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The Gun Lock Trade

Heartland

Heartland

master brummie
Before guns and rifles had the technology to fire bullets, there was the long period of use of what was called the gun lock
These started with the flint lock, went through the percussion lock era and there were also various types of safety locks
Birmingham and South Staffordshire were involved in making the parts and there were trades such as gun lock forger and gun lock filer. Component parts also included springs
Such a complex history deserves further comment.
 
Discovered in 1805 by Alexander Forsyth (1786–1843), the percussion lock revolutionized firearms theory and opened the way to the development of self-contained metal cartridges and contact fuses in artillery shells. Forsyth found that potassium chlorate would explode when given a sharp blow
en.wikipedia.org

Lock (firearm) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
In a gun or firearm which uses loose gunpowder: a mechanism by means of which the charge is exploded
 
What is the difference between a flintlock and a miquelet lock?

minikatana.com

Miquelet Lock: How It Revolutionized Swordplay and Early Firearms

Introduction to Miquelet Lock What is the Miquelet Lock? The Miquelet Lock, a marvel of early firearm technology, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of gunsmiths from yesteryears. This mechanism, often associated with Spanish firearms, revolutionized the way guns were made and used. The term...
minikatana.com minikatana.com
Miquelet Lock: How It Revolutionized Swordplay and Early ...


Both mechanisms utilize a flint striking against steel to create a spark for ignition. However, the Miquelet Lock stands out with its unique external features and enhanced reliability. Unlike the standard flintlock, the Miquelet's hammer and frizzen are exposed, making it easier to maintain and repair.29
 
gunlock filer


It was a skilled trade, a gunlock filer needing at least a five year apprenticeship.
The work involved in filing the smaller parts of the mechanism could be very difficult and delicate, requiring a high degree of precision.
 
The transition from flintlocks to percussion locks marked a major evolution in firearm technology. I’ve always found it interesting how regions like Birmingham were so pivotal in making parts, and the skilled trades behind those components. A while back, I visited a Coon Rapids MN gun store, and while browsing, I stumbled upon a collection of older firearms. Some had these intricate, old-school locks, and I couldn't help but appreciate the craftsmanship. It made me think about how much innovation went into each part, from the springs to the locks.
 
mw0njm. said:
gunlock filer


It was a skilled trade, a gunlock filer needing at least a five year apprenticeship.
The work involved in filing the smaller parts of the mechanism could be very difficult and delicate, requiring a high degree of precision.
Click to expand...
The skil required to do this workaday incredibly high, particularly making multiple weapon mechanisms. In addition to the filing, the heat treatment and conditioning was to utmost care and skill!
 
Richard Dye said:
Do they still allow that on new guns? In the US and Canada the hammer has to be closed for safety purposes, at least that is my understanding.
Click to expand...
On my Snider it started life as 1853 Enfield muzzle loader converted to a breech loader 1867 on revolvers the hammer is closed but to be extra safe i never have a round in that chamber only being loaded with 5 rounds not 6 i have heard of there being a discharge with a round in the chamber on a closed hammer
But that is on revolvers
back to the Snider Rifle you have to pull back the hammer fully to cock it prior to firing you cannot have a closed hammer on a Snider with a round in the chamber it can discharge
To load pull back hammer to half cock SAFE MODE open breech load round close breech
Weapon now loaded but SAFE on half cock
when ready to fire pull back hammer fully and discharge weapon
My rifle is 577 and is of obsolete cailiber licensce not required in UK
 
Donbogen said:
On my Snider it started life as 1853 Enfield muzzle loader converted to a breech loader 1867 on revolvers the hammer is closed but to be extra safe i never have a round in that chamber only being loaded with 5 rounds not 6 i have heard of there being a discharge with a round in the chamber on a closed hammer
But that is on revolvers
back to the Snider Rifle you have to pull back the hammer fully to cock it prior to firing you cannot have a closed hammer on a Snider with a round in the chamber it can discharge
To load pull back hammer to half cock SAFE MODE open breech load round close breech
Weapon now loaded but SAFE on half cock
when ready to fire pull back hammer fully and discharge weapon
My rifle is 577 and is of obsolete cailiber licensce not required in UK
Click to expand...
Very interesting modifications back in 1867, just of think of the mechanism changes back then and how each was made by hand. No SolidWorks program computer controlled milling machine!
 
The aspect of using the flint lock (1) and percussion cap lock (2) were once common in the sporting gun capacity
Did their use last longer than those used in conflict
 

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Donbogen said:
Obsolete caliber .577
Click to expand...
1734720314931.jpegshame ever thought of getting it proofed and applying for a fac ?you an get paper patch ammo made
The .577 Snider cartridge was a British black powder metallic centrefire cartridge, which fired a 0.577-inch (14.7 mm), 480-grain (31 g) lead projectile, primarily used in the Snider–Enfield rifle.From Left to Right): A .577 Snider cartridge, a Zulu War–era rolled brass foil .577/450 Martini–Henry Cartridge, a later drawn brass .577/450 Martini–Henry cartridge, and a .303 British Mk VII SAA Ball cartridge
1734719752384.jpeg
 
mw0njm. said:
View attachment 197506shame ever thought of getting it proofed and applying for a fac ?you an get paper patch ammo made
The .577 Snider cartridge was a British black powder metallic centrefire cartridge, which fired a 0.577-inch (14.7 mm), 480-grain (31 g) lead projectile, primarily used in the Snider–Enfield rifle.From Left to Right): A .577 Snider cartridge, a Zulu War–era rolled brass foil .577/450 Martini–Henry Cartridge, a later drawn brass .577/450 Martini–Henry cartridge, and a .303 British Mk VII SAA Ball cartridge
View attachment 197504
Click to expand...
Surrendered my ticket years back when we had the pub i shoot a friends FAC held rifles
i prefer older historic weapons
PS i have all the above rounds in Drill Inert Format
 
mw0njm. said:
View attachment 197506shame ever thought of getting it proofed and applying for a fac ?you an get paper patch ammo made
The .577 Snider cartridge was a British black powder metallic centrefire cartridge, which fired a 0.577-inch (14.7 mm), 480-grain (31 g) lead projectile, primarily used in the Snider–Enfield rifle.From Left to Right): A .577 Snider cartridge, a Zulu War–era rolled brass foil .577/450 Martini–Henry Cartridge, a later drawn brass .577/450 Martini–Henry cartridge, and a .303 British Mk VII SAA Ball cartridge
View attachment 197504
Click to expand...
Pete, did I read that right, 480 grain is a pretty hot load?
 
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