought up underhammers on ALR and heard from admin.

 

[BillinOregon]

Longcruise, no ill will intended or offense taken, whatsoever! I don't know if side-slappers are taboo over there as well. I have never brought them up that I recall.
I got in trouble at ALR after I mentioned the Billinghursts upon learning of the passing of a gentleman who used to post here. I believe he was a college professor from West Virginia. He built some lovely Billinghurst-pattern target rifles and even sent me a stock tracing and construction advice. At the time, he was using wonderfully smooth Bill Moody 12-L-14 barrels supplied by Moody with false muzzles. Oh how I wish I had a couple of those barrels put away!
Miltie, that is a wonderful rifle you have there. Feel free to post more images!

 

[longcruise]

@BillinOregon ironically, I tripped over the rules by bringing up the Gorning underhammer.

 

[BillinOregon]

It's too easy ...

 

[BS]

dd832, Thank You for taking the time to show us the lock!

 

[Sooty Scot]

Since the idea started long caps, has anyone seen a flintolck underhammer? Pictures, at least, should be out there.

 

[BoomStick]

Underhammer design is pretty specific to the middle-late percussion era. While flintlocks CAN fire upside down, it's generally not practical to fill the pan and carry it that way. I'd be stunned if any were made.

 

[Sam squanch]

A flint Underhammer was made.

 

[hanshi]

The underhammer rifle can look very nice and be simple in design. I've had an H&A .45 Heritage model for near 60 years. It has seen much use in the woods during that time and has earned a good retirement; it's been a few years since it was last fired.

 

[tallPercshooter]

Here is another fairly simple underhammer action. Uses an extension coil spring instead of a compression spring.

 

[No Answers]

Since the idea started long caps, has anyone seen a flintolck underhammer? Pictures, at least, should be out there.

See this link