wheel lock suppliers?

[zimmerstutzen]

Been thinking about a wheel lock build. I have insufficient metal working skills to build a lock (Although I recently heard a rumor of a modern design using a small diamond encrusted cutting wheel and chunk of pyrite.) I can cut out a stock and have barrels. I have seen the Rifle Shoppe catalog on line. I haven't seen any other makers though. I'd like to see what else is available before sinking that kind of money into a lock.

 

[Karl Helweg]

Your question got me to checking and all my other wheellock mechanism sources, besides the Rifle Shoppe, seem to have disappeared. Several companies are importing the large Indian made pistols. I have one and the lock took some tuning and is large enough to recycle for a long gun.
I would not mind hearing of any other current wheellock mechanism sources.

 

[widget350]

Aside from TRS, E.J. Blackley & Son offers lock castings (https://www.blackleyandson.com/acatalog/Lock_Sets_Doglock_Miquelet_and_Snaphaunce.html). They're in the UK, and I don't know anything about their quality or customer service. There are also a handful of makers around that take custom orders. Aside from that, as Karl mentioned, the Indian made one available from multiple sources is an option for some people.

 

[ChrisPer]

Blackley have an excellent historic reputation. One of their wheellocks was assembled by a forum member here about 2007. They are reportedly much more timely than TRS. :rotf:

 

[Hemorad]

I just looked at Blackley's website. They have a couple of wheellock casting sets. Their German wheellock set, with the brass wheel cover, appears to be identical to the one sold by The Rifle Shoppe. I bought this lock from TRS a little over a year ago, assembled, for a little over $700. (I didn't think I had the experience or tools necessary to assemble a wheellock from just the parts castings.) I was very pleasantly surprised that TRS assembled and sent this lock to me in just a few weeks! I finished my wheellock rifle using this lock bit earlier this year, and posted pictures of it on this site a few months ago. Anyway, if the German type wheellock is what you're looking for, it looks like both Blackley's and TRS have the same exact parts, but TRS can assemble them for you, and if your luck is as good as mine, can send your lock in just a few weeks. I found it works best to actually call TRS by phone during working hours and talk to them in person about what they have available. I never have gotten responses from them when I sent e-mails.

Best,
Hemo